Desiree Morriseau-Shields is a band member of Fort William First Nation (FWFN), ON. She is a proud wife to her husband Nathan Berry of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI), and together they raise their 3 children in their home community, FWFN. Desiree’s Spirit Name is Gizhibaa-ashe-goon Kwe, Swirling Snow Woman, she is a drum carrier and takes an active role in reclaiming her cultural heritage with the guidance of her community, and the support of knowledge keepers who have crossed her path on Turtle Island. Desiree has been a standing councilor in her community for 5 years, where she passionately leads her community toward overall wellness and self-sustainability.

By trade, Desiree is a Registered Dental Hygienist, who has dedicated her career and advocacy to Indigenous children’s oral health equity. She determined early on in her education, that she would share her learned skill with her people. For 9 years Desiree provided the Children’s Oral Health Initiative to the children of her community, FWFN. Through mentorship and encouragement from her dear friend Jan Douglas R.D.H., Desiree went on to expand her service to members in her community of all ages through her independent practice, The Anishinabek Dental Hygiene Clinic for 5 years. 

While Desiree is an entrepreneur through and through, her heart and commitment is grounded in the health and wellness of all indigenous children across Turtle Island. During the COVID Pandemic, Desiree joined Indigenous Services Canada, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch to continue her work within the Children’s Oral Health Initiative program from a government perspective. Desiree continues to advocate for children’s oral health from a regional level, where she makes a direct impact on the policies guiding the Children’s Oral Health Initiative Program and supports Indigenous partners in improving the oral health outcomes of their children and families within their home communities.