Chief Richer isn’t the first woman to be elected as chief for her community, and she currently sits on council with a councillor who is a former female chief. When asked about the composition of the council, Chief Richer explained that gender equality is not only seen on council, but throughout the community as a whole, as there are a lot of women in leadership roles across administration as well. She is quick to point out that everyone on council demonstrates strong leadership skills in different areas and that has nothing to do with them being women. Chief Richer isn’t the only political newbie on council, with three councillors having no previous political experience. Prior to being elected to council for the first time, Chief Richer worked as a human rights lawyer. Most recently, she was appointed to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and also ran her own practice where she focused on Indigenous legal issues. Chief Richer has been a lawyer for 11 years and has worked as legal counsel for the Assembly of First Nations, the Canadian Human Right Commission and the now-defunct Indian Claims Commission. She hopes that young women in her community are inspired by continually seeing women in leadership roles and that they see that anything they want to do in life is available to them. But her hope is that all young people reach out and grasp their full potential. For their two-year term, council is focusing on improving communication with their community members. To jumpstart communications, council held three separate town hall meetings for youth, Elders and an open community meeting. The goal of each meeting was to gather input from community members on what they want council to focus on over the next two years. Chief Richer was happy to hear from community members and believes that council is only as strong as their community supports and empowers them to be. Later this fall, council will meet on their traditional grounds by a sacred fire and discuss the community’s input and council’s own goals and aspirations for the next two years. Chief Richer realizes they can’t accomplish everything in such a short time frame, but hopes to lay the groundwork for future planning. Another priority for the council is to negotiate a settlement on the Whitefish Lake decision. This is an important case for Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, as it deals with the Prime Minister of the day assigning their timber rights for $316 in the late 1800s. The timber rights were then sold within months for upwards of around $55,000. Chief Richer explains that this case has affected the last seven generations in her community. The community is entitled to compensation based on the 2007 court of appeal deci- sion, but for how much is the question the negotiations are trying to settle. Chief Richer said this historical event has shaped their community and is a legacy that her community continues to live with. She hopes that through the principles of reconciliation that times are changing, and feels they are in a critical point where something posi- tive has to happen for the benefit of the next seven generations. Atikameksheng Anishnawbek is looking for the oppor- tunity to tell their side of the story and to be compensated for what happened to their ancestors. Women in leadership roles can also be seen outside of council with Atikameksheng Anishnawbek’s all- women hunting group. The women’s hunting group is very active in the community and is now preparing for WWW.KENJGEWINTEG.CA Living, Learning...Inviting Opportunities NEW SKILLS/TRADES CENTRE OPENING FALL OF 2018 Living, Learning...Inviting Opportunities TOLL FREE: 1-888-KENJGEW TOLL FREE: 1-888-KENJGEW FNPA and its Board of Directors would like to welcome Mr. Guy Lonechild to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Lonechild brings a wealth of experience, leadership capacity and network which will greatly benefit our General and Industry Members seeking renewable energy projects. FNPA Team: Guy Lonechild - Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Agecoutay - Membership Coordinator Darren Huculak - Business Manager, Alberta Jenna Gall - Community Energy Project Coordinator Christina Swan - Finance & Operations Coordinator Ian Loughran - Project Advisor Marilyn Osecap - Finance Advisor discover the possibilities and become a Member today! Please contact our Membership Coordinator to discuss your project needs Contact us: Phone: 1-855-359-3672 Email: admin@fnpa.ca www.fnpa.ca The Renewable Energy sector will redefine Canada’s energy landscape — representing a significant economic opportunity to Canada’s Indigenous people. New green infrastructure will drive new businesses, investments, jobs and training for all Canadians and hold the potential to redefine the economic landscape for many Indigenous communities. These