Executive Committee Portfolio letter

Meet Joanna Bernard, Regional Chief, New Brunswick

Building sustainable, prosperous, and self-governing Nations.

Assembly of First Nations New Brunswick Regional Chief Joanna Bernard, a member of Madawaska Maliseet First Nation in New Brunswick, Canada, is a prominent leader dedicated to advancing prosperity and economic development for First Nations in Canada.

Regional Chief Bernard is a proud mother of five sons, one stepdaughter, and grandmother to fifteen grandchildren. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, and raised in Madawaska First Nation, New Brunswick, interim National Chief Bernard is of Italian and First Nations descent. 

Regional Chief Bernard has more than two decades of experience in First Nations politics and leadership. She’s been an integral part of Madawaska Maliseet First Nation and played a pivotal role in its growth and success. Throughout her journey, Regional Chief Bernard held various positions of leadership and made significant contributions for First Nations across New Brunswick.

Regional Chief Bernard’s journey began within her own community, where she served as a Councillor and later as Chief from 2003 to 2013. Recognizing the importance of economic development, Regional Chief Bernard became the CEO of the Madawaska Maliseet Economic Development Corporation (MMEDC) in 2013. Her vision paved the way for notable achievements, including the establishment of the Grey Rock Power Centre.

Beyond her community, Regional Chief Bernard has been active in various organizations and committees at the provincial and national levels. Regional Chief Bernard served as a member of the First Nations and Business Liaison Group of New Brunswick, the Assembly of First Nations’ Chiefs’ Committee on Economic Development, and the Union of New Brunswick Indians’ Aboriginal Natural Resources Committee. Additionally, she held the positions of President of the Maliseet Nation Conservation Council and Co-Chair of the Assembly of First Nations’ Chiefs in New Brunswick. Through her involvement in these tables, Regional Chief Bernard advocates for First Nations inherent and Treaty rights, economic prosperity, and sustainable resource management.

In recognition of her efforts and leadership, Regional Chief Bernard received the Order of New Brunswick in 2013 contributing to the well-being and economic prosperity of the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation and other First Nations communities throughout New Brunswick. Her dedication was acknowledged by being appointed as an Honorary Colonel in the Canadian Armed Forces and receiving Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.

In 2021, Joanna Bernard assumed the role of Regional Chief for New Brunswick and the role of Interim National Chief in July-December 2023. With her experience, passion for economic development, and commitment to advocating for First Nations inherent and Treaty rights, Regional Chief Bernard continues advocate for First Nations across Canada and future generations.

Executive Committee Portfolio letter

As a member of Witchekan Lake First Nation located in Treaty Six territory (northern Saskatchewan), Regional Chief Bobby Cameron has spent the majority of his life maintaining strong ties to culture, language and identity. As an avid hunter, trapper, and fisherman – Chief Cameron advocates and understands the significance of First Nations culture and tradition with respect to keeping close ties to traditional lands. He is currently in his second term as Chief of Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, a Treaty and Inherent Rights organization that represents 74 First Nations, and more than 160,000 First Nations people. He has also served one term as a Vice-Chief for Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN). Chief Cameron holds a Bachelor of Arts, with a major in Indigenous Studies from the University of Regina. He is a strong advocate for Treaty and Inherent Rights for future generations of First Nations people.

Executive Committee Portfolio letter

Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador Mr. Ghislain Picard is Innu from the community of Pessamit. Between 1976 and 1989, he dedicated most of his time in communications. He was responsible for communications and media relations for the Conseil Atikamekw Montagnais (CAM). He published a periodical called “Tepatshimuwin” intended for Atikamekw and Innu communities. At the beginning of the 1980s, Mr. Picard was President of the Quebec Native Friendship Center. In 1983, he was very active to implement a community radio stations network for his nation. He is one of the founding members of the Société de communication atikamekw et montagnaise (SOCAM). SOCAM produces radio shows in Aboriginal language.

