First Nations Leading the Way 6

Professor Peter Yu AM is a Yawuru man from Broome in the Kimberley region in Northwest Australia with over 40 years' experience in Indigenous development and advocacy in the Kimberley, and at the state, national and international levels.

As an advocate for the social, cultural and economic advancement and well-being of Kimberley and other Aboriginal communities for his entire career, Prof Yu has been instrumental in the development of many community-based organisations and initiatives which have had an enduring influence on the Kimberley region. He was Executive Director of the Kimberley Land Council, and a member of the national leadership team negotiating the Federal Government's response to the 1992 Mabo High Court judgement.

Prof Yu was a key negotiator on behalf of the Yawuru Native Title Holders with the Western Australian Government, and recently was Chief Executive Officer of the Yawuru Corporate Group, he was the Chair of the Indigenous Reference Group (IRG) to the Northern Ministerial Forum on Northern Development.

Prof Yu is the current inaugural Vice-President, First Nations Portfolio at the Australian National University.

He is also:

• Deputy Chair of the Northern Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance
• Board member of Watertrust Australia Trustee of the Princes Trust Australia
• Council Member of JANA Sustainability Advisory
• Chair of the Australian Advisory Group to Rio Tinto

A longtime Westbank First Nation leader and former lawyer specializing in Indigenous law, Robert previously served as Chief for 24 years until 2016 – during which time he helped guide the Nation through independence, achieving self-governance in 2005.

Robert has held many leadership and advisory roles with government and private industry over the years, including more than 30 years as Chairman of the First Nations Lands Advisory Board. Louie is a recipient of many esteemed designations and awards, including Officer of the Order of Canada, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business’ 2022 Aboriginal Business Lifetime Achievement Award.

undefinedJason Calla, BCom, MSc

Jason has worked with First Nations on comprehensive community plans and with First Nation institutions to consider approaches to close the infrastructure gap. He has advised on options for participation in proposed major resource projects and the negotiation of impact benefit agreements.

 Jason served as a member of the First Nations Infrastructure Institute Technical Team from 2017 to 2023. He served on the Board of Directors of the First Nations Health Authority from 2013-2019. Jason completed a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of British Columbia (1994) and a Master of Science at the London School of Economics and Political Science (1998). Jason is also a member of the Squamish Nation.

Melanie Assiniwe is an Anishnaabe-kwe from Wiikwemikoong, located in Northern Ontario. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant {CPA) and Chartered Accountant {CA), holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from Laurentian University, has extensive finance and accounting experience, having been a Senior Accountant at KPMG, as a professor at Cambrian College, and as a Director of Finance at a Northern Ontario First Nation.

Leah Armstrong, Co-Founder and Chairperson First Australians Capital

Leah, a Torres Strait Islander, is a senior professional with over 25 year’s business and not for profit experience. Throughout these years Leah has led the establishment and growth of some of the premier national Indigenous economic organisations and currently Leah is leading First Australians Capital in innovating how Indigenous enterprises access capital and support. This includes an ambitious Indigenous-led and managed impact investment fund. Leah currently serves on several Boards including a Trustee of The Nature Conservancy (Australia), Reserve Bank of Australia – Chairperson First Nations Advisory Group, Philanthropy Australia – member of the First Nations Governance Committee and Co-Chair of the PA First Nation Funders Network.   

Leah has played a pivotal role in national Indigenous affairs as past CEO of Reconciliation Australia; Director of Indigenous Business Australia; Director of Indigenous Engagement and Advancement at the University of Newcastle, a member of the Business Council of Australia’s Indigenous Taskforce, a member of the Prime Minister’s Indigenous Advisory Council, a Fellow of the University of Sydney Senate, Chairperson of Supply Nation and Chairperson of Aboriginal Housing Office NSW.  Leah also was a co-founder and Managing Director of Yarnteen Ltd, an Aboriginal community economic development organisation in Newcastle.

Leah has been recognized as a “True Leader” by the Australian Financial Review Boss Magazine and named in the inaugural Australian Financial Review/Westpac 100 Influential Women Awards.

André LeDressay is the Director of Fiscal Realities Economists, the Director of the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics and a professor in the School of Business and Economics at Thompson Rivers University. Nominated for the Donner Book Prize (2010), a distinguished alumni award from Thompson Rivers University and a lifetime achievement award from the First Nations Tax Administrators. Principal author of the Tulo Centre online textbook – Building a Competitive First Nation Investment Climates and Renewing Indigenous Economies through Creative Destruction. Instrumental in development of  the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, the First Nations Sales Tax, the First Nations Goods and Services Tax Act and the proposed First Nations Infrastructure Institute. Helped facilitate over 30 First Nation local government service agreements and joint infrastructure projects. PhD in Economics, Simon Fraser University, Master of Applied Economics, University of Victoria and Honors degree in Math and Economics, University of Regina. 

