our team
The Niiwin Wendaanimok (Four Winds) Partnership brings together leadership, technical experts, and community representatives from Wauzhushk Onigum, Washagamis Bay, Shoal Lake 40, and Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation. Driven by Manito Aki Inakonigaawin (Sacred Earth Law), our multi-disciplinary team works collaboratively to ensure our territorial sovereignty, traditional knowledge, and environmental stewardship guide every stage of regional development.
Chris Skead
Chief
Wauzhushk Onigum Nation
Chris Skead has been a Councillor in Wauzhushk Onigum since 2011 and a Chief since 2013. Chief Skead serves as Secretary and Treasure on the Kenora Chief’s Advisory Board of Directors as well as Grand Council Treaty 3’s Cultural Chiefs Committee.
“From time immemorial, resource-sharing in our territory has been guided by Manito Aki Inakonigaawin- our Great Earth Law. When we follow this path and its protocols, wise, fair and sustainable decisions are made for both the land and the people …for all the people who share these lands.”
Herb Green
Chief
Shoal Lake 40 First Nation
As of April 2026, Herb Green is the current Chief of Shoal Lake 40 First Nation. He is a long-standing leader in the community, previously serving as a Councillor for many years before stepping into the role of Chief.
Elijah Thunder Sky Man Jameson
Chief
nIISAACHEWAN aNISHINAABE nATION
Chief Elijah Thunder Sky Man Jameson is a respected leader from the Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation (The Dalles) who recently stepped into the role of Chief in April 2026.
Before his election as Chief, he was a long-standing member of the community’s leadership circle, serving as a Councillor under former Chief Lorraine Cobiness. His background is deeply rooted in regional governance and collaborative service, which is reflected in his various, past and present, leadership roles.
DOLORES SINCLAIR
Chief
WASHAGAMIS BAY first nation
Chief Dolores Sinclair leads Washagamis Bay First Nation with a focus on community health, wellness, and territorial sovereignty. A long-standing advocate for her people, Chief Sinclair stepped into leadership to provide stability and continuity for the Nation.
george kakeway
Protocol Advisor
Wauzhushk Onigum first Nation
As former Chief of Wauzhushk Onigum for 28 years and Councillor for 8, George brings with him an incredible depth of knowledge and experience. George’s deep understanding of the Manito Aki Inakonigaawin (Sacred Earth Law) advises and guides the Technical Team, bringing together customary and contemporary protocols for all agreements and processes.
When asked about his role as Protocol Advisor, George said: “The twinning project represents establishment of a process for reconciliation by means of harmonizing laws and policies with the provincial government. Environmental protection is my priority and making sure our sacred sites, the water, the land, and all our resources are protected for future generations.”
brenda chartrand
Representative
Washagamis Bay First Nation
Brenda is a well-known Councillor of Washagamis Bay known for bringing vision and leadership to the table. A compassionate individual with a gift for looking out for community members, Brenda is a dedicated, task-driven Representative with strong focus and a drive for getting things done.
“The biggest task is making sure that the community understands the rewards and benefits of the project. And that we’re approaching this with due diligence. For our Nations, the biggest opportunity is economic development and protection of our traditional lands.”
Bill wahpay
Highway 17 Project Lead
Shoal Lake 40 First Nation
Bill is an accomplished Project Lead, with many years under his belt as Councillor of Shoal Lake 40. With a focus on safety and successful highway development, Bill is pleased to be Project Lead for such a significant project and is working towards getting highway development started and creating regional Economic Opportunities for North Western Ontario.
When asked about his role as Project Lead, Bill said: “Safety for the citizens of North Western Ontario is the priority with this project, while ensuring a smooth transition between Ontario and Manitoba.”
JOHN SKEAD
TASK FORCE
wAUZHUSHK oNIGUM nATION
fabian blackhawk
TASK FORCE
nIISAACHEWAN aNISHINAABE nATION
Fabian is a Councillor of Niisaachewan who brings a creative perspective to the Partnership that is protocol-driven and rooted in tradition. With a strong sense of stewardship and responsibility, Fabian hopes to encourage young people to embrace their heritage and join in the cause.
“This project demonstrates our commitment to being stewards of the land in a sensitive time for our country’s journey to reconciliation. I hope to achieve a meaningful Nation-to-Nation relationship and form partnerships with governments and municipalities that are driven by Aboriginal laws, rights, and trust. Equality is key!”
TOM ANDERSON
TASK FORCE
Shoal Lake 40 First Nation
Tom is a former Councillor of Shoal Lake 40 who supports the Partnership through an incredible depth of knowledge and advocacy. As a community-oriented, forward-looking individual, Tom is dedicated to bringing forth opportunities for young people now and into the future.
When asked about his role as Advisor, Tom said, “It is particularly exciting to see four individual communities working together for a collective common goal, which will be a precedent setting success. That carries into the one message I’d like to share—when people cooperate and work with each other, great things can happen!”
Don Morrison
TASK FORCE
Shoal Lake 40 First Nation
As former Director at Bimose Tribal Council, Don brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Partnership.
Don is a straightforward, hard-working individual with a keen eye for numbers and a passion for education.
Somia Sadiq
Somia is a Certified Environmental Professional and a Registered Professional Planner, specializing in Impact Assessment, Community Engagement, and Conflict Transformation informed and inspired by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Somia’s role on the team is to support negotiations, coordinate with the Crown, lead the Harmonized Impact Assessment and offer other advice as needed.
