Tobasonakwut Peter Kinew

Tobasonakwut is considered to be "a teacher extraordinare" by students and faculty at universities where he has taught and at reservations and conferences where he has spoken. A fluent speaker of Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway) and English, Tobasonakwut is an imaginative thinker and orator.

Tobasonakwut is a pipe carrier, a member of the Mite'iwin, and a Sundancer for many years in the Anishinaabe and Lakota traditions.

Tobasonakwut is a well respected leader and elder in Anishinaabe society and across Canada and the United States. He has spearheaded action to strengthen treaty rights, language and culture, and to improve the socio-economic situation of First Nations people and communities.

Education:
St. Mary's Residential School, Kenora
St. Francis Xavier University, Cody Institute (community development), 1966
University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Arts (Linguistics & Native Studies), 1987

Experience:
Consultant to Tribes, First Nations and organizations 1970s-ongoing
including Great lakes Indian Fish & Wild life Commission 1997-ongoing
Mino Aya Win Health Services, Fond du Lac, Minnesota 1992- ongoing
Walks Tall program facilitator, Duluth and Leech Lk, MN 1996-ongoing

Lecturer in Anishinaabemowin and Anishinaabe Philosophy, Native American Studies,
University of Minnesota 2001

Instructor & Elder, Native Health & Wellness Diploma program, University of Manitoba 2001

Instructor, University of Winnipeg, Western & Indigenous Philosophy Seminar 2001

Elder & Advisor at Brandon University; member of advisory committee to design the Indigenous
Counseling degree program (a First in North America, based on traditional knowledge) 1998-2000

University of Minnesota Scholar in Residence, Native American Studies 1998

Faculty Member, Banff Institute of Management, Aboriginal Government Relations 1992, 1996, 1998

Political offices:
Grand Chief Treaty #3 1972-5; 1991-5
Executive member of the National Indian Brotherhood and the Assembly of First Nations
Regional Chief Representing 118 First Nations in Ontario 1982-3
Chief & Councillor of the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation 1970-76; 86-88

References:
Mr. James Schlender, C.O.O., Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission
P.O. Box 9, Odanah, Wisconsin, (715) 682-6619

Mr. Paul Day, Tribal Court Judge
Mille Lacs Reservation, Minnesota, (320) 279-0577

Mr. Phil Fontaine, Head Commissioner, Federal Indian Claims Commission
Government of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, (613) 943-2737, Fax: (613) 943-0157; www.indianclaims.ca

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