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JUNE 2-4, 2025

RBC Convention Centre

Winnipeg, MB

Attendee quick links

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres (FNCCEC) are hosting the Indigenous History and Heritage Gathering (IHHG). This gathering is one of the many important events held during Indigenous History Month. It brings together diverse groups who are working to amplify the distinct stories of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island.

Ten Years Since the TRC's 94 Calls to Action

June 2025 marks a decade since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission presented the 94 Calls to Action, setting a foundation for reconciliation between Canadians and Indigenous Peoples. IHHG will serve as an essential space to reflect on the progress made since June 2015, and provide an invaluable opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, explore our shared histories, and commit to building a better future rooted in respect, understanding, and reconciliation.
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Keynote Speakers

To access a speaker's bio, simply click or tap their photo or name.

Dr. Wilton Littlechild

Dr. Wilton Littlechild

Maskwacîs, Alberta – Treaty No. 6
Grand Chief, Lawyer

For more than 40 years, Dr. Littlechild has worked to build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples through athletics, and law.

Phyllis Webstad

Phyllis Webstad

Author

A residential school Survivor and the inspiration behind Orange Shirt Day, Phyllis has sparked a national movement that continues to inspire dialogue, reflection, and action.

Speakers

To access a speaker's bio, simply click or tap their photo or name.

Mark Atleo

Mark Atleo

Survivor, Alberni Indian Residential School

Harry Bone

Elder Dr. Harry Bone

Need Title

Tréchelle Bunn

Tréchelle Bunn

Chief of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation

Francine Compton

Francine Compton

Associate Director of the Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA)

Jeffrey Cook

Jeffrey Cook

Survivor, Alberni Indian Residential School

Sherri Cook

Sherri Cook

Survivor, Alberni Indian Residential School

Karen Courchene

Karen Courchene

Grandmother-in-residence, University of Manitoba

Jennifer David

Jennifer David

Lead Truth and Reconciliation NVision Insight Group

Cambria Harris

Cambria Harris

Youth Advocate, MMIWG2S and Search the Landfill Movement

Cheryl McKenzie

Cheryl McKenzie

Executive Director of News and Current Affairs / Executive Management, APTN

Norman Meade

Norman Meade

Elders-in-Residence, University of Manitoba

Josie Nepinak

Josie Nepinak

President, Native Women’s Association of Canada

Pat Ningewance

Patricia Ningewance

Language Professor, Survivor, Translator

Pahan PteSanWin

Pahan PteSanWin

Respectful Rematriation Repatriation Ceremony Co-Chair, University of Manitoba

Michael Redhead Champagne

Michael Redhead Champagne

Need Title

Lara Rosenoff Gauvin

Lara Rosenoff Gauvin

Respectful Rematriation Repatriation Ceremony Co-Chair and Associate Professor, University of Manitoba

Tammy Squitti

Tammy Squitti

Survivor, Alberni Indian Residential School

Shayla Stonechild

Shayla Stonechild

Matriarch Movement, APTN

Kim Sullivan

Kim Sullivan

Host-Reporter | Montréal, APTN

Fran Tait

Fran Tait

Survivor, Alberni Indian Residential School

Wanbdi Wakita

Wanbdi Wakita

Grandfather-in-Residence, University of Manitoba

Andrea Naomi Walsh

Andrea Naomi Walsh

Ph.D., Associate Professor and Smyth Chair in Arts and Engagement, Department of Anthropology at the University of Victoria

We are honoured by the participation of these confirmed speakers.
Please check back with us regularly as more are being added.

Call for Speakers

Speaker standing on stage with podium

IHHG 2025 will explore the following themes through three central program tracks:

» Reflecting on the TRC’s Legacy
» Indigenous Culture and Language​
» Sharing Stories

We invite presenters to submit proposals that explore innovative strategies, research, stories, experiences, and best practices related to the above themes and tracks.

Learn More

View our photo gallery from the 2024 Indigenous History & Heritage Gathering.

