Robert Maytwayashing

Robert Maytwayashing is an Anishinaabe from the Lake Manitoba Treaty 2 First Nation where he and his wife, Mary, raised three children. As a result, he is now the grandfather to eleven grandchildren. Robert’s professional career has taken him in many directions which include; First Nations Governance, Health, Economic Development, Childcare, Human Resources, Education and Administration.

In the 1980s, Robert raised beef for ten years on the Lake Manitoba First Nation as a cow/calf operator. This led Robert to the University of Manitoba, where in 1990, he graduated with an Agricultural Diploma. In 2021, Robert was awarded the University of Manitoba Agriculture Faculty Diploma Program, Certificate of Merit. In the 90’s Robert was elected to council where he ended up serving a total of ten years over a fourteen-year period as a band councilor. In 2004 Robert was elected Chief of his community and served a two-year term. Robert has also been a health director in two First Nation communities, and a Senior Health Policy Analyst for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. Robert has also been a Traditional Advisor at treatment centers, and penal institutions.

Since 2009, Robert has been employed by the Interlake Regional Health Authority as the Indigenous Human Resources Development Officer as part of the HR team. His role was recently changed to Regional Knowledge Keeper. Robert also provides Indigenous Cultural Awareness training for the Regions 3400 staff.

The other side of Robert is his traditional identity, experience, and knowledge. Knowledge, he has gained by being out on the land as a hunter, fisher, trapper, and gatherer, along with being active in traditional ceremonies, Robert has had the honor and privilege of working with and learning from elders of many nations across Canada and the United States for over 30 years. Robert sits on the Turtle Lodge Council of Elders as well as other boards, committees and Elder councils.