DATE: Thursday, June 19th, 2025
TIME: 6:30pm – 7pm
LOCATION: 401 Riverside Dr. W, Windsor, ON
COST: This event is part of AWE at Night
Accessibility: Accessibility and accommodation requests must be made at least two weeks in advance of the event. Please contact shinch@artwindsoressex.ca for questions.
In the June edition of AWE at Night, we recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrating the rich cultures, traditions, languages, and knowledge systems. From art and music to governance and environmental stewardship, Indigenous communities have shaped—and continue to shape—Canada in profound ways.
This Community Conversation is organized by Dr. Elder Mona Stonefish.
Anishinaabe Elder Mona Stonefish (Bear Clan) is a Doctor of Traditional Medicine and an international activist for peace, Indigenous, women’s, and disability rights. She is a former Senator of the Anishinaabemowin Teg – language preservation, a Keeper of Wisdom, and a Grandmother Water Walker. Stonefish is also a member of the Native American Museum of Washington D.C., a member of the Art Gallery of Windsor Board of Trustees, a traditional dancer, and recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2013). She was honoured with the prestigious Clark Award for her contributions as an advocate focused on the role of human rights, restorative justice and education, and as an advisor to Windsor Law on Indigenous matters (University of Windsor, 2016). She was also recognized with the 2017 Journey Toward Success Visionary Award. Stonefish was also 1 of 6 o-curator-artists to receive the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Excellence in Conservation, for the exhibition, “Into the Light: Eugenics and Education in Southern Ontario,” Guelph Civic Museum, 02/20/2020. In their extensive travels, she and her granddaughter Sky Stonefish support and teach one another, confront discrimination and fight to tear down barriers together.
Photograph by Sky Stonefish
Indigenous Policy Analyst and Sovereignty Advocate
Russ Diabo is a highly respected policy analyst and advocate with decades of experience championing Indigenous rights and sovereignty in Canada. A member of the Kahnawake Mohawk Nation, Russ has specialized expertise in federal policies, legislation, and processes impacting First Nations, particularly in land and resource management. Through his work as a consultant, writer, and speaker, he has provided critical analysis on issues like treaty implementation, self-determination, and the Crown-Indigenous relationship. Russ’s dedication to empowering Indigenous communities is grounded in his deep understanding of governance, history, and advocacy for systemic change.
Learn more about Russ on his website: https://www.russdiabo.com/
Dean Jacobs has dedicated over five decades to serving the Walpole lsland First Nation (WIFN), focusing on Land Claim and Hosting Agreement negotiations. A former WIFN Chiel he has been instrumental in governance, policy, and advocacy. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Western University, contributing to lndigenous governance and environmental policy discussions. His scholarship includes an award-winning article on lndigenous history. Dean has served on esteemed boards, including the University of Windsor’s Board of Governors and the lnternational Joint Commission’s Great Lakes Water Quality Board. Honored with eagle feathers and honorary doctorates, his work continues to shape lndigenous governance and environmental policy.
Shane Lyon (no preferred pronouns) is a 2-Spirit Mi’kmaw/Irish bead artist, born and raised in Toronto and now based in Windsor, Ontario. Deeply rooted in community care and cultural work, Shane plays an active role in organizing and supporting Indigenous initiatives. They sit on several community planning committees, including those for Orange Shirt Day and the Sisters in Spirit Vigil.
Shane currently serves as the Pride and Powwow Coordinator and the Indigenous Mental Health Coordinator at 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations, where they support events, cultural programming, and wellness initiatives for the 2-Spirit and Indigenous community.
They were also the Project Coordinator for Waawiiatanong Forever—a celebrated photography and postcard exhibition that highlighted Indigenous and 2-Spirit representation in Windsor. The project centred community voices and received recognition for its contribution to equity and visibility.