Dr. Wilton Littlechild

Dr. Wilton Littlechild

Maskwacîs, Alberta – Treaty No. 6
Grand Chief, Lawyer

For more than 40 years, Dr. Littlechild has worked to build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples through athletics, and law. An accomplished lawyer, he is the first Indigenous person appointed to Queen’s (now King’s) Counsel by the Alberta Law Society. He brought Indigenous issues to public attention while serving as the first Treaty Indian Member of Parliament. Dr. Littlechild has been active with a number of organizations both within Canada and internationally, including the Indigenous Parliament of the Americas, the United Nations, the National Indian Athletic Association, and the Canadian Council of International Law.  Dr. Littlechild served as a Commissioner on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, whose final report was released on December 15, 2015; Regional Chief to the Assembly of First Nations and Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations.  He served as the Commissioner of the Saskatchewan Justice System to report on over-representation of Indigenous Peoples and racism in the legal system.

In recognition for his service and dedication fighting for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples globally, the Treaty No. 6 Elders and Chiefs through a sacred traditional ceremony honoured Dr. Littlechild with the title of “International Chief”, a lifetime position supported by the Chiefs of Treaty No. 7 and Treaty No. 8 at a duly convened meeting. For his participation in Indigenous and athletic endeavours, Dr. Littlechild has been honoured with a number of awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award as an Aboriginal Role Model, the Order of Canada, the Queen’s Jubilee Award; he has been inducted into nine Sports Halls of Fame, including the Canada Sports Hall of Fame. A graduate of the University of Alberta with a Master’s Degree in Physical Education, a Bachelor of Law Degree, and five Honourary Doctorates at Law. A renowned expert on the Inherent and Treaty Rights, International laws and declarations pertaining to Indigenous Peoples, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Organization of America States Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Instrumental in securing not only the International Year of Indigenous Languages but also the International Decade of Indigenous Languages.

Mark Atleo

Mark Atleo

Survivor, Alberni Indian Residential School

The Alberni Residential School Survivors Art & Education Society was incorporated in 2024 and has a fluctuating membership of approximately 18-20 Survivors who attended the Alberni Indian Residential School in the 1960s. In 2013 with the support of TRC Commemoration Funding Survivors worked with staff and faculty at the University of Victoria (Dr. Andrea Walsh, Honourary Witness to the TRC) to repatriate a collection of 75 paintings created by children who attended the school during the 1960s. Since this time, the AIRS Survivors have used the paintings in Indigenous-led healing initiatives, and in public education about residential schools through their exhibition in galleries, museums, and school programming in British Columbia and Ontario. The Survivor’s stories are part of the permanent Canada Hall exhibition at the Canadian Museum of History. The Alberni Residential School Survivors Art and Education Society supports and delivers opportunities for Alberni Indian Residential School Survivors and their families to participate in artistic, educational, and social gatherings with a focus on education and healing from the legacy of residential schools in Canada. Members of the Society participate in public education initiatives on the topic of residential schools and reconciliation.

Harry Bone

Elder Dr. Harry Bone

Need title

Elder Dr. Harry Bone is a respected Knowledge Keeper and Anishinaabe leader from Keeseekoowenin First Nation. A former Chief and education leader for Keeseekoowenin Ojibway Nation, Elder Bone has worked tirelessly to preserve and share Indigenous knowledge and traditional laws. He has dedicated many years to reconciliation efforts, championing Indigenous rights and fostering understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Tréchelle Bunn

Tréchelle Bunn

Chief of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation

Tréchelle Bunn is the first woman and youngest person ever elected Chief of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation, and one of the youngest serving Chiefs in Canada.

She graduated with distinction from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and a minor in Indigenous Studies. She is now pursuing a law degree at Robson Hall, the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba.

A dedicated advocate for Indigenous rights and youth empowerment, Tréchelle has spoken on provincial, national, and international stages, including at the United Nations. She is the founder of the Reconciliation Run, Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation half-marathon, and the creator of the first Indigenous student-athlete scholarship at the University of Manitoba.

