Indigenous Advisor

Boozhoo, Aaniin, Tansi, Tawnshi, Han!
Indinawe maaganidog.
Ozhaawaashkwa Benisii Ikwe nindizhinikaaz
Mikinaak nindoodem.
Wiinibiigong Manidooba-akiing nindoonjibaa.
Wiinibiigong nindaa

All my relations.

My English name is Shauna Mulligan. My spirit name is Blue Shadow Thunderbird Woman. I am of the Turtle Clan, living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This is in Treaty One territory, Home to the Anishinaabe, Nēhiyaw, Dakota, Dene and Inuit, along with the Homeland of the Métis Nation.

Shauna is a Métis Graduate student in the Indigenous Studies PhD program at the University of Manitoba. Her master’s thesis is entitled “War Stories: Voices of Indigenous Veterans Post-Korean Conflict” which focuses on the stories Indigenous Veterans tell about their time in service as well as their experiences as veterans.

She served in the Reserves from 1995-2002 as a Medical Assistant with 17 Med Company but then attach posted to the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. She left the military in 2002 to pursue post-secondary education, but also to follow a 20-year career in health care.

Working with Indigenous Veterans, she attends Ceremonies such as sweat lodges and sun dances, as well as numerous powwows’ where veterans are represented. She’s an advocate for the need for cultural supports for Indigenous veterans. She’s been the Veterans Affairs Ombuds’ office Indigenous Women’s Advisor, specifically to represent Indigenous women’s concerns.

She’s connected with many currently serving Indigenous members within the military, but also with the Defense Indigenous Advisory Group in Winnipeg and current Registrar for Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones, a nationally recognized group representing Indigenous Veterans.

She’s also a research committee member for the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, and has been an Instructor for Indigenous Studies, Inner City Social Work and Access programs at the University of Manitoba.

Advisory Roles

1. Provide expert advice to support CIMVHR’s military and Veteran health research strategy, knowledge translation, including advice and support to CIMVHR leadership.
2. Consult with CIMVHR and other interested parties to advance efforts to promote CIMVHR’s military and Veteran Indigenous research strategy and to align Indigenous research strategies across organizations.
3. Participate in meetings with government, industry and other interested parties (e.g. academia, data holders, labs, etc.)
4. Provide expert advice to military and Veteran health researchers.