Our Team

Meet the dedicated team at Mewinzha Ondaadiziike Wiigaming, committed to providing a diverse bundle of care for our community. Our team blends traditional Anishinaabe teachings with modern healthcare to support women, children, and families on their wellness journey.

We’re Hiring!

Registered Nurse (RN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

A photo of Natalie Nicholson

Natalie Nicholson, Arikara/Anishinaabe

Three Affiliated Tribes, Fort Berthold, ND and Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians

Doctorate in Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner & Indigenous Lactation Counselor

Natalie co-created the Gaa-giigishkaakaawasowaad clinic. She believes it’s time for Native communities to lead their health initiatives and is passionate about maternal-child health.

Services offered:

  • Family Health Care

  • Lactation Counseling

  • Prenatal/Postpartum Exams

Photo of Pearl Walker Swaney

Pearl Walker-Swaney

Standing Rock Sioux, Tribe and White Earth Band of Ojibwe

Doula, MPH

Pearl brings her experience in public health and cultural values to support birth work and wellness. She is passionate about restoring community health through her doula services.

Services offered:

  • Doula Services

  • Postpartum Support

  • Lactation Counseling

  • Yoga and Infant Massage

  • Reiki for Prenatal, Birth, and Postpartum

  • Healing Touch

  • Dynamic Body Balancing

Arnold Dahl-Wooley

Ojibwe

Public Speaker

Arnold J. Dahl-Wooley is a trailblazer and advocate for Two Spirit and LGBTQ persons, deeply rooted in Native American culture and history. In 2013, Arnold and his husband made history as the first same-sex couple whose marriage was officially sanctioned by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for equality. With over 20 years of experience as a recognized national public speaker, Arnold has become a passionate voice for visibility, understanding, and inclusion within Indigenous communities and beyond.

Services offered:

  • Public Speaking

  • Support Groups

Portrait of Millicent Simenson

Millicent Simenson

Three Affiliated Tribes, Fort Berthold, ND

Traditional Midwife

Millicent is dedicated to addressing birth disparities in her community by improving access to Mino-Bimaadiziwin (the Anishinaabe Way of Life). She promotes diversity in healthcare and is an active participant in Midewiwin ceremonies.

Services offered:

  • Family Health Care

  • Lactation Counseling

  • Prenatal/Postpartum Exams

Bernadette

Bernadette Gotchie

Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe

Traditional Wellness Specialist

An enrolled member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Bernadette is a Knowledge Keeper, elder, and public health nurse passionate about traditional medicines and wellness practices.

Services offered:

  • Traditional Wellness Clinic

  • Plant Medicine Consultation

  • Cedar Bath Ceremony

Portrait of Michelle Hawthorne

Michelle Walton-Hawthorne

Tribal/Community Affiliation

Administration

Michelle’s role at Mewinzha means that she is a helper in finding resources that advance the organization’s mission and vision. She brings a unique set of experiences, including a background working in nonprofit administration, business and finance.

Roxanne Johnson

Roxanne Johnson

Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe

Business Operations Specialist, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

An enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, Roxanne focuses on maternal nutrition and wellness, preparing meals based on ancestral foodways.

Portrait of Cherylee Sherry

Cherylee Sherry

Tribal/Community Affiliation

Board Member

With 40 years of experience in public health, Cherylee brings leadership and program development expertise to support Mewinzha’s mission and growth.

Portrait of Lisa Johnson

Lisa Johnson

Red Lake Nation

Board Member