As a precursor to the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, the Feast Centre for Indigenous STBBI Research is pleased to host a Conversation on Sex Work. This Conversation will bring together those who have worked in the area of sex worker advocacy and support to discuss research, community support, wellbeing, stigma and the current state of sex work laws in Canada. This conversation will focus on the need to include the voices of Indigenous sex worker advocates and Indigenous people engaged in sex work to meet the needs of Indigenous sex workers as defined by them. 

 

Moderator & Elder 

Sheila Nyman 

Shelia Nyman is a mixed Syilx member of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. Her traditional name is Sal Uni At Kn from her four times great grandmother. Sheila worked extensively with women, mental health and well-being in and around Vancouver’s DTES from 1994 to 2007. She was involved in the early 90s in the organizing of the Women’s Memorial March and continues the connection in the world of stopping violence against women. From 2009 to 2013, she worked supporting former survivors of Residential Schools involved in the settlement process and Truth and Reconciliation activities. Sheila received a Fellowship from the University of Victoria and completed her Master’s thesis in 2015, which explored the link between ancient Indigenous Ceremony/Traditional Healing and energy therapies such as Somatic Experiencing. She is a skilled intuitive trauma counselor who integrates traditional healing and knowledge into her work. Sheila has been mentored and initiated into “Indigenous Healing and Ceremony” by Spiritual leader and Pipe Carrier, Aline LaFlamme, who is known as “Many Buffalo Running.” She has completed six “Spirit Quests” (vision quest, mountain fasts). She has learned and earned the responsibility to hold a people’s Pipe conducting healing ceremonies such as Moon Lodge and Sweat Lodge. Her connection with Grandmother Moon has inspired her interest in learning and understanding the inter-connections of the energy of our great mother, the Earth. Sheila has participated on several research teams with Feast Centre co-leads, Randy Jackson and Renée Mashing as well as with other members of the research team. Projects of note include: CANOC (SFU); Stable Homes Strong Families (CAAN/McMaster); The WATCH Study (McMaster); CHIWOS (Women’s College Hospital) and The Cradle Board Tool Kit. (BSW MSW RSW). 

 

Panelists 

Dominick Mikkelson 

Dominick is a proud 2-Spirit Transman in Montréal, Québec, with over two decades of community involvement focused on connection and support. Since 2019, he has held the title of Mme Cuir Montréal, advocating for inclusivity in the alternative community while celebrating 2-Spirit contributions. He is also a leather care expert and a Fire Keeper in Training. 

Professionally, he serves as an Executive Assistant in the urban Indigenous community, supporting initiatives that elevate Indigenous voices. Dominick is involved with the Montréal RÉSEAU Network and sits as Vice-President of the Council of Indigenous Leather, advocating for 2-Spirit community involvement and safety. He teaches workshops on Indigenous history and crafts personal healing tools in his spare time. 

Naomi Sayers 

Naomi Sayers, Ozaawaagiizis'okwe, is a lawyer and Indigenous feminist from Garden River First Nation. She focuses her practice on criminal litigation (trials and appeals) and mental health litigation. She takes on limited civil matters. She appeared at all levels of court in Ontario and the federal trial and federal appeal court.  

Monica Forrester 

Monica Forrester (she/her) is a 2spirit transwomen of colour and the Founder of Trans Pride Toronto, Transitioning Together.