My name is Ali Maunula and I began working with Matawa Education in September 2024. My academic background is an Honours Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and I will graduate in April with a Master of Education with specialization in Indigenous Education. I spent the last 4 years working as a high school teacher and then vice principal in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation in northern Manitoba.

Amy King is a Specialist Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Anika is Anishinaabe kwe, Amik dodem and a proud member of the Anishinaabek Nation. She has many roles she values including daughter, auntie, wife, mother, and educator. Anika is in her 17th school year as a teacher. For the last 10 years, she has been working centrally to support Indigenous Education programming at LPS. Anika is truly honoured to work for and with Indigenous children and youth.

Annick Brewster is the Assistant Superintendent of School Effectiveness at Superior-Greenstone District School Board. A proud daughter, wife and mother to three boys, she is a passionate leader in literacy, special education, and student achievement. Annick supports inclusive practices and inspires educators and leaders to use data- informed strategies to meet the diverse needs of students.

Ashley Nurmela is the Indigenous education coordinator for Elections Canada in Northwestern Ontario. She delivers learning services in the region. Based in Nipigon, Ontario, she is a member of the Red Rock Indian Band. Actively engaged in her community, she has experience working with local First Nations communities, federal and provincial schools, organizations, students, and families.

Ashley is the supervisor of the Oshkibiimaates Wiidoogakewin: Matawa Partnership Program at St. Joseph’s Care Group, a unique integrative mental health program within the Matawa Education and Care Centre (MECC). Ashley is a social worker and has worked in the mental health field for almost 20 years, specializing in youth mental health and addictions, trauma and critical incident response.

Beth Conly-Edwards is a Specialist Teacher of the Blind-BLV Coordinator.

Bruno Bilotta is a PhD student and Faculty Advisor at Lakehead University, as well as an educator with the Toronto Catholic District School Board in the Treatment Research and Education for Autism and Developmental Disorders (TRE-ADD) program. With over 20 years of experience supporting exceptional students across various age groups, Bruno has developed a strong commitment to inclusive education.

My name is Cheryl Ugray, and I am from Michikan Lake First Nation. I completed both my undergraduate and graduate education at Lakehead University, focusing on Indigenous Education. I have been an educator for 22 years and have worked in various capacities in Ontario and Alberta. Currently, I serve as the Special Education Coordinator for the Matawa Education and Care Centre in Thunder Bay.

Chloé is Manager, Program Implementation & Training at the Child Development Institute (CDI). Chloé supports the team of SNAP Trainer/Consultants to ensure SNAP affiliates are supported when implementing SNAP. Chloé holds a Master of Public Health and is passionate about developing inclusive, accessible, and sustainable programs that support community mental health.

Corine Bannon is an Anishinaabemowin educator at Lakehead University and Lakehead Public Schools in Thunder Bay. With 20+ years of experience, she works to embed Anishinaabemowin in schools and daycare centers. Passionate about language revitalization, she promotes its use in public learning spaces, fostering confidence in students. She supports NSL programs in multiple schools.

For the past twenty years, Dadavan has been partnering with Indigenous communities across Canada to develop and implement purpose-built data management systems. Our ever-evolving suite of products, used across all provinces, manages data in post-secondary management, K-12 student information systems, off-reserve data management - and we keep growing!

Danielle Mior is a proud member of the Red Rock Indian Band. Through her work, she advocates for Indigenous education and fosters cultural inclusion and holistic well-being. She collaborates with communities to develop curricula and resources that honour Indigenous knowledge, storytelling, and traditions.

Dave has been a high school Physics teacher for over 30 years. He has played a leading role in the production of most of the classroom resources and programs developed by Perimeter. He has given workshops on teaching science at local, provincial, national and international levels. Dave is currently a Teacher in Residence at Perimeter Institute.

David Bates is a Canoe Builder & scientist of Métis and Ojibwa heritage from Fort William Historical Park. In a past life, he travelled across Northern Ontario teaching science and tech to students and adults of all ages. He now uses storytelling, traditional techniques, and the occasional explosion to do the same thing, but a few hundred years in the past.

David Peddie has been teaching at John C. Yesno Education Centre since October 2020, with experience in intermediate, and high school. His expertise spans teaching, accounting, technology, research, and business. Holding an MBA in Management of Technology and Innovation and a bachelor’s in computer science, David is also active in his community, enjoying dancing, singing, and cooking.

