People at Waniska
Waniska Guiding Oversight Council
The Waniska Guiding Oversight Council (GOC), which is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the program, consists of:
Dr. Alexandra King (Chair of the GOC), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon
Dr. Alex Wilson (Training and Mentorship Director), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon
Prof. Malcolm King (Senior Advisor), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon
Jackie Flett (Knowledge Holder), Sisters of Fire, Winnipeg
Dr. Amanda Froehlich Chow (PI for Atohtitam grant), University of Saskatchewan
Waniska Team
Community Coordinator for Manitoba – Melissa Morris
Community Coordinator for Saskatchewan – Dakota (Koda) Sinclair
Research Coordinator for Manitoba – Lorraine Seymour
Communications Coordinators – Nidhi Singh and Jenn Sharp
Research Associate – Chelsie Collins
Research Associate – Pebbles Bird
Nîsōhtēwak Council
Waniska’s council, named Nîsōhtēwak, is a council of people with generational knowledge consisting of Elders, Knowledge Holders, those with living/lived experience, youth representatives from rural and urban Indigenous communities and HIV/HCV/STBBI and substance use prevention experts. This synergy of individuals brings knowledge of their nations’ cultures, practices and vast experience in Indigenous health, community health advocacy and education. Nîsōhtēwak works in partnership with the Waniska Community Coordinators, Ka Ni Kanichihk, All Nations Hope Network and the PI/PKU Guiding Oversight Council. Nîsōhtēwak provides guidance in relation to advancing knowledge that is culturally relevant, age-appropriate and accessible to communities and nations.