Leadership

Chief Theresa Nelson is currently the President of the Board of Directors and has served as the Vice-President for five years. Chief Nelson has several years’ experience working with families on reunification through life plans, assisting members with re-entering the workforce, becoming new homeowners, or completing treatment and training. As Chief of her community, she is honoured to provide front line assistance to families and help with needs; from helping to secure housing to preparing members to attend treatment and training programming. Chief Nelson has two diplomas from Sault College in the science field which provides her with an excellent background in planning and technical advisory roles and great communication skills. She has worked for the Ministry and understands policy and procedures. As a mother, she is well versed in multi-tasking, nurturing and ensuring that the work gets completed on time. As a hunter and trapper, Chief Nelson knows how to survive with basic needs, she can think quickly and without panic. She is a logical thinker and has travelled in many moccasins; coming up with solutions without judgment. She is always willing to roll up her sleeves and fight on the front line when things get rough, answer tough questions when things go south, or be there for the most precious moments. She dedicates 100% to everything she does.

Shirley is the Vice President of the Board and was appointed by the community of Long Lake 58 First Nation and is in her third year on the Board. She is currently employed as a Metis Family Wellbeing Coordinator. Shirley’s educational background is in teaching. She has 35 years’ experience in Social Services and 20 years’ experience in Child Care and Education. Shirley is an experienced facilitator in Traditional teachings and traditional parenting. She has been trained in many areas: ASIST, Safe Talk, First Aid Mental Health, First Aid/CPR, B Safer.

Bonnie Goodchild has been on the Board for more than five years. She is a lifetime member and resident of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg. She has a solid foundation of the indigenous way of life and is a proud Anishinabe Kwe. She has served on Council for a total of ten years. Bonnie’s educational background is in Business Administration and Human Resources Management. Her previous work experience includes ten years as a personnel clerk with Parks Canada, ten years as the Executive Director of Anishinabek Employment and Training Services. Bonnie is currently the General Manager with Pic River Development Corporation, a non-profit organization promoting Biigtigong Nishnaabeg economic and social development for the membership.

Michele was appointed as a representative of the Chief and Council of Fort William First Nation. She has served on the Board for four years. She is currently employed as a Community Development Manager by the Ontario Native Women’s Association. She has five years of management experience, and twelve years of experience working in Mental Health and Addictions. Michele possesses a Social Service Worker Diploma and a Bachelor Arts Indigenous Learning. She has a certificate in Management Training from Schulich and has been on Council for Fort William First Nation for six years.

Chief Wilfred King has been on the Board of Directors for eight years and has served two terms as the Vice-President of the Board. He represents his community of Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek.

Tracy was appointed to the Board of Dilico to represent Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek.  This is Tracy’s first term on the Council of BNA and her first year on the Board of Dilico. Previously to her being elected to Council, Tracy worked in the Governance Coordinator role for her First Nation for 5 years. Her previous work experience included 10 years in banking and 17 years as an Accounts Payable Clerk for a privately owned company. Tracy was born and raised in Thunder Bay, due to the displacement of Sand Point Members by the government back in the 50’s.  Tracy is passionate about her First Nation and is thrilled to be a part of the redevelopment of Sand Point First Nation, the land that her father once called home.  

Raymond was appointed by Chief and Council of Pays Plat First Nation to sit on the Dilico Board of Directors. He has served 12 terms as a Board of Director. Raymond has worked for his community for many years. He has served his membership as a Chief for 2 years and a Councillor for 14 years. Raymond has a lot of Board experience, also serving on the boards for: Marjorie Crisis Home Marathon, McCausland Hospital Terrace Bay, Schreiber Food Bank, North of Superior Counselling Program and Wequedong Lodge. Raymond is a graduate of the Social Service Worker Program from Confederation College and has 34 years’ work experience in the social service field.

Bio coming soon

TBA – Vacant