Anishinaabe Nation
Chief Robert Maytwayashing is Anishinaabae who was raised in the ways of his people on the Lake Manitoba First Nation, located in the Interlake Region of Manitoba.
A member of the Turtle Lodge National Council of Elders and Knowledge Keepers, Robert is a husband of 39 years, a father of three adult children and a grandfather to ten grandchildren ranging in ages 1 – 20. Robert continues to hunt, fish, gather and on occasion trap as was taught to him by his family. Robert considers himself fortunate that he has had the privilege of working and learning from many Elders over the years. Robert is fluent in Anishinaabaemowin (Ojibway). Robert is a pipe carrier, sweat lodge keeper and attends the annual ceremony of Sundance, amongst other ceremonies. Robert has also hosted Warrior lodges and Eagle dances to name a few.
Over the years, Robert has served his community of the Lake Manitoba First Nation as both a Council member and Chief. Robert has also worked as a Health Director in two First Nation communities as well as the Senior Health Policy Analyst for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. Robert was also one member on a team of three Elders that worked to build a healing lodge in Manitoba. All of this experience has given Robert the ability to share on the Canadian/First Nations relationship from a First Nations experience and perspective. Robert is currently employed by the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority as the Indigenous Human Resources Development Officer, where part of his function is to provide Cultural Awareness training for the RHA’s 3200 staff.
Robert believes that only through the relearning and sharing of our traditions, ceremonies and cultural contributions can we truly heal our spirits and prosper as a People, Community, Nation and Country.
“None of us are going anywhere, in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation the sooner we understand each other, the quicker we can start the healing journey together.“
— Knowledge Keeper Chief Robert Maytwayashing