Who is Who? First Nation Community Members and Elders

Though were are still in the early stages of developing relationships with First Nation communities, and archaeologists and professionals in heritage institutions and  museums, we aim for this page to grow extensively by identifying professional and traditional knowledge, experience within the community and field, and cultural affiliations of specific regions.

Below is a list of current Project members of notable expertise and experience, followed by a brief biography:

Eli Baxter – Ojibwe
Areas of interest and familiarity: Chippewas of the Thames First Nation

Eli Baxter nindizhinikaaz.
Aakogiing nindoonjibaa.
Attick nidodem.

My name is Eli Baxter.
I am from Ogoki Post.
My clan is the caribou.

Eli Baxter belongs to the Marten Falls Band, an Ojibwe community that is 500kms north east of Thunder Bay, ON. However, over the last two decades has lived and thrived in the London, ON area. Born and raised on the trap line, Eli was raised the traditional way with Ojibwe as his first language. A survivor of the Lac Seul and Shingwauk Residential Schools Eli maintains a strong connection to his heritage and communities. Going on to receive a BA and Ontario Teaching Certificate from Lakehead University, he taught elementary grades for seven years in Whitedog ON and has taught the Ojibwe language from JK to grade eight for twenty years at Chippewas of the Thames First Nation.

Currently working as an Algonquin Language and Culture teacher at Western University, and part of the Indigenous Education Coalition, language and survival of Indigenous traditions and beliefs have become the forefront of his involvement within the Southwestern Ontario community. Keeping in mind the Anishinaabe worldview, he has been actively involved in politics, education, research, presented positions papers on Treaty 9, Indigenous law, and language. His involvements in First Nation communities and Native organizations have given him a vast network to draw from in regards to information, ideas and research.
bax58@live.com

Paula Whitlow – Haudenosaunee
Museum Director at the Woodland Cultural Center, Six Nations

A member of the Turtle Clan at Six Nations on the Grand River, Paula has extensive knowledge on the practices and field work of archaeology. With experience in field work, she has participated at sites including the Beasley site and even has arranged field schools for  Chiefswood NHS (E. Pauline Johnson homestead), a project part of the Six Nations Historic Management plan. Paula expresses her commitment to her community by sharing her heritage and being an active member, through her dedication to local Heritage Institutions.