Sheguiandah’s Aaron Bowerman is a member
ANISHINABEK NATION—With the goal of bringing 2SLGBTQQIA+ voices to the political forefront, the Anishinabek Nation 2SLGBTQQIA+ Advisory Council was formed. One of the three members is a resident of the Sheguiandah First Nation.
The Anishinabek Nation Advisory Councils comprise the Nation Council and are present to ensure that all members of the Anishinabek Nation receive representation, support and have their voices brought to the table. There are four other nation advisory councils currently active in addition to the 2SLGBTQQIA+ and they include: Kwewag (women), Eshki-niigiijig (youth) Getzidjig (elders) and Niniwag (men’s). Nation Council members are available to hear citizens’ concerns so that they may advocate for current issues and be the change Anishinabek citizens wish to see. The Nation Council has a monthly meeting with the political office to work collaboratively on goals. As well, each advisory council meets quarterly to work on respective goals and priorities, said an Anishinabek News release.
There are currently three members on the 2SLGBTQQIA+ Advisory Council: NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun (Longfeather), a member of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and lives in The Dish with One Spoon treaty territory.
Heidi Whetung is an executive assistant to the chief operating officer for Curve Lake First Nation government services.
Aaron Bowerman identifies as an Anishinaabe two-spirit man born and raised in Sheguiandah First Nation. Mr. Bowerman has worked in the Greater Toronto Area for over 10 years supporting various communities as a front-line harm reduction worker. He is currently employed with the City of Toronto as an Indigenous research associate.
Mr. Bowerman is passionate about harm reduction, 2SLGBTQQIA+ issues, HIV/AIDS and social determinants of health within Indigenous communities. Through these passions, Mr. Bowerman has been able to support the community with youth programming, community relationship-building, peer support programs, capacity-building in harm reduction, street outreach and housing/shelter support. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys hiking, travelling, rock collecting, socializing with new people/friends, water sports, sewing/featherwork, listening to top 40 music and playing with kittens. Mr. Bowerman’s core values include respect, honesty, courage and kindness.