Her leadership and advocacy have been recognized with numerous honours, including the Indspire First Nations Youth Award, the King Charles III Coronation Medal, the CBC Manitoba Future 40 Award, and the University of Manitoba Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

Francine Compton

Francine Compton

Associate Director of the Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA)

Francine Compton is a journalist whose work focuses on upholding Indigenous journalism standards and practices internationally. She is currently the associate director of the Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA), (formerly the Native American Journalists Association or NAJA). She previously served as President of NAJA for three consecutive terms. She was also the board treasurer for one term before her presidency. While president, she was responsible for leading the organization through a name change, starting the process of updating all governing documents, a global expansion strategy and producing an international conference in Winnipeg. Francine worked at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) as an assignment producer in the CBC’s Indigenous Unit before joining the IJA staff. She spent over 20 years of her career working for the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) and was the executive producer of APTN News when she left to join the CBC.

Jeffrey Cook

Jeffrey Cook

Survivor, Alberni Indian Residential School

The Alberni Residential School Survivors Art & Education Society was incorporated in 2024 and has a fluctuating membership of approximately 18-20 Survivors who attended the Alberni Indian Residential School in the 1960s. In 2013 with the support of TRC Commemoration Funding Survivors worked with staff and faculty at the University of Victoria (Dr. Andrea Walsh, Honourary Witness to the TRC) to repatriate a collection of 75 paintings created by children who attended the school during the 1960s. Since this time, the AIRS Survivors have used the paintings in Indigenous-led healing initiatives, and in public education about residential schools through their exhibition in galleries, museums, and school programming in British Columbia and Ontario. The Survivor’s stories are part of the permanent Canada Hall exhibition at the Canadian Museum of History. The Alberni Residential School Survivors Art and Education Society supports and delivers opportunities for Alberni Indian Residential School Survivors and their families to participate in artistic, educational, and social gatherings with a focus on education and healing from the legacy of residential schools in Canada. Members of the Society participate in public education initiatives on the topic of residential schools and reconciliation.

Sherri Cook

Sherri Cook

Survivor, Alberni Indian Residential School

The Alberni Residential School Survivors Art & Education Society was incorporated in 2024 and has a fluctuating membership of approximately 18-20 Survivors who attended the Alberni Indian Residential School in the 1960s. In 2013 with the support of TRC Commemoration Funding Survivors worked with staff and faculty at the University of Victoria (Dr. Andrea Walsh, Honourary Witness to the TRC) to repatriate a collection of 75 paintings created by children who attended the school during the 1960s. Since this time, the AIRS Survivors have used the paintings in Indigenous-led healing initiatives, and in public education about residential schools through their exhibition in galleries, museums, and school programming in British Columbia and Ontario. The Survivor’s stories are part of the permanent Canada Hall exhibition at the Canadian Museum of History. The Alberni Residential School Survivors Art and Education Society supports and delivers opportunities for Alberni Indian Residential School Survivors and their families to participate in artistic, educational, and social gatherings with a focus on education and healing from the legacy of residential schools in Canada. Members of the Society participate in public education initiatives on the topic of residential schools and reconciliation.

Karen Courchene

Karen Courchene

Grandmother-in-residence, University of Manitoba

Karen Courchene, Grandmother-in-Residence at the Indigenous Student Centre, is a member of the Respectful Rematriation Repatriation Ceremony (RRRC) Council of Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Grandmothers and Grandfathers. “Hello my name is Blue Thunder Cloud from the Bear Clan. I’m from Sagkeeng First Nation and got married, then transferred to Peguis First Nation. I am a teacher by trade. I’ve been in the classroom for over 30 years and I’m currently living in Winnipeg”.

Jennifer David

Jennifer David

Lead Truth and Reconciliation NVision Insight Group

Jennifer David has worked in the field of Indigenous communications and consulting for 25 years. Prior to consulting, Jennifer was the Director of Communications for the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. She started her own communications consulting company as a youth entrepreneur.

