b'COVER STORYTHE POWER OF GIVING By Louise BigEagleMichelle Derosier and Ma-Nee Chacaby, when friends become familyF rom grassroots and personal engagement within their communities to activist work in the public eye, Indigenous women around the world exemplify leadership and collective wisdom in a multitude of ways. For some, contributing to each others well-being can be a simple, unquestionable act: even if it means gifting a part of their body for anothers survival.Five years ago, Ma-Nee Chacaby, a Two-Spirit Ojibwe-Cree Elder, learned that she needed a kidney transplant. Chacabys diagnosis was a relief in light of the pain she had been experiencing, as she had been continuously misdiagnosed since she became sick. To centre her thoughts and focus on community work, she joined a collective dedicated to community well-ness called Walking the Truth.Chacaby had been approached by two young Indigenous girls who wanted her to be part of the collective as an Elder. Members of the group patrol the streets to check on people in distress and offer assist-ance to those who may need medical help: some by foot, and some by vehicle. Its really good to help people to be serious and to open your hearts to these people, Chacaby notes. You can really help someone just by reaching out to them.Chacaby first met Michelle Derosier around 30 years ago at an event in Thunder Bay where Chacaby was helping out. Derosier, an artist, filmmaker and yoga instructor from Migisi Sahgaigan First Nation in Treaty 3 territory, had hitch-hiked to Thunder Bay a year earlier whenBy donating her kidney, Michelle she was just 18 years old. Now, the twoDerosier (left) gave the gift of life to her good friend Ma-Nee Chacaby (right). women connect regularly at communityPhoto courtesy of Morningstar Derosierevents and share a respectful relationship. 10Fall/Winter 2023'