Eddy Robinson

Eddy Robinson is Anishinaabe/Mushkegowuk Cree and was born and raised in Toronto, the largest city in Canada. Eddy did not enjoy a childhood of privilege. This narrative is not unique and is shared in similar ways by many other Indigenous people throughout North America. It was not until his adult years that he really begun to understand the legacy of his father’s experience at the Chapleau Indian Residential School and Shingwauk Indian Residential School.

Robinson has worked and advocated for many Indigenous communities locally, provincially and nationally for the past 25 years. The Dewegun (Dee-Way-Gun which means Drum) first set Robinson on a good path in life leading to many other important sources that contributed to the rediscovery of his identity; Anishinaabe ceremonies, Indigenous literature & film, leaders, Traditional Teachers and Elders.

Since then Robinson has traveled throughout North America as a noted Anishinaabe artist, teacher, musician, educator, facilitator, trainer, writer and now speaker. He has presented to numerous First Nations, Indigenous communities, local district school boards, colleges, universities, corporate institutions as well as several Indigenous and non-Indigenous not for profit organizations.

With the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada putting forth the 94 Calls to Action Robinson engages Truth and Reconciliation through a personal narrative of his journey not only growing up as an urban Indigenous person, but also reflecting on his professional experience and the learning he has received from several Indigenous organizations over the years. He discusses the utter importance of engaging Indigenous people in a respectful and reciprocal way. Mr. Robinson will also address the much needed alliance of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people throughout North America in order to begin the process of creating social change before even stepping on the path of Reconciliation.

Reconciliation is not only a personal journey of forgiveness of self and others in support of past generations but is very much about being mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually part of a legacy of resurgence.

Like many Indigenous people in Canada, Robinson did not enjoy an easy childhood as an Anishinaabe youth in the big city. His father – a Residential School survivor – left the family when he was just three years old. Robinson subsequently endured years of abuse from an alcoholic parent. Only in his adult years was Robinson able to understand the legacy of his father’s experience at Chapleau Indian Residential School and Shingwauk Indian Residential School. Robinson has over 20 years of experience working with Indigenous communities, social servicing agencies and various levels of government organizations. He strongly believes that achieving a mutually respectful relationship with Indigenous communities is through creating culturally safe environments together in partnership with corporations, government, non-profits, educational and charitable organizations.

Eventually ending up in the care of his grandparents, Robinson found himself caught in the same cycle of violence and addiction that dominated his childhood. He credits a Catholic priest at the Native Peoples Parish located in Toronto for first encouraging him to seek out his roots. He pointed Robinson to a traditional Anishinaabe Vision Quest/Fasting held at “Dreamers Rock” located on Manitoulin Island, ON; that would imminently begin his journey towards understanding his Indigenous identity and helping him leave behind the family legacy of abuse and violence.

The power of the Dewegun (Drum) brought Robinson to the doorway of ceremony and other aspects of his Indigenous Way of Knowing. It was during the early years that he was first exposed called him to a heritage that he now credits with saving his life and setting him on a good path in life.

Over the past 25 years of working on the frontline of social services and advocating for Indigenous communities locally, provincially and nationally Robinson has evolved into a noted Anishinaabe artist, musician, educator, facilitator, trainer and public speaker. He’s involved with numerous local district school boards, colleges, universities, corporate institutions and several Indigenous/Aboriginal organizations.

With the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada putting forth 94 recommendations for residential school healing, Robinson engages the TRC through a personal narrative. He discusses growing up as an urban Indigenous person and his professional experience with Indigenous organizations on local, provincial and national levels.

Robinson emphasizes the utter importance of engaging Indigenous people in a respectful and reciprocal way. Reconciliation for Robinson is not only a personal journey of forgiveness of self and others in support of past generations but is very much about being mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually part of this legacy of resurgence.

Robinson encourages non-Indigenous people to seek out a deeper understanding of what it means to be Anishinaabe, Indigenous, First Nations, Métis and Inuit before stepping on the path of reconciliation. A member of the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business Robinson established his First Nations owned and operated business Morningstar River in 2007 to address the societal need for Indigenous education and displays of authentic culture.

His employment experiences, educational background and First Nation ancestry provides him with a strong multi-faceted skill set and working knowledge of Indigenous history, culture and best practices.

Throughout the years, Robinson has delivered over 1000 sessions of keynote addresses, public talks, Indigenous cultural awareness/competency training, group work and facilitation to thousands of professional and schooled aged learners. He has also traveled internationally speaking about Truth and Reconciliation, the impacts of Indian Residential/Boarding Schools, intergenerational trauma, Indigenous identity, Indigenous ways of knowing, holistic technology, Anti-Indigenous racism, stereotypes and misconceptions, inclusion and diversity, ally-ship, as well as sharing his own story of adversity.

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