ANISHINABEK EDUCATION SYSTEM Niigaan Gdizhaami – We Are Moving Forward Together Forum 2020 BIOGRAPHIES
MASTER OF CEREMONIES Dwayne Pamajewon Dwayne Pamajewon is an Ojibway from Shawanaga First Nation, which is centrally located in the heart of Georgian Bay. He has held various positions while working on behalf of the people and government of Shawanaga, ranging from Housing Manager; to Capital Project Manager; to Project Training Coordinator; and, Economic Development Officer. Dwayne was elected Councillor of his First Nation at 22 years of age and served a singular term as Chief of his community from 1996 to 2001, when he subsequently retired from First Nation politics. In his previous work, Dwayne has held positions with the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Canadian Executive Service Organization, and the Ogemawahj Tribal Council. He is now in his 7th year as the Indigenous Liaison Specialist for the Ministry of Transportation, Northeastern Region.
Academically, Dwayne graduated from secondary school with his diploma, and then went on to receive his certificate/advanced certificate phases via FNTI/Ryerson University’s Public Administration and Governance Program.
Dwayne continues to undertake consultative/facilitation work when requested, pertaining to public speaking, policy development, strategic planning and/or priority setting sessions for organizations, departments and/or councils including workshop, and conference facilitation/emceeing.
KEB BOARD of DIRECTORS CHAIRPERSON Catherine Pawis
Catherine Pawis has lived and worked in the community of Wasauksing First Nation for many years, where she serves as the Education Director and as the principal of Wasauksing Kinomaugewgamik School. Catherine was previously a principal with the Toronto District School Board and has numerous years of teaching experience. She has served on several volunteer boards, specific to Indigenous communities, and was formerly the vice-president with Native Child and Family Services of Toronto. As the Chairperson of the KEB Board of Directors, Catherine’s vast knowledge of the Provincial and Indigenous education systems is truly an asset to the Anishinabek Education System.
ANISHINABEK NATION GRAND COUNCIL CHIEF Glen Hare
Previous to his term as Grand Council Chief, Glen Hare served four consecutive terms as Deputy Grand Council Chief of the Anishinabek Nation. He is a citizen of M’Chigeeng First Nation, where he served both as Chief Councillor over many years. As a fluent Anishinaabemowin speaker, Glen is a constant advocate for language revitalization and education with our youth. His signature passion for the well-being of our children is vital to the next seven generations of Anishinabek youth.
ANISHINABEK EDUCATION SYSTEM Niigaan Gdizhaami – We Are Moving Forward Together Forum 2020 BIOGRAPHIES
YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE Cassandra Commanda
Cassandra Commanda is a citizen of Nipissing First Nation. She is currently a student at Durham College, where she studies in the 911 Communications program. She spends a lot of her time working with, and volunteering, with the Anishinabek Nation, and with the Indigenous Student Centre at Durham College. As a former representative for the Anishinabek Nation Youth Council, Cassandra brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role at the Niigaan Gdizhaami Forum.
PRESENTERS Andrea Crawford – Acting Director of Education Kinoomaadziwin Education Body
Andrea Crawford is a citizen of Dokis First Nation and a proud communications professional. She received an Honours Degree in Communications from Laurentian University, as well as a diploma in Public Relations from Cambrian College and a diploma in Print Journalism from Canadore College. Andrea has spent several years working with Indigenous communities, in positions that support capacity building, economic development and communications. As the Acting Director of Education for the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body, and as a mother of two young children, Andrea recognizes the significance of the Anishinabek Education System, and all that it will offer to Anishinabek students moving forward. Taunya Paquette - Director of Indigenous Education Ministry of Education Taunya Paquette (Biidaaban Giizis Kwe- Rising Sun Woman, Turtle Clan from Saugeen First Nation) has over 24 years as an education advocate and support to families and children in urban and on- reserve communities, including Toronto, Hamilton, Six Nations and New Credit. Her professional career began in Early Childhood Education, then expanded to include Family Mediation, and Leadership and Interdisciplinary Studies. During this time, Taunya contributed to the development of Urban Aboriginal Head Start and Early Learning programs and founded the Native Youth Advancement with Education Hamilton secondary program.
