Executive Director

Meredith (she/her) is a proud Waganakising Odawak, mother, and graduate of NCMC and Ferris State University with a background in education leadership. Her career has always focused on serving her tribal communities; 17 years in the areas of environment, education, culture, mental health, and substance abuse with experience as a director within the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians government and the Intertribal Council of Michigan. In addition to being the founder and executive director of Miigwech, she is a small business owner (Native North Tours and Storytelling), had a appointment on the Odawa Economic Affairs Holding Corporation and is a former member the of the Think Babies Michigan executive board. She currently sits on Promote The Vote board.

She considers serving her community the highest honor. Promoting Odawa culture and Mino Bimaadiziwin, the good life, is the legacy she wants to leave for her children and her community members, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. Her legacy is to focus on the next Seven Generations growing up supporting each other with love, understanding, and respect. 

Community Doula TA Specialist

A spirited advocate for Indigenous families and community wellness, Kelsey Wabanimkee (she/her) is a citizen of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, with roots in Northern Lower Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula. An avid traveler and well-read educator, Wabanimkee prides her diverse work in meeting others where they are. She is committed to expanding diversity and inclusion in modern work spaces. Kelsey serves Anishinaabek by promoting mindfulness in everyday living and working to reclaim the First Peoples culture and traditions. Kelsey believes in establishing a solid foundation for future generations. She takes a loving, compassionate and loving approach to caring for our people- establishing relationships within community health circles.

Kelsey is a trained, certified Doula, a traditional Birthworker, breastfeeding counselor, mother, and leader in Anishinaabek community health. Much of her work is dedicated to ensuring Indigenous Voice has a seat at the table. With Miigwech Inc., Kelsey works to serve Doulas; supporting them in navigating the complex process for Medicaid reimbursement. She uplifts Indigenous Doulas, helping them reach the families they serve and meet the needs of their clients, while finding the resources to ensure they are valued for their services.

Administrative Coordinator

McKenna (she/her) is a dedicated community member, with deep family roots tying to Beaver Island and a citizenship in the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. Since July of 2022, she has actively contributed to Miigwech Inc., starting as a volunteer during the 4th of July walk in front of Holy Childhood. Recognizing the importance of building strong relationships, McKenna has been actively involved in Zagaswe'iwe events and has grown to become an integral part of the organization. Her experience in accounting and volunteer work paved the way for her current role as a staff member. Driven by her passion for community betterment, McKenna actively seeks to enhance the relations of the mind, body, spirit, and environment. She believes it is her responsibility as a community member to engage, learn, and make a meaningful impact. In her current position, McKenna utilizes outreach to community members, external sources, staff, and elders to forge stronger bonds, foster unity, and create valuable resources for our brothers and sisters. She sees her role as a tool to make connections, build community, and extend a helping hand wherever possible, aiming to improve the lives of her fellow community members.

Community Organizer - Upper Peninsula

Justin "Waabanokiizhick" (they/them) is Niizhiwag Anishinaabe (Two-Spirit), beaver clan, belongs to the Jim Island Indians, and is a community leader. They are the 7th generation lineal descendant of Ma-ne-do-scung, a signatory to the 1855 Treaty of Detroit and the 1861 agreement with Bishop Frederic Baraga. Waabanokiizhick was first involved in Miigwech Inc during the Rock the Native Vote ad campaign in the fall of 2022, along with their daughter Waasinodekwe. Their community work aims to build an environment where all can thrive. Waabanokiizhick promotes Mino-bimaadiziwin by organizing Wellbriety groups, actively helping others reclaim their lineages through genealogy work, and sharing understandings of star knowledge, treaties, and legends. They co-founded the Niizhiwag Zagaswe’idiwin Baawating / Two Spirit Council of Baawating, a Two-Spirit community-led advocacy group.

Reporting Specialist

Sierra (she/her) is Bear Clan Anishinaabe, from K’itchi Wiikwedong Odawa and Ojibwe of the Grand Traverse Region. Her profession as a writer and storyteller began in 2020 through a partnership with Indigenizing the News, and The Traverse City Record Eagle. There, she produced stories through a network of media that were published throughout Michigan. In 2021 she was selected to become a Report for America Corps. Member through the Record Eagle, becoming the state’s first full time Indigenous Affairs Reporter and Record Eagle’s first Native American journalist. In her short profession, she won a multitude of awards for her work that shine a light on Anishinaabek culture, contemporary issues, and historical events. She has been the keynote speaker at several universities and events regarding topics on Residential Indian Boarding Schools, Indigenous coverage in Media, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. Her work is cited in academic literature, and her voice in published work regarding contemporary Anishinaabe Peoples.

She became involved with Miigwech, Inc. on a professional level citing their work in a published story in 2021. Sierra aims to use the privilege of her voice to write stories for the Anishinaabek People, that help lay paths for the next seven generations.