Waawaashkeshi'ikwens (also known as Josephine Hartin) is an Anishinaabe woman from Bigaawinashkoziibing (also known as Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation). She is a third degree Midewiwin person who is proud to live a drug, alcohol and smoke free life for her children and grandchildren. She brings more than 20 years of classroom experience in education.

Mrs. Hartin currently serves her home community as Vice-Principal at Ginew School.  Ginew School's mission is to provide a culturally relevant education to Anishinaabe students. As a long time teacher at Ginew, Mrs. Hartin has worked to include Anishinaabe perspectives and teachings into all subjects for kindergarten and grades 2, 5, 6, 7 & 8. As the former Ojibwe Language and Culture teacher, she has designed and delivered culturally relevant curriculum to all Ginew School Students from nursery to grade 8.

Waawaashkeshi'ikwens relies upon her 20 years of learning as a Midewiwin, the love and lessons passed down from her mother, father and her eight older siblings, and the many gifts shared with her by her community and all her relations.  18 years ago, Mrs. Hartin founded the Annual Gathering of Friends Education Celebration, to give back by providing other teachers and students the opportunity to share in the wealth of Anishinaabe culture, to contribute to an ever-increasing repository of local expertise, and to re-establish our role as hosts in our community.​

Anishinaabe Life, presented by Josephine Hartin

Goal: 

Participants will draw from their own life experiences and discover the many ways in which we are similar and celebrate our differences both as individuals and as a nation.  Interacting and having a forum to explore, discuss, and study the dynamics of our similarities and differences in culture allows for sustaining and preserving mutual understanding and respect for each other. 

Objectives: 

Participants will be able to: 

• Explore dimensions of their own culture 
• Visualize and critically think of their own perception of culture 

Distinguish aspects of a First Nation culture  

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