James MacKinnon is the Director of Engagement and Government Relations for the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority (AFNWA), Canada’s first Indigenous-owned water and wastewater utility. AFNWA works at improving health and safety in First Nations communities through improved water and wastewater management.

 A two-time Dalhousie University Alumnus, James holds a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Chemistry and Sociology, and a Master of Public Administration. His career began with Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat, in positions including Director of Housing and Infrastructure. James is a lifelong Nova Scotian; a proud Cape Bretoner born and raised in Sydney, Unama’ki, and now resides in Halifax.

Born and raised in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, Jody is Anishinaabe kwe from Treaty 3 and a proud member of Couchiching First Nation. As the Strategy & Partnerships Advisor, Jody is responsible for the design and development of strategic initiatives and building and advancing relationships with First Nations who are pursuing development and prosperity for their communities. Her role is to educate, advocate and advance partnerships for the mandate and services offered by the FNFA for First Nations clients throughout Canada.

She has attended Harvard Business School’s Executive Education program and is a Business Administration graduate (Human Resources Management) from Fleming College. She has also received her Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator (CAPA) designation from AFOA Canada. Jody has recently been appointed as community trustee for Couchiching First Nation Legacy Trust Fund.

In her spare time, Jody volunteers with various community initiatives, boards and loves being active with her family. She currently resides in Ottawa with her husband and two sons.

From the Salt River First Nation in the Northwest Territories, Ernie Daniels manages the business affairs of FNFA as President and Chief Executive Officer.

He is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager, and prior to joining FNFA in 2011, he was the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association (AFOA) of Canada for seven years and the Director of Assessment and Finance Operations at the Aboriginal Healing Foundation (AHF) for five years. He was also appointed to the Bank of Canada’s Board of Directors in January 2023.

She brings over 10 years of Indigenous commercial lending and management consulting experience and passion to enhance economic reconciliation to her current role at the First Nations Financial Management Board. For many years, she has worked in Indigenous Business Development and Entrepreneurship, Facilitation and Financial Governance.

Catherine is a member of the M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, and a mother to three young adults pursuing post-secondary education. She enjoys being of service to Indigenous organizations with volunteering, sharing knowledge, and is a volunteer Director with the AFOA Ontario Chapter.

Delanie is a Cree/Dene from the Treaty 8 region in Northern Alberta and is the Indigenous Relations Manager for the First Nations Financial Management Board.

 Her work with community is guided by purpose and intention that is demonstrated through building solid and meaningful relationships with First Nations while supporting their journey toward economic reconciliation, capacity building, and self-determination.

Dillon Johnson, B.Comm, MBA, CAFM

• Providing community, economic and financial planning advice and services to First Nations governments and organizations for a decade as a consultant with Temixw Planning Ltd. in North Vancouver
• Member of the Tla'amin Nation, where he served three consecutive terms as an elected member of Council
• Proudly carries a Tla'amin name, toqʷanən (toh-kwon-non), which is a former village site and a place of significance in Tla'amin territory
• MBA graduate from the Richard Ivey School of Business (University of Western Ontario)
• Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Victoria
• Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) designation from the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada
• Serves as the President of AFOA BC

Geordie is a Gwich'in (Northwest Territories and Yukon).

As CEO, Geordie provides leadership on implementing the strategic direction of FMB set by the Board of Directors, while overseeing staff and their work.

He brings deep experience in finance and financial law, with experience as a securities regulatory lawyer, financial tribunal Chair and CEO, management consultant and investment banker. He has also practised Aboriginal and corporate law at a national law firm, driven economic development initiatives for the Gwich'in Nation, and represented the Gwich'in Nation in international Arctic economic development forums. He has initiated and led Indigenous networking and Reconciliation and UNDRIP policy development initiatives at the Canadian Bar Association (BC and National).

Geordie holds an MBA and an MA (East Asian Studies/Chinese) from Stanford University, an LLB from UBC, and an electrical and computer engineering degree from Queen's University. He is a CFA Charterholder, CAIA Charterholder and an Action Canada Fellow. Geordie is a member of CFA Canada's Canadian Advisory Committee for investment policy and a member of the Independent Review Committee on Standard Setting in Canada, which is reviewing audit and sustainable standards governance and oversight for Canada.

Grant is a member of Saulteau First Nations, part of Treaty 8 in the northeastern portion of B.C.