A member of Chapleau Cree First Nation, Jennifer is of mixed ancestry and was born and raised in Omushkego/Treaty 9 territory (Northeastern Ontario).

Jennifer has degrees in Journalism and English literature from Carleton University. In 2003, Jennifer became a partner and is currently a Senior Consultant and minority shareholder of NVision Insight Group, a majority Indigenous-owned consulting company. She oversees an area of practice called Truth and Reconciliation, and manages the development and offerings of NVision’s suite of cultural awareness and cultural competency courses and presentations, under the banner of The Path.

As a skilled and experienced communicator, researcher, published writer and facilitator, Jennifer brings energy, creativity, and professionalism to every project, driven by her commitment to the promotion of Indigenous communities and cultures, and to amplifying First Nations, Inuit and Métis voices.

She sits on the board of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network and writes freelance articles on Indigenous art for the National Gallery of Canada magazine. She is married and a mom of two teens. In her spare time, she’s a voracious reader of Indigenous literature. She co-hosted a podcast called Storykeepers: Let’s Talk Indigenous Books.

Cambria Harris

Cambria Harris

Youth Advocate, MMIWG2S and Search the Landfill Movement

Cambria Harris, also known by her spirit name West Flying Sparrow Woman, is a proud member of Long Plain First Nation and a dedicated mother. At 24 years old, she has become one of the leading voices behind the #SearchTheLandfill movement, following the tragic loss of her mother, Morgan Harris, and three other women who were murdered by a serial killer in December 2022. Cambria speaks with powerful honesty about her journey of resilience, strength, and advocacy, sharing both her story and her mother’s legacy in the ongoing fight for justice for MMIWG2S+.

Cheryl McKenzie

Cheryl McKenzie

Executive Director of News and Current Affairs / Executive Management, APTN

Cheryl McKenzie is Anishinaabe and Cree with her dad’s side of the family from the Hollow Water First Nation and her mom’s side from the Peguis First Nation in Manitoba.

Cheryl earned a degree in philosophy from the University of Winnipeg. Her studies in seeking out truth and logical arguments proved to be essential skills when she joined APTN as a reporter in June 2001. Since then, she has worked with APTN News as a host/producer, executive producer and currently as executive director.

Norman Meade

Norman Meade

Elder-in-Residence, University of Manitoba

Norman Meade, Elder-in-Residence at the Indigenous Student Centre, is a member of the Respectful Rematriation Repatriation Ceremony (RRRC) Council of Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Grandmothers and Grandfathers. Norman was born in Bissett, Manitoba, but grew up in the Métis settlement of Manigotagan. Norman is active in the community serving as an Elder and a Pastor. He serves on various boards in the city of Winnipeg. He is also an avid curler and is the founder of the Aboriginal Curling League of Winnipeg.

Josie Nepinak

Josie Nepinak

President, Native Women’s Association of Canada

Josie Nepinak is a proud Anishinaabe woman from Treaty Four, with roots in Minegoziibe Anishinabe. She believes in a balanced approach that combines Indigenous wisdom and healing with contemporary Western methodologies to promote the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals, families, and communities.

Her extensive background spans over 30 years in executive leadership roles, where she has addressed complex social issues while working with Indigenous organizations and advocating for Indigenous women and families affected by family violence. Josie holds a bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies and continues her professional development in management. She chaired the Calgary Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Committee and is affiliated with numerous national and provincial boards and councils.

Pat Ningewance

Patricia Ningewance

Language Professor, Survivor, Translator

Waabibizhikiikwe (Pat Ningewance), Bear Clan, is from Lac Seul First Nation in northwestern Ontario. A respected translator, teacher, writer, and publisher of Indigenous languages, she currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Manitoba. Pat was the lead translator for Star Wars in Anishinaabemowin and has dedicated her life to the revitalization and preservation of Indigenous languages.

