Amanda Shannon is the Director of Policy in the Indigenous Languages Branch at Canadian Heritage. In this role, she is responsible for continuing to implement the Indigenous Languages Act as well as the International of Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2023 in the domestic and international context. Prior to that, Amanda was the Director of Program Evaluation at Canadian Heritage, where she was responsible for providing neutral, timely and evidence-based advice on the relevance and performance of programs within the Department. 

She has been a career public servant for over 20 years and has held numerous positions with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Cost Guard.  Amanda holds a Baccalaureate in Administration from the University of Ottawa and is fluent in French and English.

tanisi kakiyaw. My spiritual name is Standing Rock. I am a proud member of the Canoe Lake Cree First Nation on Treaty 10 territory. My birth name is Arliss Coulineur. I am very blessed by our Creator and fortunate to have unconditional support from my home fire with my wife, Jenn, and my three children, Hayden, Shyra and Jayven. They are the very reasons why I live a healthy lifestyle and practice the traditional teachings taught to me by our keteyak- Elders.

I currently work as the Dean of Adult Basic Education with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (S.I.I.T.). I served as principal of the Canoe Lake Miksiw School and Mosquito School in previous years. As well, I have spent 6 years as vice principal, a role that led me to a change in my journey. After attaining my M. Ed. In 2016, I have had the opportunity to have been with the Greater Saskatoon Catholic School as a F.N.M.I. Consultant.

All was accomplished by a residential school dropout who was not expected to be where I am today. I have a story to share and hope that I may be allowed to be heard and help others believe in themselves and know that nothing is impossible. “The path is there… I just have to walk it!”-SIIT student.

No matter where I have been in the 24 years of my professional educational journey, I firmly believe that the ways of knowing and traditional teachings of our culture are key. They have provided guidance and direction in difficult times. Through wahkotowin and inclusiveness, our communities can work together to ensure that our people can bridge the gaps of relational connections.

I look forward to sharing my story, my truth and connecting with you. 

In the Spirit of Manacihitowin (Respect),

Arliss Coulineur

Aanii / Sge:no 

My name is Brent Beauchamp. I am Anishinaabe and Onondaga from the Six Nations Reserve of the Grand River currently living in Toronto. I am an artist, animator, and graphic designer. I graduated from Sheridan College Bachelors of Animation Honors program. My passions are rooted in creating art that represents indigenous people, culture, and uplifting other young indigenous artists.

Over the past 25 years, Carmen Parent has worked to enhance policies, practices and funding structures to improve outcomes for Indigenous children and families in the Education, Justice and Human Services sectors. This path has led to her current role as Director of Strategic Projects with the Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council Education Authority (KTCEA) in Northern Alberta. Carmen holds a Masters’s Degree in Social Work Leadership and is incredibly grateful for the learning opportunities that have flowed from working alongside professionals, mentors, and elders at KTCEA.

From the Alexander First Nation in Alberta Mr.Kootenay brings a diverse background and uniqueinsight to the team with a wealth of knowledge andexperience being actively involved in the Indigenouscommunity. He has attained a Bachelor of Arts Degreein Native Studies from the University of Alberta in1997 and has been working for the Indigenouscommunity ever since.

He started his career working for his First Nation in1997 as a Youth Program Coordinator. In 1998, he wasrecruited to work for Treaty Six as their Youth ProgramCoordinator. He soon found his niche with OteenowEmployment and Training Society. His first positionwas their Marketing and Communications Director andYouth Program Coordinator from 1999 to 2001. In 2001,he took over the role of Executive Director until 2009.

While at Oteenow, Mr. Kootenay successfullymanaged the design, delivery, and implementation of amultimillion-dollar organization in employment andtraining. He assisted in the creation and execution ofpolicies and procedures that laid the foundation forthe successful management of Oteenow.

Mr. Kootenay spearheaded the creation of the Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre (IKWC) Ltd. Theorganization was born out of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for First Nations Education in Alberta 2010-2020. IKWC opened its doors in the spring of 2017 and is mandated to provide 2nd, 3rd and 4th level educationalsupport services to Band Operated Schools in the Treaty No. 6, Treaty No. 7 & Treaty No. 8 territory in Alberta. Mr.Kootenay has been the Chief Executive Officer of IKWC since 2017.

Mr. Kootenay has sat on several boards over his 26-year career. He was Chair of Homeward Trust Edmonton for 2.5years and served as Vice-Chair for 2.5 years. Homeward Trust Edmonton has a budget of 50 million dollars and is avolunteer board with the goal to end homelessness in Edmonton.

