Andre Morriseau (Fort William First Nation) is an enthusiastic advocate and ambassador for Indigenous arts, culture and public affairs. Former Secretariat for the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) now Indspire, Communications Officer for the Chiefs of Ontario (COO). He is the former Chair of the James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Awards Jury, Ontario Arts Council and the imagineNATIVE Film & Media Arts Festival. Currently he is on the board of the Anishnawbe Health Foundation (AHF) as well as co-chair of TakingITGlobal and board member at the Gardiner Museum. He is the former Director, Awards & Communications for the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and is currently the Communications Manager for the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA).

Chair of the Board at Greenrock Real Estate Advisors, Barry has over 30 years of experience in the Canadian multi-family real estate sector and is responsible for the oversight of operations, family office, and philanthropic divisions of the Greenrock organization.Barry co-created Greenrock’s Impact! program of community and resident support, which funded over $4 million to residents, COVID-19 relief efforts, BIPOC-focused and various community charities through 2022.With his partner Laurie, and support from the Barry & Laurie Green Trust, Barry is deeply committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples though his work with Ontario Native Women’s Association, Indspire, School of Indigenous Learning, Connected North, Kenora Chiefs Advisory, Anishinaabe Health Foundation, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, Sunset Women’s Aboriginal Circle, TVO, Weengushk Film Institute, and others.Barry has embarked on many learning journeys with community partner organizations to reflect and contribute thoughtfully towards building capacity and facilitating connections across the social impact sector. He has a profound appreciation for the arts including his love for music, film and visual expression. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Al Green Sculpture Studio and School in downtown Toronto.

Cora McGuire-Cyrette has been serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), the largest and oldest Indigenous women’s organization in Canada, since 2015. Ending violence against Indigenous women and their families and ensuring equal access to justice, education, health services, environmental stewardship, and economic development, sit at the cornerstone of the organization. A proud member of the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation), she uses her voice to champion the rights of Indigenous women and girls, cultivate healing, create safe spaces, and support Indigenous women and youth as they reclaim their role as leaders. As a role model in Indigenous women’s leadership, Cora was integral to the development of the Ontario Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy, and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Cora serves as Co-Chair of the Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council of Ontario, and the Chair of the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, among others. Cora holds a BA in Indigenous Learning and Sociology from Lakehead University and an MMBA from York University, Schulich School of Business. She lives in Thunder Bay with her husband and has three children, two grandchildren, and a menagerie of pets.

Drawing on 15 + years of audit and tax experience, Dave brings a depth of experience to the firm, specializing in providing audit and assurance services to a variety of clients in several different areas, including not-for-profit organizations, charities and First Nations. Dave believes in providing a hands-on personal service to all clients and strives to find the best possible solutions for all their needs.Dave has extensive experience with the audit services for Indigenous and not-for-profit organizations and their reporting requirements. He has been involved with providing audit services to many of our region’s audits of First Nations and related organizations. Dave is also accustomed to meeting with management and Directors for his audit clientele to discuss audit plans, findings and to present Independent Auditor’s Reports and other information relating to financial reporting and accountability. Dave is a current Board Member of the Thunder Bay Family Network and he participates in many community events throughout the year.

Debra Vermette is Dakota from the Wahpeton Dakota Nation located just outside of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. She is passionate about ensuring Indigenous women have culturally grounded access to supports, services, and programs that can best help them. This is evident in her role as President of the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) and previous role as Executive Director of Beendigen.Debra has often been the first point of contact for women leaving abusive and violent situations. She began her work at Beendigen Anishinabe Women’s Crisis Home & Family Healing Agency as Resident Counsellor in 2005, became the Finance/Human Resources Manager in 2009, was appointed the Executive Director in 2015, and retired July 1, 2022. When asked what the focus of her work with Beendigen was, Debra commented, “to end violence against Indigenous women and to empower women.” In her seven years as Executive Director of Beendigen, Debra led an amazing team committed to working with Indigenous women so they can lead lives without violence, reclaim their power and culture, and take their rightful place in their communities.Debra sat on the board of the Aboriginal Shelters of Ontario (ASOO). ASOO works collaboratively and supports Indigenous shelters across Ontario in addressing and ending family violence.Debra holds a Business of Administration degree and an Honours Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) degree from Lakehead University. She also holds a Post-Degree Human Resources Management certificate from Confederation College.

Heather Cameron is the Manager of Policy with the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA). She has been with ONWA since 2015, serving different roles within Policy and Research. Heather is dedicated to ending violence against Indigenous women and girls, and improving the safety and wellbeing of Indigenous women and their families. Heather was raised in Thunder Bay, ON and is a member of Fort Albany First Nation. Her educational background includes a Master’s Degree in Sociology with Specialization in Women’s Studies from Lakehead University as well as diploma in Aboriginal Law and Advocacy from Negahneewin College.

Joan Riggs is based in Ottawa and is a long time facilitator primarily working with women to strengthen our voices, restore our place in society and celebrate our incredible gifts.Very blessed to be working again at ONWA and with Stan!!!

The Honourable JODY WILSON-RAYBOULD, PC, QC, MP, is the former Independent member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville. She served as the minister of justice and attorney general of Canada, the minister of veterans affairs and the associate minister of national defence until her resignation in 2019. Wilson-Raybould is a lawyer, an advocate and a leader in British Columbia’s First Nations. She has been a provincial Crown prosecutor, a councillor for the We Wai Kai Nation and a chair of the First Nations Finance Authority. She has also served as Regional Chief of the BC Assembly of First Nations.Jody Wilson-Raybould is a descendant of the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk and Laich-Kwil-Tach peoples, who are part of the Kwakwaka’wakw and also known as the Kwak’wala-speaking peoples. She is a member of the We Wai Kai Nation. Her traditional name, Puglaas, means “woman born to noble people.”