As the FMB's General Counsel he is responsible for providing governance and legal advice to the First Nations Financial Management Board.

Prior to joining FMB in 2021, he served for six years as legal counsel with the First Nations Health Authority and on a contract basis with his own community. Before that, he practiced public law for over 20 years, within the federal Department of Justice. He finished his public service career as the Director of the Aboriginal Law Section, accountable for all litigation and advisory services in the B.C. region.

Grant also sits as a Director on the boards of a not for profit and crown corporation.

He is a graduate of and previously an adjunct professor at the University of Victoria Law School.

Nathan Sack is a Mi’kmaw cultural knowledge holder and facilitator with expertise in both public administration and business management in First Nations communities. Nathan had worked in several Indigenous communities before joining the First Nations Financial Management Board. His management experience comes from serving as the commercial fisheries manager for Glooscap First Nation and director of operations for both Kingsclear First Nation and Sipekne’katik. Nathan earned his Master’s of Business Administration from Athabasca University in December 2017. He has also received the Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator (CAPA) designation from the Aboriginal Finance Officers Association of Canada.

In June 2017, Nathan attended the Governor General Leadership Conference and is considered a “GG alumni.” He attributes his cultural knowledge to active participation in the Sundance ceremony and other traditional and contemporary gatherings. Nathan understands the benefit of applying these cultural teachings to all aspects of his life, including his management practices.

Scott is Kaska Dena (Yukon Territory).

As Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the First Nations Financial Management Board, Scott liaises and builds relationships with various stakeholders, partners, and organizations across the country. He is responsible for overseeing the Standards and Certification and Corporate Services business lines.

Since joining the FMB in 2011, Scott has developed strong relationships with First Nations governments, including their elected and hereditary leaders; staff in many federal government departments such as CIRNA, ISC, and Statistics Canada; and Indigenous organizations like AFOA and the AFN.

Scott is currently the Vice Chair of the Public Sector Accounting Board and is active in building partnerships with professional organizations to promote reconciliation with Indigenous Canadians.

Scott has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Queen's University and CPA, CA, and CAFM designations. He brings over 20 years of finance and leadership experience from both the private and public sector.

Harold is a member of the Squamish Nation located in North Vancouver, British Columbia.

After many years of experience in international business, he worked with the Squamish Nation as a negotiator in the areas of economic development, land management, and finance and served eight years on the Squamish Council.

He has also acted as an advisor and an arbitrator for First Nations in Western Canada.

Ogimaa Kwe Kimberly Bressette was elected Chief of Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation in November 2022. She has a strong dedication to community and a wealth of experience and knowledge working for her Southwestern Ontario community. She brings a passion for making positive changes to enhance the lives of the First Nations people.

Chief Bressette proudly continues her family’s legacy following in the footsteps of her uncle, Chief Thomas Bressette Baa. Her mother was from Kettle and Stony Point, and her father from the Mohawk Nation of Kahnawake, Quebec. This diverse background has instilled in her a deep appreciation for cultural heritage and a profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by First Nation communities.

She has served in her community for 18 years at the forefront of Child Welfare and Social Services. Her unwavering commitment to families, children and youth has inspired her to advocate for effective solutions and strategic planning to address issues such as domestic violence, drug addictions, and strengthening families. Becoming a Foster mom has enriched her life in many ways but demonstrates Ogimaa Kwe’s passion to care for her community and do her part to make it better. Her vision and commitment to the well-being of First Nations people will undoubtedly shape a brighter future for all.

Paula Pictou is the Lands Coordinator for Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation.  She facilitates many aspects of Paqtnkek’s Lands and Resources, such as the passing of Paqtnkek’s Land Code, the development of the Community Land Use Plan/Law (CLUP), Additions to Reserves (ATR) and imminently, an Environmental Management Policy/Law.  She is an active member of the Emergency Management, the Community FNII project, and Tourism teams, on the Finance and Audit Committee, the vice president of the Atlantic Regional Aboriginal Lands Association (ARALA).  She is on various advisory, working groups and helps with Estates.

Paula is a graduate of NSCC’s Business Administration program along with a completion of level one of the Professional Land Managers Certification Program (PLMCP) via the National Aboriginal Land Managers Association and Algoma University, among other courses and training.  Paula is working towards level II of the PLMCP, and a certificate in Emergency Management.  Paula is a team player that believes that we all should work smarter not harder. 

