Jennifer Meness (Waabishkaa Migizi)

Jennifer Meness (Waabishkaa Migizi, White Eagle) is Eagle Clan (Migizi Dodem) from the Algonquins of Pikwàkànàgan First Nation.

Grounded in Anishinaabe WorldView, Jennifer Meness's re-search explores Manitou (Spirit) relationships, embodiment, and transformative experiences as shared through stories from powwow participants. Her Anishinaabe-centered re-search methodology applies cultural philosophy held in Anishinaabemowin and Ancestral Knowledge acquired through ceremony to western theoretical perspectives in the fields of performance and dance studies, communication, anthropology, linguistics, and material culture. Through the social lens of powwow, stories contributed by the Indigenous community continue to exemplify the experience of powwow as a site of spiritual connection, cultural resurgence, and place to re-claim identity.  As an academic and Knowledge Keeper, she walks in both western and Anishinaabe worlds.

"I chose to join Ryerson University because of their respect for Indigenous perspectives, their collaborative relationships with the Indigenous community, and their committment to transformative change through reconciliation and decolonization. It is an honour to be among the constellation of progressive, cutting-edge faculty at Ryerson."