Mario Wassaykeesic

Mario Wassaykeesic, makwa Ode, “bear heart”, an Anishinaabe man from Obesahdekang, Poplar Hill First Nation, is of the Caribou clan; is 3rd degree Midewiwin in the Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge; graduated with an English Degree, then with a Masters of Professional Indigenous Education from the University of Western Ontario; a “fluent” speaker of the Anishinaabe language, assisting in the preservation of the Anishinaabe language through conversation and through various methods of instructions, especially in an active hands-on approach. Mario has also worked as an Ojibwe Language Instructor (via ZOOM and in-person) with the University of Guelph, and in-person with the University of Western Ontario.  

He completed his FIFTH New York Marathon in November 2023.