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Celebrating Women Dedicated to Social Work
FRANKIE MISNER
Sessional Instructor School of Indigenous Relations, Laurentian University
Aaniin - My English name is Frankie Misner. My spirit name is Mishiikaan Nojimo Kwe - Healing Turtle Woman, a name given to me by an Oji Cree Elder in northwestern Ontario.
Before I respond to the questions provided, I would like to acknowledge the Traditional lands of the Saugeen First Nation which consists of the Chippewas of Saugeen and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. It is an honour to live on these traditional lands.
What is your background in social work and education (teaching), and what is your current role/profession?
When I consider my background in social work and education (teaching) it is with a realization
that my response is a collection of my life stories. My stories have led me to my current profession as a sessional instructor within the School of Indigenous Relations at Laurentian University.
Beginning in the Eastern Doorway my education began informally with my family and community. A strong foundation was created based on the traditional values and traditions taught to me at a young age.
In the Southern Doorway as a teen-ager my relationship with education and knowledge gathering took shape preparing me for the Western direction. The Western Doorway led to over 20 years working as a helper in both hospital and agency settings. Over the years I worked with many different populations in the field of mental health. My favourite practice setting was a forensic unit in a psychiatric hospital as it was here that I gained an awareness of the lack of cultural supports for Indigenous peoples within this setting. I loved working in the field and consider this time in my life as a valuable part of my education. This doorway also heralded the realization of my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Laurentian.
My educational story is a circle that is ongoing as I now focus on the teachings of the Northern Doorway.
What brought you to the work you are currently doing? (Why did you choose this profession?)
I grew up with strong women who worked as helpers in a related profession, nursing. In addition, the Indigenous teachings of caring and respect were gifts that my father and grandfather shared with me. Growing up in such an environment nurtured my entrance into Indigenous social work. My first summer job was as a student helper on the geriatric unit of a psychiatric hospital. It gave me the realization that sharing/spending time with those in vulnerable circumstances was important to me. I cannot respond to this question without acknowledging my partner who passed away five years ago. He was an educator within First Nations education who believed in the power of education. He was the one who supported my undergraduate and graduate studies at Laurentian. I pursued my formal education while working in the field. This time in the field will always be a special gift I carry in my Practice Bundle. A phone call changed the trajectory of my professional life. While at a conference in Winnipeg I received a phone call from the Indigenous social work program at Laurentian asking me to teach Indigenous social work in the partnership program between Laurentian and Kenjigewin Teg on Manitoulin Island. A professor had just left and an instructor was required right away. Although happy working in the field I was excited by this new challenge. As a result, I taught in the partnership programs on Manitoulin Island as well as Kenora for a number of years before teaching on campus. I also taught online courses throughout this time period. As a former online student, I felt a special connection to those engaged in distance learning.
In summary, I believe that in many ways this profession chose me. My life stories were steps along the way. A love of learning and a belief in sharing my inner fire with others brought me to where I am today.
How does your current work serve to empower women and girls?
It has always been my focus to share the empowering spirit of Indigenous social work with my students. Teaching Indigenous social work and the values that are embodied within the Code of Ethics - The Seven Grandfather Teachings empowers the women and girls who are students in this program. There is strength within the teachings of Wisdom, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, Respect, Love and Truth. These are the tools of empowerment. They cannot be compartmentalized or placed in a silo. This is a message I strive to instill in women and girls as they make their educational journey. It is my belief that the women and girls within this program are a community. They are a community of hope with voices poised to speak. I advocate for those voices to be heard. In order to do that I try to be present, to listen to their voices with a generous spirit. When someone shares their journey and story with you it is an honour and a gift that you receive. I try to listen with the guidance of the Seven Grandfather Teachings. All students within the Indigenous social work program, women, girls and men have unique roles. They can empower one another through respectful communication. They can build powerful relationships with a shared spirit of commitment and caring. Teaching within this program empowers me to continually find new ways to support women and girls. They deserve my very best.
Interviewed by Christina Parke
Registered Practical Nurse
Indigenous Social Work Student, Laurentian University
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