Stephanie Sinclair is an Anishinaabe woman from Sandy Bay First Nation. She is a mother of two children and the daughter of a residential school survivor. Stephanie works at the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba as the lead for Data Sovereignty. Stephanie is also completing her Ph.D. in Native Studies at the University of Manitoba. Stephanie has worked in various positions over the last 20 years with the goal of improving health and mental wellness services for First Nations people. Her most recent research looked at the impact of Indigenous birth helpers (doulas) in the 'Supporting the Trajectories of our Spirit' Research Project.

Liz Decaire is a member of Cross Lake First Nation, in Treaty 5 Territory currently residing just outside of Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is a graduate of the University of Manitoba and is a 3rd generation First Nation Registered Nurse, providing nursing services in remote and isolated First Nation communities across Manitoba. Primary care settings, public health and program services has been a passion for Liz since she could remember. She is currently the Nurse Program Advisor for the Strengthening Families-Maternal Child Health program in First Nation communities and had previously been the Peer Support Specialist for the program for 9 years at First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba. Liz remains committed to serving Indigenous communities in Manitoba.

The First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba (FNHSSM) works with the 63 Assembly of Manitoba Chief member First Nations in Manitoba to increase their opportunities to participate in the planning & development of a Unified Health System in Manitoba, influence regional and national health policy, and improve systems and program development across various health topics.

Liz and Stephanie presented on FNHSSM’s research and programs at the November 2021 SPECTRUM Workshop. They covered the need to integrate Traditional knowledge into research, storytelling through data, and the work of Wiijii’idiwag Ikwewag, a program designed to establish birthing circles of Indigenous women and families to re-establish the sacred bond between mothers and their babies. Additionally, they shared about the Strengthening Families Maternal Child Health (SF-MCH) program, that trains and builds capacity in families and communities on topics related to maternal and child health.
 
Both Liz and Stephanie bring their expertise in health and social development for First Nations in Manitoba rooted in peoples’ inherent right to health services that are culturally appropriate, holistic, and community-based. The SPECTRUM Core team is grateful for their expertise and look forward to closely collaborating with FNHSSM to advance the goals of SPECTRUM.