She is a proud mother to Maeengan and grandmother to Aandeg. A residential school survivor, Pat attended Pelican Residential School at the age of five and later Shingwauk Residential School in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Her lived experience continues to inform her work and advocacy. She also has a deep love for cats.

Pahan PteSanWin

Pahan PteSanWin

Respectful Rematriation Repatriation Ceremony Co-Chair, University of Manitoba

Pahan PteSanWin, as one of three co-chairs of the Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation Ceremony (RRRC) along with Drs. Lorena Sekwan Fontaine and Lara Rosenoff Gauvin, supports the UM to truth-tell and return Indigenous Ancestral remains and belongings – taken and/or held by the university without consent – to descendant communities. Pahan views the “return, restore, revive” process as concrete steps to justice and an opportunity to heal. As a Vanier scholar, her doctoral studies research considers the potential of rematriation as a conceptual framework to guide Canadian heritage-holding institutions toward return and reparations.

Michael Redhead Champagne

Michael Redhead Champagne

Matriarch Movement, APTN

Michael Redhead Champagne is working towards a revolution that dismantles harmful systems and builds up new ones based on justice, equity, and love. A community leader from Winnipeg’s North End with family roots in Shamattawa First Nation, Michael is host, helper, published author, on-screen personality and sought after public speaker. Michael happily shares his words, wisdom, and welcoming energy across Canada and around the world.

Michael believes Indigenous knowledge will save the world and this can be seen in his commitment to Ininew concepts such as wahkotowin, mino bimadisiwin & sakihitowin. He is actively working on reclaiming his Ininew language and has started a language nest at the St John’s Public Library. Whether it’s eliminating poverty, ending homelessness or increasing support for children, youth and families, he is relentless in his pursuit of a more compassionate world. He organizes the annual North End Grad Walk, the North End Historical Society and is a board member for Fearless R2W & the Manitoba Health Coalition.

You can find him speaking out about poverty, politics and reconciliation on podcasts, video projects and in the news. Featured on multiple TEDx Talks, APTN’s Michif Country & First Contact, Michael is also developing a number of storytelling and multimedia projects. He loves family friendly jokes, Tetris, Stevie Wonder music and celebrating the success of others. Michael’s first children’s book, We Need Everyone, from HighWater Press is now available everywhere books are sold.

Lara Rosenoff Gauvin

Lara Rosenoff Gauvin

Respectful Rematriation Repatriation Ceremony Co-Chair and Associate Professor, University of Manitoba

Lara Rosenoff Gauvin is one of three co-chairs of the University of Manitoba’s Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation Ceremony (RRRC), along with Pahan PteSanWin and Dr. Lorena Sekwan Fontaine. As the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, she understands the acquisition of Indigenous Ancestors and heritage by settler institutions as a direct result of dehumanizing colonial and settler-colonial genocide and is committed to this work as urgent and necessary steps in relational repair and atonement. Dr. Rosenoff Gauvin is a mother, scholar, artist and Associate Professor of Cultural Anthropology at the University of Manitoba.

Tammy Squitti

Tammy Squitti

Survivor, Alberni Indian Residential School

The Alberni Residential School Survivors Art & Education Society was incorporated in 2024 and has a fluctuating membership of approximately 18-20 Survivors who attended the Alberni Indian Residential School in the 1960s. In 2013 with the support of TRC Commemoration Funding Survivors worked with staff and faculty at the University of Victoria (Dr. Andrea Walsh, Honourary Witness to the TRC) to repatriate a collection of 75 paintings created by children who attended the school during the 1960s. Since this time, the AIRS Survivors have used the paintings in Indigenous-led healing initiatives, and in public education about residential schools through their exhibition in galleries, museums, and school programming in British Columbia and Ontario. The Survivor’s stories are part of the permanent Canada Hall exhibition at the Canadian Museum of History. The Alberni Residential School Survivors Art and Education Society supports and delivers opportunities for Alberni Indian Residential School Survivors and their families to participate in artistic, educational, and social gatherings with a focus on education and healing from the legacy of residential schools in Canada. Members of the Society participate in public education initiatives on the topic of residential schools and reconciliation.

