Gordon Waindubence

Gordon Waindubence
Died	2021
Occupation	Head Getzit Mishomis

Gordon Waindubence was the late Anishinabek Nation Head Getzit Mishomis.

In Anishinabek News

• Home community: Anishinabek Nation
• April 2013: He provided a teaching on the Anishinaabe Dodemaag system during a meeting at Ojibways of Pic River. He noted that Ojibways of Pic River is the only community he has visited that possesses its own clan staff.
• September 2013: He delivered the Dodemaag teachings to explain traditional governance structures during a session in Pays Plat First Nation. He described the traditional election process for leaders and how leadership is earned through respect and humility.
• October 2013: He provided a teaching on the 1764 Covenant Chain Wampum Belt during a 2013 ceremony. His presentation focused on the importance of treaties for the peaceful settlement of Canada.
• December 2015: He worked with members of the Anishinabek Nation Women's Council on ceremonies for the newly-elected Grand Council Chief.
• March 2016: He met with other Elders in March 2016 to decide on a donation for the Little Native Hockey League.
• June 2018: He has been involved in facilitating traditional stand-up elections for the Anishinabek Nation since 2006. He was requested to conduct a similar traditional election process for the Chiefs of Ontario.
• June 2019: He led a Sunrise Ceremony prior to the launch of Koganaawsawin in June 2019.
• July 2019: He provided Traditional Governance Clan Teachings during the governance gathering in 2019.
• December 2019: He has long taught Anishinabek citizens to introduce themselves by their clan, area of origin, and residence. His teachings regarding clan-exogamy were noted as being similar to traditional laws practiced by the Navajo Nation.
• March 2020: He assisted in the preparation of 19 ancestral bundles for reburial at Whitefish River First Nation.
• June 2020: Gordon Waindubence advised people to say "Miigwetch" for the day and to place tobacco down. Gordon Waindubence taught that people should be thankful for every day they are given.
• August 2020: He stated that resource revenue sharing will not work and that true sharing of resources is necessary for First Nations and settler governments to work together. He is also known as Nmishomis.
• February 2021: He opened the virtual conference by emphasizing the importance of teaching children their language and identity. He argued that the Anishinaabe language is essential for the nation to move forward.
• February 2021: He stated that traditional thoughts, laws, and policies must be the priority in the Anishinabek Nation governance system.
• April 2021: He served on the traditional team that supported Elder Hilda Mary Nadjiwan.
• May 2021: He provided teachings regarding the Migizii Doodem during the 2021 virtual event.
• May 2021: He was tasked with conducting the virtual stand-up election process and ceremonial customs on June 2, 2021. He led a Pipe Ceremony to begin the nomination circle and a Sunrise Ceremony for the candidates. He conducted a Sweat Lodge for the nominees following the nomination process on June 1, 2021.
• June 2021: He served as the appointed Electoral Officer for the virtual Grand Council Assembly held in June 2021.
• June 2021: He shared wisdom with youth as a representative of the Getzidjig Advisory Council during a 2021 virtual event.
• June 2021: He participated in the traditional Pipe and Blanket Ceremonies and the Oath of Office for Glen Hare in June 2021.
• September 2021: Gordon Waindubence, also known as Shikenh, was asked by Vernon Roote to help build the Anishinabek Nation in 1996. He received the vision for the Anishinabek Nation Eagle Staff during a six-day fasting quest in February 1997. Gordon Waindubence led workshops on Clan Teachings and Traditional Governance throughout the Anishinabek Nation territory.
• November 2021: During the Grand Council Assembly in June 2021, Gordon Waindubence spoke about the essential role of Anishinaabemowin in connecting with ancestors during ceremonies. He served as the Electoral Officer for the traditional stand-up election held on June 2, 2021, to ensure ceremonial protocols were followed. Gordon Waindubence advocated for the use of the Dodemaag system and traditional leadership processes over colonial institutional thinking.
• November 2021: He hosted a ceremony at his home in October 2021 to appoint his successor, Richard Assinewai. The Anishinabek Nation recognized him for his years of service and contributions as the Head Getzit Nmishomis.
• November 2021: He facilitated consultations for the Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigewin using traditional protocols and clan teachings. He collaborated with an Elders Council to create the Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe preamble. He is also known by the name Shiikenh.
• June 2022: He led the thirteen-year consultation process that resulted in the creation of the Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigewin. He worked with an Elders Council to create the preamble known as Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe. His work incorporated Dodemaag teachings and traditional principles into the governance structure of the Anishinabek Nation. The article refers to this person as deceased (no date of death is given).
• April 2023: He was known by the name M’Shiikenh-baa and shared traditional teachings in circles. His work guided the Anishinabek Nation on its path toward becoming one family. The article refers to this person as deceased (no date of death is given).
• April 2023: Gordon Waindubence, also known as M’Shiikenh, was the father of Chop Waindubence. The article refers to this person as deceased (no date of death is given).
• August 2023: The late artist's intricate antler carving, often called Tree of Life, is featured in an exhibition at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. His work is represented in major institutions including the Royal Ontario Museum and the Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec. He passed away in 2021, which was considered a significant loss to his community.
• August 2023: He was asked by Vernon Roote to assist in building a nation for the Anishinabek. The article refers to this person as deceased (no date of death is given).