Deb McDougall, is the Curriculum Development Officer for the Matawa Education and Care Centre. Deb is constantly working with school staff, the Land-based & , Cultural Teams and the Elder’s to create reflective curriculum to support our students and educators. Deb has been an educator on the North Shore for 28 years with equity and student success as the primary focus in all she does.

With over 20 years of experience in education, I specialize in fostering evidence-based, equitable, and inclusive learning environments. As a literacy specialist, lecturer, psychometrist, and doctoral student in School Psychology at OISE, my expertise lies in literacy development, neurodiversity, and intervention.

Dr Aroha Watene (Hon EdD, MA, BA) is Ngāi Tuhoe, NZ. She has been an Indigenous Language Revitalization Specialist for the past 8 years at Matawa Education and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the World Indigenous Nations University, in Education, further emphasizing her contribution to Indigenous education. Aroha’s years of experience is in curriculum and digital instructional design.

Eddy Baxter, a land-based guide from Eabametoong First Nation, has a lifetime of experience in hunting, trapping, fishing, and harvesting. With four years at Matawa’s Land-Based Program, he shares his deep knowledge and skills with students, offering valuable insights rooted in his connection to the land. Eddy’s expertise and dedication are greatly appreciated by all.

Liz Barrett was awarded the 2016 award for Partner in Indigenous Education from INDSPIRE for her work in Indigenous communities in Canada.

Liz is a teacher, who emigrated from South Africa to Canada. Liz joined JUMP Math many years ago works and travels full time to support Math teaching across many communities in Canada. Her passion is supporting teachers and math education.

Elliott Cromarty is the Indigenous Heritage Program Coordinator at Fort William Historical Park. He began learning about Anishinaabe culture, history and traditional skills as a student. He works with the community to develop and host education programs, events and workshops. Elliott teaches staff about Indigenous culture, encouraging them to share it with visitors from many walks of life.

Emily Kerton is a Senior Manager leading the Outreach & Indigenous Initiatives portfolios. She has spent the last 15 years working with schools & communities to ensure Science North’s programming is culturally relevant and curriculum focused.

Emily’s career spans across Canada, working in both non-profit and for-profit sectors, with a focus on philanthropy, conflict management, and employee relations. She founded Emily Shandruk Solutions in 2019, and then partnered to create Sociable Solutions in 2023. Emily specializes in non-profit consulting and employee relations.

Flora Asp was raised in the isolated Ojibway First Nations community of Eabametoong, Ontario. Her path to higher education began with her enrolment in the Yukon Native Teacher Education Program at Yukon College, where she earned a Bachelor of Education Degree in 2002. Flora went on to earn a Master’s in Education from Simon Fraser University in 2007.

Gloria Ranger is a proud member of Neskantaga First Nation. With over 20 years of experience in cultural resource coordination, she has worked at the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, currently works at St. Josephs Care Group and actively contributes to local community organizations. Gloria also teaches dance and fitness classes and enjoys music and coffee in her free time.

Hello to all, my name is Heather Napash and I reside in the city of Thunder Bay ON. I am also a: TALKING TOGETHER FACILITATOR/JOURNEY BACK HOME for clients living on and off reserve from NAN Communities services by NALSC. I have been employed with NALSC for about 13 years, got involved with NALSC as a placement student from Confederation College.

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Formally known as the Slick and Lil J Show, back in 2012 they lost one of their biggest fans and proud supporter, Grandpa Ivan Flett passed away, it was with great sadness but an honour to rename themselves the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers. Every dance they do is in honour of him.

Their main focus is to attract youth through the rhythm and style of the hip hop jig. They hope to motivate and inspire people of all ages, and bring awareness that their culture is going strong and continues to be ambitious with this dance and music.

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James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw, a descendant of Turtle Mountain, is a renowned international speaker, author and digital creator. He is known on Instagram and Facebook for his series of short videos on indigenous language and culture and is the author of The Seven Generations and the Seven Grandfather Teachings.

His keen insights were developed through speaking with and recording Elders and Native language speakers across North America as part of the Ojibwe Language Dictionary Project.

