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Jennifer Meness

Dr. Jennifer Meness, Bawajigan Waaban (Dreams Tomorrow’s Dawn) is Migizi minwa Biné Dodemok from the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. Her research centres Anishinaabe philosophy and worldview revealed through the sound-based meanings of words in Anishinaabemowin. Dr. Meness’s research braids Anishinaabe epistemology with western theoretical perspectives from the fields of performance, dance, communication, anthropology, material culture, and linguistics. As a powwow dancer for over 30 years, Dr. Meness’s current interest lies in the experience of contemporary powwow through cultural embodiment, acts of transfer from Spirit, and the liminality of the powwow arena.