Cuyler Cotton
TASK FORCE
Dovetail Resources
Culyer’s role is to support the Anishinaabe and non-Anishinaabe governments in their efforts to arrive at a successful, positive outcome.
“It’s exciting to see ancient Anishinaabe law being respected and being applied today. If successful, this government-to-government partnership will provide great opportunities for jobs and capacity building but just as importantly, it will reinforce the capacity of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty 3 to strengthen their governance processes and jurisdiction.”
ALLAN LUBY Ogemah, Atik Totem
general Manager
Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation
Allan Luby (Ogemah) is the General Manager of the Niiwin Wendaanimok Partnership, drawing on over four decades of experience as a professional manager and consultant. A past Chief of the Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation, Mr. Luby has extensive expertise in Indigenous affairs, governance, and negotiation, having assisted numerous communities with treaty and resource negotiations. He is known for successfully connecting Aboriginal Governments and Business with the mainstream business community, including hosting the National Chief’s Working Together Economic Development Receptions. Mr. Luby’s background also includes serving as a Director on the Indigenous Leadership Development Institute and the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Board.
Natalie Daniels
Process cordinator
Peguis first nation
Natalie is Process Coordinator for the Niiwin Wendaanimok Partnership and comes from the Treaty #1 Territory. Natalie is involved in high-level strategic planning, visioning and political coordination between governments, industry and Nations on behalf of the partnership. In this role, Natalie supports the facilitation of meeting between Niiwin and the Government of Ontario, Government of Canada, and other local and/or national stakeholders. Natalie also works closely with the Tech Team, the Manito Aki Inakonigaawin (MAI- The Great Earth Law) Protocol Advisor, Construction Manager and Administration Team.
LIZ RICKLEFS
finance controller
Kathleen Skead
finance manager
Wauzhushk onigum first nation
ROBYN HOULE
OFFICE COORDINATOR
WAUZHUSHK ONIGUM FIRST NATION
Robyn Houle is the Office Coordinator at Niiwin Wendaanimok LP and a proud member of Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation. Since joining the organization in 2023, Robyn has taken on a wide range of responsibilities within the office and has grown into a key source of high-level technical support for the negotiating team and taskforce.
Robyn’s role has increasingly evolved toward the financial side of operations, and with the support of Niiwin Wendaanimok, she is currently pursuing her diploma in Business Accounting to deepen her expertise and further contribute to the organization’s long-term goals.
Outside of work, Robyn enjoys hockey, golf, and maintaining an active fitness lifestyle.
avery daniels
process coordinator assistant
Peguis First Nation
Jarod Milko
training program
coordinator
ROMANO DELA CRUZ SICAT
TRAINING PROGRAM
COORDINATOR
sam gratton
training program
project assistant
wauzhushk onigum first nation
dennis (bush) major
training program
community navigator
Dennis Major is the Urban Navigator for the Niiwin Wendaanimok Partnership. His primary role involves recruiting potential trainees for all programs from the four communities surrounding Kenora and Keewatin, focusing on connecting community members with available training opportunities. Dennis is an active member of the local community, engaging in local sports: baseball and hockey, and enjoying the surrounding trails on ATV, reflecting his commitment to community life and the passion for local environment. He has been a dedicated member of the team since 2022.
COURADGE WAPIOKE
TRAINING PROGRAM
COMMUNITY NAVIGATOR
Couradge is instrumental in supporting training and employment programs designed to create opportunities for people in Kenora and the surrounding First Nations communities. In this role, Couradge is passionate about helping individuals gain new skills, build confidence, and find meaningful work that contributes to strengthening the local economy.
jOELLE rEDSKY
training program
administrative support worker/assistant
SHOAL LAKE 40 FIRST NATION
Bernice major
training program
advisor
Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation
Bernice Major is the Employment & Training Advisor within Niiwin Wendaanimok’s Training Program. In her role, Bernice provides essential guidance to community members as they navigate their career paths, helping them transition into new work placements and professional opportunities.
Bernice specializes in removing practical barriers to employment by assisting trainees with securing necessary identification, developing career goals, and preparing professional resumes and interview skills. By fostering partnerships and securing strategic funding, Bernice ensures that individuals have the resources and support needed to achieve their long-term training goals and contribute to the prosperity of the four partner communities.
The four nations' chiefs
Chief Chris Skead, Wauzhushk Onigum Nation
Chief Herb Green, Shoal Lake 40 First Nation
Chief Elijah Jameson, Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation
Chief Dolores Sinclair, Washagamis Bay
The Board of Directors
George Kakeway, Wauzhushk Onigum Nation
Brenda Chartrand, Washagamis Bay First Nation
Billy Wahpay, Shoal Lake 40 First Nation
Fabian Blackhawk, Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation
The Technical Team
George Kakeway, Wauzhushk Onigum Nation
John Skead, Wauzhushk Onigum Nation
Brenda Chartrand, Washagamis Bay First Nation
Arvel Cherry, Washagamis Bay First Nation
Tom Anderson, Shoal Lake 40 First Nation
Billy Wahpay, Shoal Lake 40 First Nation
Don Morrison, Shoal Lake 40 First Nation
Fabian Blackhawk, Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation
Somia Sadiq, Narratives Inc.
Cuyler Cotton, Dovetail Resources