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Janine Desmoulin is a proud Ojibwe from Biigtigong Nishnaabeg (Pic River First Nation), who resides in Thunder Bay and works as a Cultural Resource Coordinator for Ontario Native Women’s Association. It is her goal to create impactful connections with others and inspire those who come in her path to embrace and create new opportunities to step into. Janine is passionate about working with young people in areas of wellness and has learned to use her voice, while on a journey of healing, to share messages of hope. She is honoured to have had many opportunities to share healing and humour as a speaker, workshop facilitator, comedian, and Master of Ceremony; since 2015. She is a mother, auntie to many, and a self proclaimed “Animated Storyteller” who promotes laughter as one of the greatest forms of medicine.

Born in Thunder Bay, I graduated with a BA and BEd from Lakehead University. Following graduation, I moved to Winnipeg and began teaching in the Winnipeg School Division. Teaching soon led to entering the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis. There, I discovered my passion for helping children and youth feel empowered to develop meaningful skills that enrich their lives.

My name is John Ferris. I’m a member of Constance Lake First Nation, and I have been artistically active most of my life. I have created a business Ed-Digenous Traditions that serves educational institutions with our Indigenous Learning kits which collaborates with curriculum and other programs learning Indigenous Culture.

Katie Burch is an educator with over 20 years of experience, dedicated to supporting remote and Indigenous communities. As a leader with Connected North, she helps bridge cultural knowledge and education through virtual learning. Katie works closely with teachers and students, fostering meaningful connections and creating engaging, impactful learning opportunities tailored to diverse needs.

Katie is an Ontario Certified Teacher with Specialist Qualifications in Special Education and Guidance. These qualifications, as well as her varied teaching experience throughout Northwestern Ontario, have sparked her interest and passion for helping students achieve academic success. When she is not teaching and learning, Katie spends a lot of time outside walking, running, cross country skiing and camping.

Kristen Stansell, an OCT with 20 years of experience, recently joined the Land-Based team. Throughout her career, she has specialized in alternative, experiential, and outdoor education. Passionate about learning with students in natural settings, Kristen is dedicated to fostering growth and connection through hands-on, land-based experiences.

Kristi Stano is a Specialist Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Kristy is a R.E.C.E. with experience in various Early Learning and Child Care settings including licensed care and Kindergarten and has five years of experience writing curriculum and facilitating training for RECEs across the province. Kristy has a background in journalism and corporate communications for Indigenous Political Territorial Organizations and mental health non-profits.

Lindsey Jupp has been the Environmental Technologist with Matawa Technical Services since 2009. Daily work activities include helping with O&M, funding applications, project management, help coordinating repairs/upgrades, sourcing contractors, etc.

Mary Ann Nawagesic is Ojibway from Gull Bay First Nations. Mary Ann has dedicated her life goal to working with First Nations communities and promoting ‘Minobimaatisiiwin’. She is the Mental Health Lead at Matawa Education and Care Center. This role has given her many opportunities to promote Mental Health and Life Promotion Initiatives for the Matawa community schools. Proud highlights of programs she carries range from The Moccasin Curriculum Program, The Power of Story: Understanding Ourselves & Empowering Our Spirit Program, and the “SNAP’ in Schools Program” in our Matawa Schools. Mary Ann is also a co-facilitator with the Mental Health Champion Program that Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Kenora Patricia District School Board fund to train and support Mental Health workers for all our northern schools. Mary Ann received her education from Confederation College in Native Child and Family Services, Laurentian University in Native Human Services and completed her Master’s Degree in Indigenous Studies and Social Work with Wilfrid Laurier.

Mayrose Salvador, a scientist, innovator, and educator, earned her PhD in Physical Chemistry from University of Toronto. She has developed advanced solar materials, pioneered laser techniques for nanomaterials, and studied their environmental impact. Co-founder of Pueblo Science, she has empowered over 5,600 teachers and 500,000 students and is passionate about technology for community solutions.

Dr. Md Abdus Salam is a highly accomplished professional with over 30 years of experience in school administration and teaching. He is now the principal at Neskantaga Education Centre. He received his M.Sc. in Mech. Eng. from Moscow, Master and Ph.D. in Applied Sciences from Belgium. In 2004, he received a B.Ed. from UOIT, Ontario. He received Canada’s Outstanding Principal award in 2016.

Meegwun has always demonstrated an aptitude for art. She is a natural visual artist who loves to drawand music is a big part of her life. She grew up in Neskantaga First Nation and from a young age shedisplayed an interest in music by singing songs while out on the land with her father. In the summer of2023, Henry Coaster Memorial School hosted a summer music camp where she learned the first fewnotes of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy and the intro to Lukas Graham’s 7 Years Old.

