Natalie Bermudez (Gnat Bee) is an urban Indigenous Anishinaabe Kwe residing in Brampton, Ontario. She is Turtle Clan and member of the Shawanaga First Nation. She is a graduate of the Mayfield S.S. Regional Arts (Visual Arts) program and has a diploma in Business Management from Humber College. She has received education in:
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Stanford Introduction to Food and Health Certificate, Stanford University
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Feminism and Social Justice Certificate, University of California, Santa Cruz
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Lateral Violence Prevention Training, Rod Jefferies of Ancestral Visions
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Trauma Informed Organization Training, Middelton-Moz Institute;
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Indigenous Canada Certificate, University of Alberta;
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2SLGBTQ+ Training, Native Youth Sexual Health Network; and,
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Demystifying Rape Culture: Creating a Culture of Consent.
Natalie is a mother, artist, and writer. She has been capturing her healing journey through her art and poetry since her early twenties and more recently has been exploring the ways in which her artforms can assist others in their own healing paths through guided meditations, affirmations, and tarot readings. Due to her own chronic health issues, she perceives food as medicine, has been learning about edible wild plants, and Indigenous, pre-colonial foods. She's also in the process of reclaiming Indigenous artforms for her daughter, such as beading and drum making.
Natalie has held responsibilities within her workplace community as a two-spirit firekeeper, member of the hand drum group, fasting camp coordinator, traditional council member, and 2SLGBTQ+ committee member. She continually strives to reclaim these teachings for her family and is grateful for the Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members who have shared their knowledge with her over the years.
Chi-miigwetch!
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