Kootenay has also served as the Chairman of the Alexander First Nation Education Authority for one term and hasserved on the AFNEA board for three consecutive terms.

Mr. Kootenay has also assisted in the creation of Manitou Asiniy-Iniskim-Tsa Xani Center Inc. where he currentlyholds the position as a founding Board of Director.

Mr. Kootenay is currently the Assistant Coach for the Enoch Oilers U9 Hockey Team and is an avid volunteer foryouth sports.

Mr. Kootenay is also an accomplished sculptor and painter a graduate of Victoria School of the Performing andVisual Arts. He has sold over 250 pieces of work that can be found throughout the world.

Davin Dumas is a member of the Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation. His understanding of the connection to the land is important and continues to grow. He has worked in education for over 20 years as a certified teacher. He has taught various grades and subjects and has been a vice principal, a principal, and a director of education. As an Ojibway speaker, Davin values culture, local history, and family. He is a husband, a father and a moshoom.

Davin is currently employed with the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre as the Director of Languages and Cultures.

He spends time outdoors with his family, fishing, hunting, and camping. The connection to the land is important for his family and is key to passing on values and knowledge. Lifelong learning is part of living a healthy life.

Davin believes that education must focus on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. 

Dr. Daphne Mai’Stoina is the Superintendent of Education for Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council Education Authority (KTCEA) and has been in the education system for over 34 years serving in various capacities such as a special education teacher, vice principal, acting principal and assistant superintendent, superintendent, instructional specialist and province-wide Special Education Director. She is from the Siksika Nation and has strong cultural ties with Siksika traditions. Daphne has a Masters’s Degree in Educational Leadership/Administration (University of San Diego) and a Doctorate of Education (University of Calgary). She has served on various bodies representing First Nations over the years. Daphne has presented at local, provincial, national and international conferences on topics that include special education, Indian Control of Indian Education and inequities in First Nation Education. She has received numerous awards & recognition for her achievements, including the Dr. Olive Dickason Award. She has been blessed with three beautiful children and 9 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, that make her life complete.

Dr. Vivian Ayoungman, with a distinguished educational foundation from the University of Calgary and Arizona State University, has dedicated over fifty years to various educational roles, from teaching to executive leadership.

As the Executive Director of the First Nations Adult and Higher Education Consortium, she significantly contributes to Indigenous education advancement. Her pivotal role in the Digital Preservation of Indian Residential Schools Project exemplifies her commitment to preserving Indigenous history and narratives. Dr. Ayoungman’s career, marked by recognition as a Woman of Distinction and a Distinguished Alumni, underscores her profound impact on education and cultural preservation.

James Knibb-Lamouche is Cree/Métis from kapawe’no (Grouard) on Treaty 8 Territory and grew up near the site where the Treaty was made. He is Director of Innovation and Research at the Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre providing educational policy, research, and resource supports for the Nations of Treaty 6, 7, and 8 Territories. Previously, he was a Research Fellow at Harvard Medical School; a Research Officer with the National Aboriginal Health Organization; Director of Research and Indigenous Health Sciences Coordinator at University nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills; and Associate Director of Indigenous Student Services at McMaster University. Mr. Knibb-Lamouche has a unique background in academic and community research in the areas of Indigenous Knowledge and Traditional Medicines. He has extensive experience at the community level as program developer, researcher, and facilitator. He has a strong background in research ethics; multilateral environmental agreements and fora; land-based education; and Indigenous Knowledge.

Ivan Augustine is Mi’gmag from Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick, Canada. He is a leader and role model for students, families, and educators in his home territory and across the country.

In his capacity as teacher for 12 years, then Principal for 20 years at his communities Band Operated school, and now Director of Education at Elsipogtog First Nation for the last 10 years, he has led the community’s progress in education, recently achieving the first Regional Education Authority (REA) at the community level in the province.

He is the recipient of the 2016 Indspire Award in Community Service and serves on the NB Literacy Coalition as well as Adult Education Boards and sits as an executive with Three Nation Education Group.

He sits on the NB Provincial Curriculum Evaluation and Advisory Committee (PCEAC), the NB Executive Steering Committee, the Indigenous Guiding Team, the Inclusion Steering Committee, and the Treaty Education Committee.

He graduated from St Thomas University with a BA and BED in 1980/81 and a Masters Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Moncton in 2002.

Jan Haugen is N’lakapamux, a member of Lytton First Nation and has worked at the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) since 2002 and is currently the Director of Executive Services and Community Support.