Meegwun rushed home and asked her mother for a piano. Her mother was surprised but Meegwun was insistent. They purchased a keyboard in Thunder Bay and ever since she has been an active participant in the HCMS Music Program. She has expanded her repertoire with songs by Yiruma, Ludovico Einaudi, and Jamie Duffy and has performed numerous times in the school’s concerts, one of which featured a solo piano version of The Scientist by Coldplay. She is graduating Grade 8 in 2025 and wants to continue her music studies during and after high school.

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Melissa Oskineegish is a staff member at Keewatinase Indigenous Education. Melissa’s research interests on culturally responsive practices stems from her own experience as a non-Indigenous teacher and learner in northern Ontario.

Matawa Emergency Management Coordinator & Fire Marshall

Monica Prodanyk is a STEM Specialist with Science North and has been working with the Outreach team to ensure programming is hands-on and fun!

Matawa Fire Marshall

My name is Nancy Ritch. I belong to Marten Falls First Nation. I am fluent in my Ojibwe Language and I was raised in a hunting, fishing, trapping environment. I grew up up in a little log cabin up north where my family and I enjoyed the summer months and survived the cold winter months. We enjoyed some of the winter months as well when it wasn’t too cold.

Born and raised in Northwestern Ontario, Canada, vocalist and songwriter Natasha Fisher crafts songs that take influence from both traditional pop and alternative genres carried out by edgy melodies and heartfelt storytelling. Her songs capture the intensity of heartbreak, healing, and self-discovery, while incorporating Indigenous (Anishinaabe) elements that add depth and authenticity. Natasha’s music carries a raw, emotional energy that’s both nostalgic and fresh, inviting listeners into a journey of independence, recovery, and resilience. Deeply inspired by her Indigenous culture and community, she has dedicated a significant portion of her music career to touring First Nations communities, where she performs and addresses issues related to addictions and mental health.

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From a very young age Noah was interested in piano. As young as five or six years old he remembers discovering the show One Piece on YouTube and being completely fascinated with the music from the show.

Binks No Sale, the rag-time influenced piano theme of the show, soon became a favourite of his and captured his imagination. That was only the beginning. From there he continued to discover more and more music online. His parents took notice and saw his developing interest and purchased him a keyboard in 2019. In 2020, Noah started playing a bit here and there, teaching himself what he could using YouTube. When Johnny Therriault Memorial School started the music program in 2023 that Matawa initiated, Noah was excited and ready to study piano with an instructor. To this day he continues to study piano and has expanded his interests to artists such as Tony Ann as well as Ryu Nagamatsu and Asuka Ohta, the composers for the Mario Kart video games. Noah hopes to pursue his music studies through high school and at the post-secondary level.

Born and raised in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, Priscilla is the firstborn of Maryanne Taylor-Reid. Her journey into Inuvialuit art began at age 3 when her Uncle Derrald gave her a carving to sand and polish. Her unique carving style reflects Inuvialuit traditions like hunting, fishing, and Arctic wildlife. She balances urban life while passing her culture to her daughters.

Rebecca Chambers is an experienced educator and founder of the R.I.S.E. Academy, a non-profit organization dedicated to re-engaging marginalized youth through personalized, hands-on learning. With a focus on equity, relationships, and real-world connections, she creates inclusive spaces that empower students to succeed and build pathways to their future.

As a teacher for SK-12, Adult Education, Language Lead and Literacy Consultant for over 30 years, my background is shaped by teaching and sharing experiences and knowledge with diverse education professionals. I’ve written curriculum, revised assessment policy documents, and presented workshops about literacy, student assessment, and curriculum design at the local, regional and provincial level.

Hi there. My name is Rob Elliott, Post-Secondary Student Support Worker with the Matawa Post-Secondary program. My personal background is with Developmental and Social Services. I always try to support whomever we can, whenever we can, to promote positive outcomes for supported youth. Come check us out at the conference to learn more about the Matawa Post-Secondary program!

Roberta Ogemah is a student in the Indigenous Education program. Roberta was raised in Lac Seul First Nation. Prior to pursuing her education, she worked under the Lac Seul Education Authority for six years as a Teacher’s Assistant, working with grades from grades k-7. This is where she fell in love with the youth and felt a pull to become a teacher herself and give back to her community.

