Ma-Nee Chacaby facts for kids

Ma-Nee Chacaby (born July 22, 1950) is an Ojibwe-Cree writer and activist from Canada. She is well-known for her book, A Two-Spirit Journey: The Autobiography of a Lesbian Ojibwa-Cree Elder. This book shares her life story and experiences.

Ma-Nee Chacaby's Early Life

Ma-Nee Chacaby was born and grew up in a quiet, far-off Indigenous community called Ombabika in Northern Ontario. She was lucky to avoid the Indian residential school system. This was because she was away hunting and trapping with her stepfather when government officials came to her community. Many Indigenous children were taken to these schools during a time known as the Sixties Scoop.

When she was twenty, Ma-Nee moved to Thunder Bay, Ontario, with her children. She also lived in Winnipeg and other parts of Manitoba. She became a strong voice for Indigenous people and for fairness for everyone. She learned to speak both Cree and Ojibwe fluently.

Becoming an Artist and Author

Ma-Nee Chacaby began to create and show her paintings. Later, she wrote and published her important book, A Two-Spirit Journey. This book tells about her life and her journey.

In 2013, Ma-Nee Chacaby helped lead Thunder Bay's very first pride parade. This was a big step for the community.

Awards and Recognition

Ma-Nee Chacaby's book, A Two-Spirit Journey, has received many awards and much praise.

Book Awards and Honors

The book won the U.S. Oral History Association's 2017 Book Award. It also received the Ontario Historical Society's 2018 Alison Prentice Award. This award is given for the best book about women's history in Ontario.

A Two-Spirit Journey was also a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award in 2017. It was also a finalist for the Mary Scorer Award at the 2017 Manitoba Book Awards.

In 2019, the book was published in French. Its French title is Un Parcours Bispirituel. That same year, Ma-Nee Chacaby was one of the main leaders for the Fierté Montréal parade.

Canada Reads Winner

In 2025, A Two-Spirit Journey was chosen as a finalist for Canada Reads. This is a national book competition in Canada. Actress and podcaster Shayla Stonechild supported the book during the competition. A Two-Spirit Journey was the winner of the competition.