She strives to do what’s best for Paqtnkek, and her main goals are to build a complete Maqamikew (Lands) Department and a community archive, in conjunction with moving forward with the community’s vision.  You can reach Paula at paula.paul@paqtnkek.ca

• Proud member of Mistawasis Nêhiyawak (Saskatchewan)
• Director of Operations for Mistawasis Nêhiyawak
• Trustee for Mistawasis Nêhiyawak, Specific Land Claims
• Officer of Mistawasis Nêhiyawak, Finance and Audit Committee
• Project Management Team member for Mistawasis Nêhiyawak
• Member of AFOA
• Former Director of Education and Principal for Chief Mistawasis School
• Former Post-Secondary and Local Labour Force Development Coordinator for Mistawasis Nêhiyawak
• Former School Board Trustee with Prairie Spirit School Division

Steven is an undergraduate of the College of Commerce at the U of S. Since April 2018, he has been serving as a Board of Director with First Nations National Institutions such as First Nation Finance Authority (FNFA) and the Lands Advisory Board (LAB). He is also involved in a few local committees and boards with Mistawasis Nêhiyawak which include the Finance & Audit Committee as Chair and Misty Ventures Inc. as Chair. His background includes six years as Chief Financial Officer for Mistawasis Nêhiyawak, five years as Board of Director of the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association (AFOA SK) prior to his election as Councillor in 2017, and Co-Manager and Third-Party Management with various Communities in Central Saskatchewan for nine years where he gained working knowledge of diversification and growing with the Communities he worked for.

As a lifelong resident and direct descendant of Chief Mistawasis (Pierre Belanger) and Chief Broken Jaw (Jacob Johnston), he understands and firmly believes in family, the potential that exists in the people and businesses within the grassroots. He also contributes time and energy to several charitable causes and non-profits. Steven and his wife Lora have four wonderful children, including two adopted children.

Robert is the President / CEO of Misty Ventures LP, which is the Economic Development entity for Mistawasis Nehiyawak. When Robert started with Misty Ventures in 2015, there was no active Economic Development activity, and today there are 11 active companies that are owned by the entity. Robert obtained his formal education in Saskatoon, with his first degree being a Bachelor’s in Social Work. While going to University, Robert started a career as a casual employee with the Provincial Government in the area of Young Offenders programming. Once graduated, he spent 11 years with the province until in a supervisory role and decided to change careers. The next step was the Business Diploma at SIIT and straight from there into the University of Saskatchewan MBA program which was completed in one-year full time. Right after graduation, Robert secured a prosperous career with SIIT senior management team as Director of Marketing and Communications for 8 years just prior to starting in Mistawasis. My passion is to create the best Economic Development department for my nation Mistawasis Nehiyawak and pass the torch to a younger motivated business minded individual who can continue the work and progress. Robert and his wife, Natalie Sutherland, have three children and two grandsons. With several years of sobriety golf has taken over Robert’s extracurricular activity and to this date my golf handicap is still the same.

Graham is a graduate from Cape Breton University, earning his Bachelor of Arts & Community Studies degree in 2019.

He was elected in Membertou’s Council in 2016, and again in 2020. Graham is currently in his second term. His portfolio includes: Health, Public Works, Housing & Facilities, Radio, and Membertou Trade & Convention Centre.

Graham sits on Nova Scotia Works Board and the Atlantic Memorial Park as a board member. He is also an ambassador to Membertou and promotes the Mi’kmaq culture both locally and across North America”. (https://membertou.ca/chief-council/).

Khelsilem is a prominent Indigenous leader and current Chairperson of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). First elected to Council in 2017, Chairperson Khelsilem was an official Spokesperson and active in leading work on various projects and initiatives including developing a not-for-profit housing society and the Sen̓áḵw development, the largest Indigenous housing development in Canadian history. Chairperson Khelsilem’s lifelong work has focused on progressive social change, including climate justice, social democracy and gender equity. Chairperson Khelsilem brought this passion for change when he became leader of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) in 2021. Chairperson Khelsilem has been a strong advocate for transparency, accountability and ethical governing standards that will allow all Nation Members to benefit. Chairperson Khelsilem sits on numerous boards and advisory committees. He is currently the Co-chair of the City of Vancouver’s United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Taskforce. Chairperson Khelsilem is a fluent speaker of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim (language) and prior to serving the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), he founded a program at Simon Fraser University to help train a new generation of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim (language) speakers. Chairperson Khelsilem currently resides in Vancouver.

Jamie Lowe, a proud Gundjitmara Djabwurrung man, first joined the National Native Title Council (NNTC) as Chair in 2017. Two year later he was appointed CEO, charged with supporting First Nation’s people’s right to true self-determination through advocating for their right to speak for and manage their own Country; to govern their own communities; to participate fully in decision making and to self-determine their own social and economic development.

In 2021 he was appointed as the Indigenous Specialist Representative for the Australian Heritage Council – the principal adviser to the Australian Government on heritage matters.