Shai Loyie is Anishinaabe Kwe from the shores of Rainy Lake on Couchiching First Nation located in Treaty 3 Territory. Shai’s spirit name is Shabawa Ikwe Indigo meaning, “Women who sings with the Drum”. Shai is passionate about connecting students from all walks of life to the Indigenous culture through building a relationship with her hand drum.

Shelby Ch’ng has been the Matawa Education Partnerships Program Liaison since February 2022. She is currently in her third term on Thunder Bay City Council and is a Master’s student at the University of Mount Saint Vincent in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She was previously a business owner for 9 years and holds a HBA in Political Science from Lakehead University. In her spare time, Shelby writes short plays for Magnus Theatre 10x10 production, paints landscapes, and hangs out with her cat. She is also a proud member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

The Rapid Response Northern Schools Team is a small team of experienced educators and administrators who provides interim support to schools in First Nations communities during times of crisis so schools remain open as a safe, caring environment for students. When requested, the RRNST also offers educational support services to school staff to help foster student success and well-being.

Stephanie was born and raised in Thunder Bay and has a passion for Education. She is a registered Early Childhood Educator with a degree in English and certification in Resource Teaching. These avenues led to her work with Matawa Education as the Education Coordinator. Over the past 5 years Stephanie has worked closely with the Executive Director of Education assisting in advising Matawa First Nations Management, Matawa First Nations political leadership, and Matawa First Nations Education Authorities on matters related to education, early learning, elementary, secondary and post-secondary levels. Outside of work Stephanie enjoys all seasons of our beautiful city through hiking, downhill skiing, fishing and camping with family.

Tasfia Salam was a JK/SK teacher at Kattawapiskak Elementary School, Attawapiskat in 2020-2021 and JK/SK teacher at Neskantaga Education Centre in 2023-2024 school year. She is a Honors Bachelor of Science from University of Toronto. She also received a Certificate in Human Resource Management from York University.

O-zha-wa A-nung Kwe/Yellow Star Woman (Teddy Syrette). Is from Rankin Reserve of Bat-che-wana First Nation of the Anishnabek. In 2021, they were honoured with the title of 2Spirit International Warrior. In 2023, Teddy’s business 2Spirit Anishnabe Storytelling & Advocacy was awarded the Indigenous Professional of the Year Award by the Sault Ste Marie Chamber of Commerce.

O-zha-wa A-nung Kwe/Yellow Star Woman (Teddy Syrette). Is from Rankin Reserve of Bat-che-wana First Nation of the Anishnabek. In 2021, they were honoured with the title of 2Spirit International Warrior. In 2023, Teddy’s business 2Spirit Anishnabe Storytelling & Advocacy was awarded the Indigenous Professional of the Year Award by the Sault Ste Marie Chamber of Commerce.

Tyler Armstrong is a Shkaabe (helper) to his people and is a member of Michikan Lake First Nation within NAN. Tyler has completed his MEd and MSW focusing on Indigenous education and wholistic healing. At Lakehead University, Tyler has been vital in the creation of a new Indigenous Ancestry pathway for P/J teachers and is a PhD student with a focus on Indigenous education program development.

Vienna Fu is a second-year master’s student at the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto. She conducts research at SickKids Hospital, focusing on the role of specific immune pathways in chronic kidney disease progression. Since 2023, she has been an instructor for Pueblo Science, helping to inspire young minds through hands-on STEM education.

As well as his roles as a facilitator, senior editor and writer, Warren contributes to TC2 as a director. He has been a K-12 teacher and elementary principal for more than 20 years. Warren has leadership experience in government and not-for-profit organizations and co-led the development of a provincial secondary social studies curriculum. He has authored and edited several teaching and learning resources, bringing the practical experience of working with thousands of teachers to his project consultation.

35 years in education, 26 in school administration. Experience in First Nation and public schools. Member of the Ontario Principals Council, served on the provincial council and is currently the local district OPC president. Qualified Principal, Mentor coach and holds specialist in Special Education. Currently working with KPDSB and NAN to facilitate the New Teacher Induction Program.

Boozhoo, my name is William Shawanamash and I reside in the city of Thunder Bay ON. I am part of such a great organization; NALSC and have honorably accepted the position for: TALKING TOGETHER FACILITATOR/JOURNEY BACK HOME working the remote NAN First Nation communities. I have been employed with Tikinagan Child and Family Services 10+ years, KOSSS, Thunderbird Friendship Centre of Geraldton.