communities will be impacted by renewable energy developments throughout their Reserve, Treaty and traditional territories; proactive engagement is essential to supporting necessary approvals and maximizing economic outcomes—forging our pathway to powerful opportunities. In the spirit of partnership with FNPA, FNPA and its Board of Directors would like to welcome Mr. Guy Lonechild to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Lonechild brings a wealth of experience, leadership capacity and network which will greatly benefit our General and Industry Members seeking renewable energy projects. FNPA Team: Guy Lonechild - Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Agecoutay - Membership Coordinator Darren Huculak - Business Manager, Alberta Jenna Gall - Community Energy Project Coordinator Christina Swan - Finance & Operations Coordinator Ian Loughran - Project Advisor Marilyn Osecap - Finance Advisor In the spirit of partnership with FNPA, discover the possibilities and become a Member today! Please contact our Membership Coordinator to discuss your project needs Contact us: Phone: 1-855-359-3672 Email: admin@fnpa.ca www.fnpa.ca The Renewable Energy sector will redefine Canada’s energy landscape - representing a significant economic opportunity to Canada’s Indigenous people. New green infrastructure will drive new businesses, investments, jobs and training for all Canadians and hold the potential to redefine the economic landscape for many Indigenous communities. These communities will be impacted by renewable energy developments throughout their Reserve, Treaty and traditional territories; proactive engagement is essential to supporting necessary approvals and maximizing economic outcomes—forging our pathway to powerful opportunities. FNPA and its Board of Directors would like to welcome Mr. Guy Lonechild to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Lonechild brings a wealth of experience, leadership capacity and network which will greatly benefit our General and Industry Members seeking renewable energy projects. FNPA Team: Guy Lonechild - Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Agecoutay - Membership Coordinator Darren Huculak - Business Manager, Alberta Jenna Gall - Community Energy Project Coordinator Christina Swan - Finance & Operations Coordinator Ian Loughran - Project Advisor Marilyn Osecap - Finance Advisor Jenna Gall, Community Energy Manager Marissa Girard, CEP Project Coordinator In the spirit of partnership with FNPA, discover the possibilities and become a Member today! Please contact our Membership Coordinator to discuss your project needs Contact us: Phone: 1-855-359-3672 Email: admin@fnpa.ca www.fnpa.ca The Renewable Energy sector will redefine Canada’s energy landscape - representing a significant economic opportunity to Canada’s Indigenous people. New green infrastructure will drive new businesses, investments, jobs and training for all Canadians and hold the potential to redefine the economic landscape for many Indigenous communities. These communities will be impacted by renewable energy developments throughout their Reserve, Treaty and traditional territories; proactive engagement is essential to supporting necessary approvals and maximizing economic outcomes—forging our pathway to powerful opportunities. FNPA and its Board of Directors would like to welcome Mr. Guy Lonechild to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Lonechild brings a wealth of experience, leadership capacity and network which will greatly benefit our General and Industry Members seeking renewable energy projects. FNPA Team: Guy Lonechild - Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Agecoutay - Membership Manager Darren Huculak - Business Manager, Alberta Jenna Gall - Community Energy Manager Christina Swan - Finance & Operations Coordinator Ian Loughran -Project Advisor Marilyn Osecap - Finance Advisor Marissa Girard - CEP Project Coordinator In the spirit of partnership with FNPA, discover the possibilities and become a Member today! Please contact our Membership Coordinator to discuss your project needs Contact us: Phone: 1-855-359-3672 Email: admin@fnpa.ca www.fnpa.ca The Renewable Energy sector will redefine Canada’s energy landscape - representing a significant economic opportunity to Canada’s Indigenous people. New green infrastructure will drive new businesses, investments, jobs and training for all Canadians and hold the potential to redefine the economic landscape for many Indigenous communities. These communities will be impacted by renewable energy developments throughout their Reserve, Treaty and traditional territories; proactive engagement is essential to supporting necessary approvals and maximizing economic outcomes—forging our pathway to powerful opportunities. SUMMER/WINTER 2018/19 – Chiefs of Ontario Advocate magazine   l   63