 In her role at FNESC, she collaborates provincially and nationally with First Nation leaders and education technical representatives, K-12 Indigenous Education Partners, and government representatives.

Jan has Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Carleton University.

Katherine Gall (she/her) is the Manager of Post-Secondary Education and Training Policy at the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC). In her role, Katherine also supports FNESC’s sister organization the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association (IAHLA).

Katherine has a Master of Science in International Migration and Public Policy from the London School of Economics, and a Bachelor of Arts in Global Development Studies and Indigenous Studies from Queen’s University.

Katherine currently resides on unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

In the fall of 2019, Mya Beardy from Kitizan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation created a family-run business famously known as Kokum Scrunchies at the age of 9. Now, Maya, the founder and owner of Kokum Scrunchies, continues to handmake each scrunchie while also expanding her business by selling Kokum Scarves, bags, lanyards, headbands, stickers, etc.

The Kokum Scrunchies were originally named after Indigenous role models in Maya’s life. Now, Maya hopes to inspire others in her journey that has put her on the path of bringing Kokum Scrunchies to everyone, you and old.

Maya holds Sunday Drops, where she releases limited edition Kokum Scrunchies, scarves, and, recently Ribbon Skirt Kits. Each Sunday Drop the quantities are limited and sell out quickly.

You can shop online, visit her first-time-ever Kokum Scrunchies vending machine located at the Bayshore Shopping Centre in Ottawa, ON, or follow her in social media.

Marsha Josephs is a strategist, natural collaborator, and effective negotiator. Throughout her career, she has developed and driven domestic and international strategies which have resulted in unprecedented growth. Marsha has experience as a senior leader in the Ontario Public Service and non-profit organizations, with expertise in post-secondary education. For over 15 years, Marsha has dedicated her work to purpose-driven organizations and Indigenous communities. As a sought after thought-leader, Marsha is often requested to provide advice at national, provincial, and international advisory committees. As a passionate advocate, Marsha speaks at conferences on issues affecting women, youth, and entrepreneurs. She is passionate about creating an equitable, inclusive, and diverse society and generating prosperity for all.

Rebecca Jamieson, Tuscarora, serves as President and CEO with Six Nations Polytechnic, located in the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory (the largest by population First Nation in Canada). Rebecca contributes locally, regionally, nationally and internationally to Indigenous controlled and quality assured education and training. Rebecca serves as Chair of the Indigenous Institutes Consortium (Ontario), NAIIHL (National Association of Indigenous Institutes) and the Six Nations Language Commission. She is a board member of NIAB (National Indigenous Accreditation Board), the WINHEC Board of Accreditation and CICan (Colleges and Institutes Canada). Acknowledgements of Rebecca’s contributions include honorary doctorates from Western University and Laurier University, Honorary Applied Degree from Niagara College, Six Nations Community Treasure, Dreamcatcher Foundation Education Award, Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada.

Ryan Jimmy is nêhiyawak (Plains Cree ) from Onion Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, Treaty Six territory. He holds a Master of Education from the Department of Educational Foundations at the University of Saskatchewan. His thesis focuses on the experiences of Two-spirit Indigenous students in post-secondary education and how they navigate different forms of oppression while studying at universities in Saskatchewan. To conduct his study, Ryan used a mixed qualitative approach, which included an Indigenous research methodology influenced by the nêhiyawak (Plains Cree) concept of wâhkôhtowin.

Ryan is passionate about promoting Indigenous education and capacity building through an Indigenous worldview. He serves as the Director of Academic Strategy at the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT). Previously, he worked as the inaugural Director of Innovation, where he led the development of the SIIT pawâcikêwikamik Innovation Collective, an initiative dedicated to empowering grassroots Indigenous entrepreneurship and innovation. Ryan has also taught in the Mental Health and Wellness diploma program at SIIT and coordinated post-secondary programs at the Saskatoon Campus.

As a former K-12 educator and an Indigenous researcher, Ryan is interested in Indigenous knowledge and pedagogy, social innovation, adult learning, and 2SLGBTQ issues. He aims to drive productive discussions and inclusive change for Indigenous people and communities in the post-secondary sector.

Thane Bonar is the Director of Communications and Policy at the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC). He has been working with FNESC since 2013. Thane oversees FNESC’s policy work related to First Nations education in the public K-12 and post-secondary education systems.

Prior to joining FNESC, he worked at the BC Ministry of Advanced Education and the University of British Columbia First Nations House of Learning. 

Thane has a Master of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Professional Writing from the University of Victoria.