Panel

This round table will bring together members of the Mi'kmaq and Wolastoqiyik peoples of the Maritimes for a conversation on health and intergenerationality.

The discussion will seek to better understand the effects of intergenerational trauma on health, with particular attention to the realities of 2SLGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit (2S) people. Weaving together history, identity, culture, ceremony and lived knowledge, it will offer a respectful and safe space rooted in the sharing of Indigenous experiences and perspectives.

Presented in partnership with the Centre Nikonuk at the Université de Moncton, this round table will be held in English with simultaneous interpretation to foster accessibility and dialogue.

Moderated by Shayne Michael Thériault (he/him), Indigenous liaison officer at the Université de Moncton. The round table will bring together Jesse Brandon Sabattis (he/him), 2S Wolastoqey knowledge keeper and land-based educator; Veronica WolfEagle (they/she/nek'm), Two-Spirit (2S) Wolastoqey Elder; and Mykel Denny (they/ne'km), Coordinator of Two-Spirit (2S) youth development and engagement at the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance.

Shayne Michael Thériault is Wolastoqew and Acadian, originally from the Wolastoqiyik First Nation of Madawaska in New Brunswick. Trained in theatre, directing, and dramaturgy, he is an author, screenwriter, and actor. His first poetry collection, Fif et sauvage, received the Indigenous Voices Award in the French-language published poetry category. He currently works as Indigenous Network Liaison Officer at the Université de Moncton.

Jesse Brandon Sabattis is a Wolastoqey 2S knowledge holder and land-based educator from Bilijk, Wolastokuk. He is completing a Bachelor of Science in Environment Management, with a focus on Water Resources Management, at the University of New Brunswick. His work focuses on integrating Wolastoqey worldviews into land-based education and culturally grounded programming, supporting youth development and community capacity.

Veronica Moonstream WolfEagle is a Wolastoqey Two-Spirit (2S) Elder from Neqotkuk, Tobique First Nation, New Brunswick. She holds a Master of Social Work, is a registered social worker, an educator at UNBSJ, a Reiki Master, and a Traditional Ceremonialist. Her life’s work focuses on creating sacred ceremonial spaces where people can connect with their divinity and experience healing. A published author, podcast creator, and media contributor, she shares teachings and lived experience as a Two-Spirit Elder with communities across many contexts.

Mykel Denny is a Two-Spirit L’nu person from Eskasoni on Unama’ki, Cape Breton Island, in Mi’kma’ki. They recently completed a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on Biology and Chemistry at Cape Breton University and are actively pursuing a path toward studying medicine. Mykel has served as Executive Director of Kepmitelsi Pride Eskasoni since March 2024 and is the Two-Spirit (2S) Youth Development and Engagement Coordinator with the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance. Their work focuses on To’qwatoql Kijitaqnn, “integrating knowledge,” by bringing together Indigenous health and wellness knowledge with non-Indigenous knowledge, while supporting education, empowerment, and gender-affirming care in Indigenous communities.