Shayla Stonechild

Shayla Stonechild

Matriarch Movement, APTN

Shayla Stonechild is an Indigenous Canadian model and health and wellness advocate. She is best known for competing in the ninth season of The Amazing Race Canada as a team with her brother, actor Joel Oulette,[2] and appearing as an advocate in the 2025 edition of Canada Reads.

Originally from Medicine Hat, Alberta,[4] she is a member of the Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation. She moved to Vancouver, British Columbia to study acting at the Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts, graduating in 2014 and later having supporting or guest roles in the television series Klondike, Siren and Tales from the Rez, and the theatrical film Indian Road Trip.

After being introduced to yoga by fellow actress Grace Dove, she gained prominence as an online influencer when she launched Matriarch Movement, a podcast and social networking platform to highlight and promote stories about Iindigenous health, personal development and creativity. She has also been a brand ambassador for Lululemon, and a television host of APTN’s Red Earth Uncovered and Entertainment Tonight Canada’s annual Indigenous Artists & Icons specials.

Kim Sullivan

Kim Sullivan

Host-Reporter | Montréal, APTN

Kim began her career as a teacher for the deaf but quickly discovered her true calling in broadcasting. After 12 years in radio, hosting community television shows on a variety of topics – from checking off bucket list items to supporting local organizations – Kim spent eight years with Global News Montreal as a weather specialist and community reporter. Growing up with a father of Irish ancestry and a mother of Indigenous heritage (Nunatsiavut), Kim takes pride in connecting with her roots through the vibrant communities of Montreal and is excited to lend her voice to APTN.

Fran Tait

Fran Tait

Survivor, Alberni Indian Residential School

The Alberni Residential School Survivors Art & Education Society was incorporated in 2024 and has a fluctuating membership of approximately 18-20 Survivors who attended the Alberni Indian Residential School in the 1960s. In 2013 with the support of TRC Commemoration Funding Survivors worked with staff and faculty at the University of Victoria (Dr. Andrea Walsh, Honourary Witness to the TRC) to repatriate a collection of 75 paintings created by children who attended the school during the 1960s. Since this time, the AIRS Survivors have used the paintings in Indigenous-led healing initiatives, and in public education about residential schools through their exhibition in galleries, museums, and school programming in British Columbia and Ontario. The Survivor’s stories are part of the permanent Canada Hall exhibition at the Canadian Museum of History. The Alberni Residential School Survivors Art and Education Society supports and delivers opportunities for Alberni Indian Residential School Survivors and their families to participate in artistic, educational, and social gatherings with a focus on education and healing from the legacy of residential schools in Canada. Members of the Society participate in public education initiatives on the topic of residential schools and reconciliation.

Wanbdi Wakita

Wanbdi Wakita

Grandfather-in-Residence, University of Manitoba

Wanbdi Wakita, Grandfather in Residence of the University of Manitoba’s (UM) Access Program, is a member of the Respectful Rematriation Repatriation Ceremony (RRRC) Council of Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Grandmothers and Grandfathers. As a residential school survivor, peacekeeper with the Canadian Armed Forces, former Chief of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation (Wipazoka Wakpa Dakota Oyate), and Sundance Chief, Wanbdi has walked many paths. In 2016, he received the Order of Manitoba. In 2025, he will be honoured at the Keeping the Fires Burning gala for his lifelong contributions to the community through sharing and preserving Traditional Dakota Knowledge and practice.