In July 2018 he joined the Victorian Heritage Council as an Indigenous Specialist Representative and is a joint council member of the Coalition of the Peaks.  Jamie was instrumental in the Closing The Gap Agreement with the Federal Government, that came into effect July 2020.

Prior to joining NNTC Jamie was CEO of the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation in South Western Victoria, awarded Native Title in 2011. Today he represents the Eastern Maar People as an elected representative on the historic First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, the representative elected body tasked with negotiating a Treaty with the Victoria Government.

Internationally, Jamie is the NNTC representative on the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) – a high level advisory body to the New York based UN Economic and Social Council.

As a key influencer, Jamie firmly believes that creating economic independence and maintaining and growing cultural identity are vital in creating a self-determining nation of First Nations peoples, and will continue to tirelessly advocate for a national Treaty whilst remaining a strong advocate for Traditional Owners and communities across Australia.

Highly regarded by the media, Jamie is regularly interviewed across all ABC, SBS and NITV platforms, The Financial Review, The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, The Western Australia, WA Today and First Nations media.

Joe Morrison is Dagoman and Mualgal and has over 30 years’ experience working with Indigenous people in northern Australia, nationally and more recently globally. He has extensive experience in public policy, governance, research, Indigenous development, native title, land rights. land and sea management and economic development.
He is currently the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC).
Prior to this he was the Chief Executive Officer of Australia’s largest land rights authority, the Northern Land Council and the founding CEO of the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA). He is currently a Director of the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre, International Savanna Fire Management Initiative, National Centre for Indigenous Excellence, Primary Partners Pty Ltd, Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia and a member of the AFL Indigenous Advisory Council.

The Honourable Greg Rickford was first elected to the Ontario Legislature as the MPP for Kenora - Rainy River on June 7th, 2018 and re-elected June 2nd 2022. He currently serves as the Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs Ontario.

Before coming to Queen’s Park, Minister Rickford represented the constituents of the Kenora riding in Ottawa as the Member of Parliament.

During his seven-year federal term, he was appointed to Cabinet where he served as Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, Minister of Natural Resources, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. Among other positions and committee memberships, Minister Rickford belonged to the Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Committee and the Special Committee on Violence Against Indigenous Women.

At both the federal and provincial levels, Minister Rickford has served the people of Ontario and Canada by building relationships with Indigenous communities and leaders—listening and giving voice to their concerns. His focus has been on opportunities to create growth and prosperity for Northern Ontario.

Greg, his wife Janet and their two young daughters, live in Keewatin, Ontario. He has lived and worked in many capacities in northern Ontario throughout his professional career. He has owned his own business, and holds degrees in common and civil law from McGill University and an MBA from Université Laval.

Today, Minister Rickford continues delivering on the commitment to make life more affordable and businesses more prosperous through the ministries he oversees.

The Honourable Patty Hajdu was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North in 2015. She has previously served as Minister of Health, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, and Minister of Status of Women.

Minister Hajdu is a strong advocate for women’s rights, youth employment, and affordable housing.

Before entering politics, Minister Hajdu was the Executive Director of Shelter House Thunder Bay and a co-author of the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy. She also previously worked in public health and focused on drug policy, youth development, and homelessness.

She is a compassionate advocate for Thunder Bay—Superior North and all of Canada, believing that a more inclusive country benefits everyone. As Member of Parliament, she remains firmly focused on ensuring every Canadian has a fair shot at success.

Minister Hajdu is a graduate of Lakehead University and earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Victoria.

Former Chief Dennis Meeches served as a council member of the Long Plain Government for approximately 26 years. Under his leadership Long Plain has garnered national attention for its governance and corporate vision.

·      Council from 1988 to 1994

·      Chief from 1998 to 2009

·      Chief from 2013 to April 2022

Dennis Meeches was instrumental in the economic growth of Long Plain with their Arrowhead Development Corporation. Long Plain has won numerous economic awards locally, provincially and nationally under his leadership. He was the President of the following Indigenous corporations and remains chairman of TCIG, Indigeno Travel & NIRSMC. He also serves on the Board as a Director of the Indigenous Development Leadership Institute.

As the Treaty 1 Spoke-person, his priority was the creation of a joint reserve at Naawi-Oodena formerly known as Kapyong with the Treaty One First Nations.

Dennis is now employed with TCIG – Spirit Healthcare Group of Companies as Vice President of Business Relations and is the CEO of Indigeno Travel.

Dennis Meeches is also a horse rancher, accomplished recording artist and well known throughout the powwow trail as an old-style grass dancer & singer.