b'COO STAFF PROFILEStaff Profile: Carmen Jones Director of Health,Research and Data ManagementBY CHRISTINE MISKONOODINKWE SMITHC armen Jones was raised in Garden River First Nation,in the development of the COVID-19 data reports. Jones enjoys located just outside of Sault Ste. Marie, and is a bandworking with numbers and data and being able to put stories member of Serpent River First Nation. She started withbehind the data that is collected.COO for the first time in 1997 as the Social ServicesJoness goals for the future involve developing the Research Coordinator, which is now called the Director of Social Services.and Data Management department for COO and making sure Today, she holds two roles: Director of Health, Research and Datathat the resources are there, as well as working with the leader-Management. I oversee the work of the health department andship and the communities to set up a First Nations Research have developed a five-year business plan that guides our work,and Data Governance Centre based on the principles and she explains. I enjoy working with the staff as they bring manyvalues of First Nations people.perspectives to the work we do.Jones notes that over her years with the organization, she hasWorking from home during the pandemic is a bit challen-worked on some memorable projects, including a First Nationsging. As Jones explains, The most challenging aspect of working Health and Human Resources Framework and Strategic Plan forfrom home has been not being able to have the face-to-face the Social Services sector. She has also been involved in mentalcontact with colleagues. Even though I work remotely in normal health and addictions workshops and working on long-term caretimes, I would go to the office once a week or so. Working from legislation and data governance. home has been a blessing but also a challenge with Zoom meet-Jones has also been instrumental in many COO initiatives,ings and trying to keep everything in perspective. You have to try including the signing of the Institute of Clinical Evaluativeto keep a balance between office and home.Sciences (ICES) and the Chiefs of Ontario First Nations DataLooking back on her personal journey, Jones reflects, It was Governance Agreement. I was working as a consultant atin the mid-1970s that I attended university. During that time, the time with the Chiefs of Ontario, but I feel it has been mymany First Nations individuals did not have that opportunity. biggest accomplishment. Even though it was a long road seeingAs a few First Nations students obtained their degrees, the the agreement come into fruition, the process involved manyopportunities became a little better. It was hard work, but I am partners and organizations, Jones relays. Another memorablegrateful that I stuck to it.event for me was the completion of the Regional Health SurveyOver the years, I have always wanted to create space for Phases II and III, and the development of the Peoples Reportsour young people and to mentor them not only in their work that went along with the surveys. and whats important to them, but what they also can bring Her current role allows her to work closely with the staff andback to our communities, Jones concludes. I look forward to researchers in developing research projects, implementing the Firstseeing our young people take their place in their communities Nations Data Governance Agreement and overseeing the workand organizations.34l I ssue2 2020/21C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne'