Winona (Anishinaabe, Ojibwe – Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory)

Winona is a passionate visual storyteller, land-based educator, and advocate for outdoor adventure and traditional wellbeing. With years of experience leading land-based programs for all ages, she is dedicated to creating opportunities for Indigenous communities to connect with nature, recreation, and cultural teachings.

A graduate of Fleming College’s Outdoor and Adventure Education program and the Royal Ontario Museum’s Environmental Visual Communication program, Winona has built a career rooted in both adventure and advocacy. She has guided multi-day canoe expeditions with the Outdoor Adventure Leadership Experience (OALE), participated in immersive winter survival expeditions with Lure of the North, and worked extensively within her community’s youth and tourism initiatives.

As the Founder and Executive Director of Winona Ominika designs, Winona continues to inspire and empower others through storytelling, outdoor education, and land-based healing. Her vision is to expand access to outdoor adventure across Turtle Island, fostering deeper connections between people, culture, and the land.

Winona has also been an active voice for community growth and inclusivity. She successfully proposed the installation of a Pride flag in Wiikwemkoong’s service area, marking a significant step in visibility and support for 2Spirit/LGBTQ+ Indigenous peoples. Additionally, she has engaged in global mentorship programs, including Reclaim Your Power with Danielle Da Silva, and showcased her photography at the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival.

Winona was honored to be a Revolutionary Micro-Grant recipient from Photographers Without Borders in 2023, supporting her project on Indigenous parenting and motherhood. Through storytelling and photography, she aimed to share the deep connections, resilience, and traditions that shape Indigenous parenting. This project is a tribute to the strength of our ancestors and the wisdom we pass on to future generations.

Read more about the journey here: Photographers Without Borders

Through her work, Winona is committed to strengthening cultural identity, environmental stewardship, and community well-being—one adventure at a time.