Gehtigeh Animke Beneseh (Spotted Thunderbird) of the Bear Clan, Alan Ozawanimke experienced a career in public service and accomplished businessperson who most recently served as elected Chief of Sagamok Anishnawbek; Owner of Yellow Thunder Trucking, a career embarkment that emerged after serving 30 years in public administration and politics.

Earning a diploma in Business Administration and Undergraduate Degree in Public Administration, a career of serving as Executive Director for Algonquins of Pikwakanagan; served in simultaneous capacity of Chief Executive Officer for the Union of Ontario Indians, Anishnabek Nation Management Group Inc. and Seventh Generation Charities Inc. Alan also served as Chief Executive Officer for the Northshore Tribal Council before continuing his public administration career for Sagamok Anishnawbek, Z’gamok Enterprises Inc and Sagamok Development Corporation as Chief Executive Officer. Alan has served on numerous boards and committees during his public service tenure.

Alan is an avid outdoor person; coaching and supporting minor sports, spending much of his personal time in the interior territory of Sagamok Anishnawbek, hunting, fishing, reflecting and ceremony.

E-mail: Duke.director@1534kanata.ca

E-mail: Harvey.director@1534kanata.ca

Paul was elected as Chief of the Sagamok Anishnawbek in October of 2005 and served until August 2018. He also served as the Lake Huron Regional Grand Chief from June 2015 to June 2018.

During his tenure, Paul provided leadership in building successful community owned businesses. Mr. Eshkakogan was key negotiator for completing a number of Impact and Benefit Agreements (IBA’s) with Vale Canada Limited, KGHM International, Ursa Major Minerals and continues to provide advice regarding resource development projects within Sagamok’s Traditional Territory. Paul continues to assist in building partnerships with businesses in the Northeastern region.

E-mail: Paul.director@1534kanata.ca

Adam Pawis is from Shawanaga First Nation, located on the eastern shores of Georgian Bay. As an Anishinabek “I focus on the land and water”. “I believe we are entrusted to look after Mother Earth by the Creator”. Mr. Pawis is the current Chief of Shawanaga First Nation with a current term of four years. Adam graduated high school and have had the opportunity to have various experiences in the University of Life. 

Mr. Pawis currently sits on a number of Boards in the region which include, Westwind Forest Stewardship -  French Severn Forest, Anishinabek Police Governing Authority, CB&DC of Parry Sound, Ontario First Nation Economic Developers Association. Previous experience include the Economic Development Officer at Magnetawan First Nation, and Various positions in the Cottage Construction and Service Industry over a twenty year period. 

One of his greatest passions and aspirations is to be a part of the development of the necessary elements to increase and continually restore the Indigenous Economy and Trade system of Turtle Island. Through this work we will be able to collectively ensure the foundation of a holistic economy to support our citizens for the generations to follow in our footsteps along this path. “Together we will forge a destiny for Our People to be proud of through perseverance and prosperity”.

E-mail: Adam.director@1534kanata.ca

Nelson is currently retired after serving his people for many years. He is dedicated to his family and his grandchildren. Nelson called Sagamok his home for many years. He has lived in other parts of Canada notably Alberta in the early 1980’s. He and his partner managed a cattle and poultry operation. He also worked for the Athabaska Tribal Counsel in Northern Alberta. Nelson served as Chief of Sagamok on several terms and as a councilor for approximately two decades.

Mr. Toulouse has served organizations such as, North Shore Tribal Council, Assembly of First Nations, Union of Ontario Indians, Anishinabek Nation, Chiefs of Ontario, Anishinabek Mushkegowuk Onkewehonwe Language Commission of Ontario, Sagamok Development Corporation, Anishinabek Polices Services Board, Z’gamok Enterprises Inc., Robinson Huron Treaty working group.

“It has been an honor serving these groups and organizations as chairman, board member, chief commissioner, deputy grand chief and advisor”

“I had the privilege of presenting to the Permanent Forum at the UN on the subject of Indigenous Languages in my capacity as a member of AFN’s Language Committee”.

I also served as the AFN representative at the World Indigenous Education Forum in New Zealand.

I currently serve as member of the Elder’s Council here in Sagamok. I have been a languages advocate in all of my career and continue to do so!

E-mail: Nelson.director@1534kanata.ca

At the intersection of Indigenous advancement, management, business and innovation, Laura is in constant pursuit of new ideas and new skills. Over the last 22+ years, Laura has worked alongside countless Indigenous peoples, First Nations, Governments, companies, academic institutions, and is passionate about mapping the economic ecosystem that will result in fair and equitable access to the tools and resources required for success in establishing, maintaining and growing mutually beneficial business relationships between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous companies and entrepreneurs. Laura leads a theory of change that will not only ensure Indigenous peoples are competitive in business, technology and innovation sectors, she is driven and committed to ensuring that Indigenous participation leads in unprecedented ways and growing local economies.

E-mail: laura.director@1534kanata.ca

E-mail: nikki.director@1534kanata.ca