About Ma-Nee

Ma-Nee Chacaby is an Ojibwe–Cree writer, artist and activist from Canada. You may have met her at a rally in Thunder Bay or Toronto, seen her on the evening news or on the dance floor at Glad Day, or maybe she taught you how to make a drum.

She is well known for her memoir, A Two-Spirit Journey: The Autobiography of a Lesbian Ojibwa-Cree Elder, an important account of her life. Ma-Nee is also a mentor, support, and advocate for Two Spirit communities across the country.

She lives in Thunder Bay, one of the most dangerous places in Canada for Indigenous people. Here, she mentors many individuals and groups, including Wiindo Debwe Mosewin and Not One More Death, who work to make safety for all people in Thunder Bay.

She is dedicated to mentoring young people, sharing Anishinaabe teachings and stories, and supporting access to ceremony for 2SLGBTQ+ Indigenous peoples.

Order Ma-Nee's book

A Two-Spirit Journey: The Autobiography of a Lesbian Ojibwa-Cree Elder is available from University of Manitoba Press.
Click here to order.

Services

Storytelling

I’m a story-teller. My stories are influenced by stories told to me by my grandma. Now I create new stories.

One-on-one Healing Work

I listen to a person and give advice if that is needed, if that person feels that it will help them. I can also refer them to other people who they can work with.

Mask Making

I will meet you to make a mask, using gauze which I will apply to your face. I take a cast away to work on. I smudge it for 3 days and at the end of the 3 days I learn what colors your mask will have. The mask reveals who you are and where you are at in your life.

Opening & Closing Ceremonies

I provide opening and closing ceremonies for all size gatherings organized by agencies including schools, universities, and other organizations.

Drum Making Workshop

The spirit of the drum teaches you what you are supposed to learn. I lead workshops for individuals and groups, online and offline, to learn how to make drums. Participants learn how to make a drum, how to play it, and create their own song.

Bundle Ceremony

A bundle is a tool to help you on your journey and self work.

Ma-Nee's Paintings

I like painting with watercolors, but also use acrylic occasionally. I usually work on paper, but sometimes work with fabric and other media. All prices are negotiable. (Click on images to see larger versions)