In the middle of the 1980s, Mr. Picard participated to a UNESCO international study on the role of communications in rural communities. After he was appointed vice-president of the CAM in 1989, he was elected Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) in 1992 and has been the AFNQL Regional Chief since. As AFNQL Chief, he sits on the Assembly of First Nations Executive and Management Committees and is the spokesperson for the Comprehensive claims, Urban population and International Issues portfolios. On July 15, 2014 in Halifax, the Chiefs-in-Assembly unanimously appointed him as National Chef. He occupied this function until December 2014 and then resumed his position as Chief of the AFNQL. On October 28, 2003, Mr. Picard received the National Order of Quebec. On January 24, 2005, he received the distinguished insignia of Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur from the Consul Général de France.

Executive Committee Portfolio letter

Regional Chief Kluane Adamek (traditional name “Aagé) has served as the Assembly of First Nations Yukon Regional Chief since January 2018. Chief Adamek is a proud northerner and citizen of Kluane First Nation. Regional Chief Adamek belongs to the Dakl’aweidi (Killerwhale) Clan and comes from a diverse background with Tlingit, Southern Tutchone, German and Irish origins.

After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Canadian Studies from Carleton University in 2009, she returned home to work with Yukon First Nations and local communities in the areas of education, economic development and governance. In 2019, she completed her Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Simon Fraser University. Throughout her career, she has served on several boards and committees including the Yukon College Board of Governors, Kluane Dana Trust, Actua, the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, and the Aboriginal Sport Circle.

She has proven experience in both the private and public sectors, and in Government. While pursuing her Jane Glassco Northern Fellowship with the Walter and Duncan Gordon Charitable Foundation, she led and founded “Our Voices,” a collective of northern Indigenous emerging leaders and is incredibly passionate about supporting youth and emerging leaders in the North and beyond.

Regional Chief Adamek currently holds the AFN National Portfolios for Modern Treaties and Self-Government Agreements and Environment, Climate Change and Water Stewardship. 

Senior Executive Coordinator: Hollie Blundon
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (867) 456-2369

Executive Committee Portfolio letter

Regional Chief Terry Teegee, is proudly serving his second term with the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN). Chief Teegee’s ancestry is Dakelh, Gitxsan and Sekani and he is a member of Takla Nation. As a former Registered Professional Forester, he was responsible for looking after forests, including lands and resources. Terry is deeply involved in natural resources development and the pertaining policies. As Regional Chief, he is an instrumental voice in the development and historic passing of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA).

Terry’s strong leadership, both provincially and nationally, is vital on the following portfolios and issues:

• AFN Chair on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Implementation Committee
• Co-Chair of the AFN National Fisheries Committee
• Co-Lead on the AFN Justice and Policing Portfolio
• Co-Chair for the Champions Table with B.C. Business Council
• Tripartite Working Group (TWG) member to implement Bill C-92, Indigenous Child Welfare Jurisdiction Bill to implement the Commitment Document Provincially
• AFN Representative on the UN Convention of Biodiversity
• Member of the BC First Nation Gaming Commission

Terry is known for his caring and collaborative leadership. He works to unify and support people working together towards the recognition of our inherent rights and Title, Treaty Rights and Human Rights as Indigenous Peoples.

Previous to becoming Regional Chief, Terry was the elected Tribal Chief of the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (CSTC) from 2012-2017 and CSTC Vice Tribal Chief from 2009-2012. Previous to his political aspirations, Terry held forestry and natural resources roles with the CSTC and Takla Nation. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resources Management (Forestry) and also a Natural Resources Technology Diploma.

Terry and his family reside on Lheidli T’enneh Shelley Reserve.

Executive Committee Portfolio letter

Regional Chief Wendell LaBobe is a dedicated professional who brings over 15 years of experience working within Indigenous communities and organizations.  Wendell has played a role in leadership as the Councillor with the Lennox Island First Nation Chief and Council from 2019 until 2024. Wendell has worked closely with the Chief and Council in successfully bringing growth to the community since he was elected in 2019.  

Wendell is passionate about promoting and preserving cultural and traditional growth to the Indigenous communities. He has worked in different capacities such as research, data entry, youth development, economic development, and consultation work that will contribute to the work he will be doing as the Regional Chief. 

He brings a business background, having graduated from Holland College in Business Management as well recently Wendell obtained his Certified Aboriginal Professional Administration (CAPA) designation from AFOA Canada and has successfully completed numerous courses related to the type of work he has been doing. 

