Michael was not interested in learning his grandfather's arts, instead choosing to become a surgeon. When his wife Kathryn became sick, he vowed that he would find a cure for her. However, she soon died. His daughter Elizabeth became angry at him, and was taken in by the MacNeils. Michael spent his time in the wild as a recluse. He was visited by his grandfather's spirit and learned the magical arts.

He also encountered a goddess and helped her deliver her child, Snowbird. James and Heather Hudson met Michael and Snowbird and invited them to join Alpha Flight. Shaman joined partially because he was concerned with how the young Snowbird would be used. He took the name of Shaman, using both his mystic and medical talents.

After Sasquatch was killed by Snowbird, Shaman used the Great Key to transport the team to the Realm of Great Beasts. There they found Walter's spirit. With Boch's permission, Shaman placed it into the Box robot.

When reunited with his daughter Elizabeth, both Shaman and Snowbird realized she was fated to wear the talisman. He asked her to look into the pouch and then reach for something. She did, pulling the talisman which then affixed to her head.

He later abandoned his magic after nearly being killed due to the pouch being turned inside out. He renewed his skills and passed several tests to prove his worthiness. As gifts for succeeding, he was given a caribou robe and an eagle crest hat.

Shaman briefly had to use the talisman when Elizabeth foolishly summoned Pestilence. His passing of his tests meant he too was worthy enough to wear it.

Acting as Talisman made him distance himself from the others, as the warder of spirits cannot let other things get in the way of his or her mission. Later, Elizabeth reclaimed the talisman, seemingly having learned her lesson.

Shaman temporarily left the team to meet with the Arctic gods. He returned during the Infinity Crusade as many heroes battled the Goddess.

Shaman continued to be withdrawn, especially after briefly taking the team to the Land of the Dead in an attempt to see his wife again.

Shaman later served as an adviser to Gamma Flight while Elizabeth recovered from serious injuries.

After Department H dismantled Alpha Flight and then formed a new team with several new additions, Shaman found himself drawn to find Walter Langowski. The two then found the wounded Guardian in Antarctica. The three joined with Northstar and Aurora to confront their teammates about Department H's true plans. All eventually were reunited.

Shaman has trained a protege, Earthmover to take over much of his duties. He still continued to be involved with Alpha Flight. However, he is believed dead after their battle with the Collective. He and Guardian and Vindicator and Puck, did end up being revealed to be deceased when they were seen in the Underworld, however due to the Chaos King warring on all reality, they were released and brought back to the land of the living (save for both Pucks and Major Mapleleaf).

Since his return, Shaman has rejoined Alpha Flight in service of the Canadian Government.

Powers and AbilitiesEdit

Powers

Sarcee Sorcery: Shaman was a powerful magician trained in the use of nature-based magics used by the Sarcee. His mystical pouch contained a number of items for use in spells.

Alter Appearance
Astral Projection
Mystical Bolts
Healing
Illusion Casting
Cause sleep
Elemental/Weather Control: Shaman could affect weather, such as causing a blizzard. He could also use small elements within his pouch, such as creating a stone golem or a fire barrier.
Plant Control-Shaman could cause vines to appear and entangle foes
Natural Dimensional Nullification: Through the power of nature, he could nullify extra dimensional magics or return an extra dimensional being to its home dimension.
Restoration: Using his pouch, Shaman could revert altered beings to their natural state. A special ritual could cure people possessed by the Wendigo.
Teleportation
Time Travel
Flight: He could levitate and fly riding wind. He seemed to be mostly adept at flying vertically.
Totems: Shaman could use various totems.
Commune with Animals
Commune with Spirits: He could request any spirits present in an area to assist him with the Spirit Staff.
Telepathy/Empathy- Shaman has mentally linked to his daughter. He could also detect the presence of evil.

Power Grid ^[1]

* Teleporter

Abilities

He was a skilled surgeon, one of the best in Canada. He was fluent in a number of languages, including Inuit.

Strength level

Normal

Weaknesses

Shaman refused to affect the minds of others against their will. He couldn't force a spirit to help him unless he is using the talisman.

ParaphernaliaEdit

Equipment

Shaman's Medicine Pouch: This pouch was actually a void-like dimension containing various staves, powders and objects. Shaman placed his hand and retrieved an item when needed. As long as an item could 'fit' in the bag, he could use it. Items could be drawn into the bag. Shaman and Elizabeth could safely look into the pouch, but it was apparently a maddening sight to anyone who didn't have the magical skill to withstand its power.

Eagle's Crest: The eagle crest on Shaman's hat was a familiar called Eaglet.

Grandfather's Skull: Shaman kept his grandfather's skull as a focus.

Caribou Robe: Given to him by Elizabeth as a sign of passing his rites.

Sarcee Wristbands: Shaman formerly wore two Sarcee wristbands. By slapping the wristbands together, he could instantly change from his civilian attire into his Shaman costume (Source).
Weapons

The Great Key, a long golden staff (usually kept in his mystical pouch). It served as a gateway to the Realm of Beasts when it was used at the Eye of the World.

TriviaEdit

The character of Shaman was created by writers Chris Claremont and John Byrne. They originally conceived the character solely as a foil for the X-Men member, Storm. This was revealed on an editorial page by John Byrne at the end of Alpha Flight 1 (Volume 1, 1983).