Linda Debassige was born and raised in M’Chigeeng First Nation, where she grew up on the land and is active in the sustainability of Mother Earth. She is a mother to two children and grandmother to one. She graduated with honours from Confederation College’s Civil Engineering Technology advanced diploma program in Thunder Bay. She holds a Certificate in Negotiations from Osgoode Hall Law School. First elected to M’Chigeeng First Nation Council in 2013, Debassige was Chief from 2015-2023. During her tenure within the governance of M'Chigeeng, she has participated in numerous portfolios, committees and boards locally, regionally and nationally across many sectors including but not limited to treaty, infrastructure, water, housing, environment, policing, mental health and addictions, community safety, economic development, education, health, emergency management and community development. She is often called upon to provide advice and advocacy for indigenous communities, organizations and leadership and is known for her strong leadership style, knowledge, dedication and passion for all First Nations people.Notably, she has been the first woman to be elected as Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief, first Indigenous Trustee to hold the position of Vice Chair of Rainbow District School Board. She is a co-lead for the AFN on the co-development of the First Nation Safe Drinking Water and Wastewater Legislation.

Liora Zimmerman is counsel at Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP. Liora’s practice is focused on advising First Nations and First Nation-owned businesses on corporate law and commercial transactions.Liora has a Master’s degree in Forest Conservation from the University of Toronto, and, prior to attending law school, Liora worked for several years at a forestry consulting firm in northwestern Ontario, where she specialized in forest management planning.Liora received her J.D. from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. While at law school Liora was a senior editor and co-Editor-in-Chief of the Indigenous Law Journal, and participated in the Osgoode Intensive Program in Aboriginal Lands, Resources and Governments.Liora is a member of the Ontario bar.

Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief (RDGCC) Melvin Hardy was elected in June of 2021 to the Leadership Council Executive of Anishinabek Nation, representing the Northern Superior Region.At Anishinabek Nation, RDGCC Hardy currently holds portfolios in the following areas:Giigoonh Dodem – Fish Clan – Lands & ResourcesMakwa Dodem – Bear Clan – Health & HealingThroughout his work, RDGCC Hardy aims to address the priorities of the First Nations within the Northern Superior Region, and the Anishinabek Nation as a whole.RDGCC Hardy is a veteran of the Canadian Army, having served as paratrooper from 1979 to 1985. This service has shaped his work ethic, dedication, and commitment to the roles he takes on and has enhanced his leadership skills to the benefit of his community and the Anishinabek Nation.RDGCC Hardy attended Lakehead University and Ryerson University in working towards a Bachelor of Arts degree and has worked in the areas of mental health, addictions, and social services. It was through this work that RDGCC Hardy developed a lifelong interest and passion for social advocacy for Indigenous people.In 2016, RDGCC Hardy was elected as Chief of Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek (formerly known as Rocky Bay First Nation). As Chief, RDGCC Hardy was instrumental in many community developments, initiatives, and economic development successes of Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, a position he held until 2021 when he was elected to the position of Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief. RDGCC Hardy is the proud grandfather of three grandchildren, and frequently volunteers his times at various speaking engagements and community events in order to draw awareness to social issues, Residential Schools, and Child Welfare, among other topics.RDGCC Hardy’s Dodem (Clan) is Mukwa (Bear) and his name “Zhoongizi” means “strong one for the people” in Anishinaabemowin.

Michele Solomon is a grandmother, mother, and proud member of Fort William First Nation. A member of council for 8 years and a dedicated community leader, Michele empowers and supports our community and our people with compassion, love, commitment, and respect.Michele is a thoughtful leader, a careful listener and an advocate for growth and change.Michele has broad knowledge of the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850. Michele was honoured to represent Fort William First Nation’s interests and give testimony in the Robinson Superior Treaty Annuity Case. She has researched and shared her understanding of the damages sustained because of the Crown’s failure to properly implement the treaty. Sharing this information in workshops to advance this knowledge with community groups and organizations, she also lectures at the Bora Laskin Law School, teaching Indigenous Perspectives.Michele earned a BA Indigenous Learning degree (Lakehead University) and Social Service Worker Diploma (Confederation College).Michele Solomon was the Community Development Manager at the Ontario Native Women’s Association. In her role Michele led programs focused on Indigenous Women’s Leadership. Michele also served on the ONWA Board of Directors from 1988-1993.Michele’s main area of expertise is Mental Health and Addictions stemming from her many years of employment as a Team Leader and Manager at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care and Health Centre Manager for White Cedar. From her background in these areas, it has allowed her to obtain a strong knowledge of opioid addiction and treatment.

Sol Mamakwa is Anishinaabe and a member of Kingfisher Lake First Nation and a resident of Sioux Lookout. He is fluent in Anishininiimowin (Oji-Cree).Sol began his career as a health advocate, serving as co-chair for the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre and on other regional health boards. He remains committed to improving the way health is delivered throughout Treaty 9, 3 and 5 territory and the Kiiwetinoong riding as a whole.Over the past four years, Sol committed himself to advocating for the North as a whole. He introduced two private member’s bills, the first of which would have made the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples a part of provincial law. The second would have mandated the government to provide clean water in all First Nations in the province.Sol understands the challenges residents in the riding of Kiiwetinoong face. He used his time inside and outside of the legislature to tackle issues such as the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the child welfare and justice systems, the youth suicide crisis, vaccine hesitancy, and the doctor shortage in the North.

Stan Wesley is from Moose Factory and currently living in Six Nations Territory with his wife Mandy and two daughters Maya and Tenona.With his high-energy and sincere professional approach, he’s considered by many to be one of the most high energy speakers around.He’s pumped to be working again with ONWA.