Wendell has a deep passion for his Mi’kmaq brothers and sisters here on Epekwitk and throughout Turtle Island and is dedicated to continue doing the hard work to ensure the success of his people today and for the future.  He looks forward to the work he will be doing as the Regional Chief. 

When not working, Wendell enjoys spending time with his wife Michelle, their three children, and three beautiful grandchildren.  He has a passion for drones, photography, walks with his dog and experiencing new adventures.  

Regional Chief Wendell LaBobe as part of the Assembly of First Nation, the PEI Office of the Regional Office, holds the portfolio for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Woman, Girls & 2SLGBTQQIA+ people (MMIWG2S+)

Executive Committee Portfolio letter

Abram Benedict served as the Grand Chief for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. In the position of Grand Chief, Abram led a dynamic Council of 12 members that governs the Mohawk Community of Akwesasne. The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is an advanced First Nation community that delivers a wide variety of services to its members. Akwesasne is uniquely located on the international boundaries of Canada, the United States, and the provincial borders of Ontario and Quebec. As an advanced community government, one of the Council priorities is to improve the services offered to its members. By embracing change through the utilization of modern approaches and enhanced governance structures, the Mohawk Council has set out to modernize the organization through embracing its senior-level management down to its front-line staff to effect positive change.

Abram has spent the last 18 years in community leadership. Under Abram’s leadership as the Grand Chief, he has led negotiations with federal government partners to obtain financial support for the organization to support the preparation and implementation of change initiatives. The change initiatives included the review of governance structures and system reviews and analysis of a workforce of 800 employees predominantly made of Mohawks of Akwesasne. Abram and his council recognize that the workforce is the catalyst for implementing change, and organizational improvements would only not only benefit the organization but the community of Akwesasne as well. As the Grand Chief for Akwesasne Abram has successfully led several successful negotiations, including two significant land claims that will help advance Akwesasne’s priorities with proceeds of over $280 million. Other negotiations include cooperative land use agreement, union negotiations, government contribution agreements, and civil disputes.

Before Grand Chief Abram’s terms with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, his work experience was in the private business sector, and he studied administration at Algonquin College and Fanshawe College. Abram Benedict also served as a volunteer board member as the Aboriginal Representative to the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) board, a member-based agency representing the 47 CASs in Ontario, including the 9 Aboriginal Agencies. Abram was a governor for St. Lawrence College, where he concluded a six-year tenure in 2023 as the Chair of the College Board. In addition, he is a former board member of Cornwall Community Hospital.

Executive Committee Portfolio letter

Andrea Paul is a proud member of the Mi’kmaq community of Pictou Landing First Nation in Nova Scotia. Pictou Landing First Nation is located on the beautiful coast of the Northumberland Strait, which is well known for fishing as a livelihood. Andrea is a wife, mother of two, and a very proud grandmother to Easton. Andrea is currently the Regional Chief for Assembly of First Nation Nova Scotia Region. Andrea was also the Chief for Pictou Landing First Nation for twelve years before her election as Regional Chief in November 2023. Andrea holds a Master of Education in Leadership and Policy, Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts, all from St. Francis Xavier University.

Andrea is passionate about community, education, social justice, human rights, Treaty protection, and environmental justice. Andrea was instrumental in negotiating the closure of a kraft pulp and paper treatment facility which created environmental, social, traditional, cultural, emotional and mental harm to her community since 1967. Andrea was also a co-lead in opening a self-governing school in her community in 1995, with the goal of bringing Mi’kmaq language and cultural teachings to the forefront of the school mission. Andrea was also able to negotiate a K4 – Grade 8 school for her community to allow the children to continue the Mi’kmaq language, cultural, traditional and land-based teachings with the opportunity to enhance their treaty understanding. This beautiful new school opened in February 2020.

Andrea is an active beader, self-taught in 2018. Through this passion, Andrea opened a small online beading supply business called Wasawek Beading, to support other beaders across Turtle Island. Andrea has taught numerous beading classes to others, youth and adults with the message, “Beading is Healing.” Andrea also opened a take-out, Auntie Saun’s Take-out during covid as a fun project and is now four years operational, with many young students and adults being employed at various times. Andrea has a passion for crafting so can often be found in her beading room, or print room designing shirts, or making fun candy apples.

Executive Committee Portfolio letter