Currently, Taunya is the Director of Indigenous Education for the Ontario Ministry of Education, where she leads the policy work and inter-governmental relations to support academic achievement and well-being for all Indigenous students and to ensure the next generation of Ontario students and teachers are educated in the true histories and contemporary contributions of our First People.
ANISHINABEK EDUCATION SYSTEM Niigaan Gdizhaami – We Are Moving Forward Together Forum 2020 BIOGRAPHIES
KEYNOTE SPEAKER Dr. Sean Lessard University of Alberta
Dr. Sean Lessard is from Montreal Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 6 territory Northern Saskatchewan. He is an award winning writer, international speaker and researcher in the field of indigenous education and youth studies. Sean is an Associate Professor at the University of Alberta. Sean has recently been awarded the Pat Clifford emerging researcher award by the Canadian Association for Teacher Educators as well as the American Education Research Association Early Career Research Award. His work focuses on indigenous youth empowerment and leadership including the development of his not for profit indigenous youth bursary and wellness program that has contributed over $150,000 in the past 3 years to indigenous high school and post-secondary students across Canada.
WORKSHOP #1 – CULTURAL COMPETENCY Nick Bertrand Ministry of Education
Nick Bertrand is a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. He has worked in education for over 13 years, occupying roles as an OCT certified teacher, a school board Indigenous Education Lead, and more recently as an Education Officer in the Ministry of Education. Nick works closely with Indigenous Education Office on the implementation of the Master Education Agreement. His background, knowledge and experience are well-served on several of the committees that support the work of the Multi-Year Action Plan.
WORKSHOP #2 – SPECIAL EDUCATION Nancy Allaire Nipissing First Nation
Nancy Allaire is the Director of Education for Nipissing First Nation. She has many years of experience working in Indigenous education, both in the provincial and First Nation systems. Nancy currently sits as the co-chair of the Special Education Committee for the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body’s Special Education Committee, where she contributes in a significant capacity to the work of the Anishinabek Education System in special education. As a member of several committees at the First Nation and regional level, Nancy is a strong advocate for advancement in Indigenous Education and community development.
ANISHINABEK EDUCATION SYSTEM Niigaan Gdizhaami – We Are Moving Forward Together Forum 2020 BIOGRAPHIES
Elizabeth Bigwin Kinoomaadziwin Education Body
Elizabeth Bigwin is a member of Beausoleil First Nation and a life-long educator. She began her professional teaching career in Beausoleil First Nation before moving into the provincial education system. Over the years, Elizabeth honed her skills in teaching, Special Education and administration, while building her qualifications as a Principal and a Supervisory Officer. Following her work in schools, Elizabeth served as Education Advisor and the Executive Director with the Ogemawahj Tribal Council. In recent years, she worked as an Education Officer and also led the implementation of the Master Education Agreement for the Indigenous Education Office of the Ministry of Education. Today, Elizabeth is the Special Projects Coordinator for the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body, where she continues to play a lead role in the coordination of the Master Education Agreement.
Workshop #3 – Student Transitions Renee Restoule Kinoomaadziwin Education Body
Renee Restoule is from Dokis First Nation. She holds a bachelor of Education from Queen’s University and now has over 20 years of teaching and administration experience in education.
Renee currently works for the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body, as the Culture, Programs and Standards Manager, where much of her work is focused on the development and delivery of programs and services to the 23 Participating First Nations of the Anishinabek Education System.
Beena Kondoopparampil Ministry of Education
Beena Kondoopparampil is a Senior Policy Analyst for the Ministry of Education. She received her Master of Public Administration from Queen’s University and has proven experience in leading the development and implementation of provincial policies and programs addressing priority policy issues and challenges. As a known collaborator with strong conceptual, analytical and strategic thinking skills, Beena also serves as the current co-chair of the Transitions Working Group for the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body. Her strong project management, leadership, relationship management and communication skills enable Beena to provide quality, responsiveness and timeliness on project deliverables. She is committed and driven to achieve results and successful outcomes both at an individual and team level.