Andrea Naomi Walsh

Andrea Naomi Walsh, Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Smyth Chair in Arts and Engagement, Department of Anthropology at the University of Victoria

Andrea Walsh is an Associate Professor of Anthropology in the Department of Anthropology and the Smyth Chair of Arts and Engagement at the University of Victoria. Trained as a visual artist and printmaker, her research is arts-methods based and focused on visual storytelling through exhibitions and through graphic narratives produced by drawing, printing, and digital imagery. Her work focuses on repatriation of children’s art to Survivors from Indian Residential and Day Schools and working with families and communities to co-create and curate exhibitions and education opportunities with the artworks. Alongside Alberni Indian Residential School Survivors, Walsh has worked in collaboration with Dr. Jamie Trepanier at the Canadian Museum of History to teach stories of repatriation as reconciliation through exhibitions and education platforms. She has collaborated with families from the Osoyoos Indian Band for over 24 years on the story of the Inkameep Day School.

MMF

Morris Swan Shannacappo

President, First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres

Morris Swan Shannacappo is a well-known cultural and political leader who has served our community for many years. Morris was first elected to council at his home community of Rolling River First Nation when he was 25 years old. He served as Chief of his home community for more than 10 years and Grand Chief of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization for two terms. He now serves as the President of the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres and as a member of the Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre’s Board of Directors.

Mary Simon

Her Excellency the Right Honourable

Mary Simon

Governor General of Canada

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon was sworn in on July 26, 2021, as Canada’s first Indigenous governor general. She is the 30th governor general since Confederation.

Mary Simon was born on August 20, 1947, in Kangiqsualujjuaq, Nunavik (Quebec), to Nancy May (Angnatuk-Askew), her Inuk mother, and Bob Mardon May, her English father who worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company.

Ms. Simon gained national and international recognition for her work on Arctic and Indigenous issues and for her efforts in advocating for Inuit rights, youth and culture.

Ms. Simon began her career as a radio broadcaster with the CBC Northern Service (now CBC North) in the 1970s. Following this, she held a series of executive positions with the Northern Quebec Inuit Association (now Makivik Corporation) and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, centred on negotiating the first land claims agreement in Canada, the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. As president of Makivik Corporation, she was directly involved with the implementation of the agreement, along with the protection and promotion of Inuit rights.

Along with fellow Indigenous leaders, she was also actively involved in the negotiations leading to the 1982 patriation of the Canadian Constitution, which formally entrenched Aboriginal and treaty rights in the supreme law of Canada.

She later joined the executive council of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference (now the Inuit Circumpolar Council), for which she served two terms as president. In addition, she was commissioner of the Nunavut Implementation Commission and policy co-director of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.

From 1994 to 2003, Ms. Simon served as ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs, becoming the first Inuk to hold an ambassadorial position. During this time, she negotiated the creation of the Arctic Council. Concurrently, she served as ambassador of Canada to Denmark from 1999 to 2001.

Beginning in 2006, Ms. Simon served two terms as president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. In 2008, in the House of Commons, she delivered a response on behalf of Inuit to the formal apology on residential schools. She is the founder of the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation and, until 2014, she was the chairperson of the National Committee on Inuit Education.

In 2017, as the Minister’s Special Representative, Ms. Simon delivered a report to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs on A new Shared Arctic Leadership Model, setting the stage for important policy and program development in support of the Arctic and its residents.

Among other distinctions, Ms. Simon is an Officer of the Ordre national du Québec. She is also a recipient of the Governor General’s Northern Medal, the Gold Order of Greenland, the National Aboriginal Achievement Award, the Gold Medal of the Canadian Geographical Society and the Symons Medal.

Upon becoming governor general, Ms. Simon was promoted by Queen Elizabeth II to the level of Companion of the Order of Canada (C.C.), and invested as Commander of the Order of Military Merit (C.M.M.) and Commander of the Order of Merit for Police Forces (C.O.M.). Queen Elizabeth II was the Sovereign of these Orders at the time.

Ms. Simon plays the accordion and loves berry picking and nature. She is anaana (mother) to a daughter and two sons, anaanatsiaq (grandmother) to 12 children and amauq (great-grandmother) to four children. She also has three stepchildren from her marriage in 1994 to Mr. Whit Fraser, former head of the Canadian Polar Commission, former executive director of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and a former long-time CBC journalist.

Photo credit: Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall © OSGG-BSGG, 2021

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