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.

  • 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 Counceling

    • Prenatal/Postpartum Exams

  • Portrait of Millicent Simenson

    Millicent Simenson

    Three Affiliated Tribes, Forth Berthhold, 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 Counceling

    • Prenatal/Postpartum Exams

  • 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

  • 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

  • Portrait of Lisa Johnson

    Lisa Johnson

    Red Lake Nation

    Board Member

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  • 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 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

    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.

  • 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