Whabagoon - Flower Blooming in Spring

Elder Whabagoon is an Ojibway Elder, a member of the Lac Seul First Nation, and sits with the
Loon Clan. Born in Hudson, ON, she is a Keeper of Sacred Pipes, active community member,
speaker, land defender and water protector. Whabagoon is a 60’s Scoop survivor and was
raised along the shores of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. Whabagoon’s desire to
learn about her heritage prompted her to learn and follow her traditional ways.

Whabagoon is the co-founder and Elder of Nikibii Dawadinna Giigwag, a University of Toronto
Access program that works with Indigenous youth to re-connect their spirit with the land and
the water through land based teachings, ceremonies and green infrastructure.

She has been awarded for her strong commitment to educating the community. Never far
from water Whabagoon leads Sunrise Water Ceremonies and Gatherings by the Fire, to hold
space for those who want to listen and share about ceremony, land and the water.

Last year Whabagoon led the opening ceremonies, sang and drummed for both of these major
events: OCAD University’s Convocation 2019 at Roy Thomson Hall and the landmark
Shanawdithit, Indigenous Opera, World Premiere in Toronto. Whabagoon has been honoured
at High Table at Massey College and recently was quoted in the Canadian Society of
Landscapes and Architecture (CSLA) Landscapes and Passages: Reconciliation edition.

In her spare time, Whabagoon enjoys writing, painting, singing, drumming, and spending time
with her husband of 23 years, Karl, member of Mi’kmaq Nation, Lynx Clan, and her black cat,
Theo.

“I honour my ancestors and the teachings of those who came before me.” – Whabagoon