The Ma’mo’weh Wii’soo’ka’tiwin Foundation presents an opportunity for Canadians to stand in solidarity with the Anishinaabe people of the Kenora region. We channel resources to support initiatives led by the Anishinaabe themselves, reinforcing efforts in cultural reclamation, health, youth development, employment, and long-term care. The impact is clear: healing from intergenerational trauma, preservation of language and culture, improved community health, and the strengthening of resilient communities.

Although government funding forms the backbone of our support, the Foundation is engaging individuals, corporations, and private foundations to join the efforts. Now is the time to build on our progress with independent, flexible funding that encourages innovation for even greater impact.

Together, by supporting this vital work, we play a tangible role in the process of Reconciliation. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the Anishinaabe people of Treaty 3 to preserve their way of life for the next seven generations. People Helping People.

KATHLEEN WYNN, CHAIR AND PRESIDENT

Kathleen Wynne is a former Premier of Ontario who has a long history of working on social justice issues. She is a passionate advocate for Reconciliation and has worked to improve the lives of Indigenous peoples in many ways. As Premier of Ontario, Ms. Wynne worked to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. She also worked to increase funding for Indigenous education, housing, and health care. Ms. Wynne is a strong believer in the power of partnerships. She is committed to working with Indigenous communities to build a better future for all Canadians

CHIEF CHRIS SKEAD, DIRECTOR
Chris Skead, elected as Chief of the Wauzhushk Onigum Nation in northwestern Ontario in 2018, is a notable figure with a diverse background. As a University of Manitoba business administration graduate and former teacher and social worker, he combines a wealth of experience to drive his community’s success. Chief Skead passionately champions Indigenous rights and reconciliation, making it his mission to improve the quality of life for his people and to provide them with the resources necessary for their success.

In his role as Chief, Skead’s focus lies in bolstering economic development, education, and healthcare, and in fostering amicable relations with surrounding communities. Besides his traditional name, Ogichidaa Anishinabe, he proudly embraces his Anishinaabe Nation heritage and fervently advocates for Indigenous language revitalization. This led him to a board position at the Waashoong Anishinaabe Language Centre and memberships in the Assembly of First Nations and the Chiefs of Ontario. With an unwavering commitment to his community, Chief Skead has become a respected figure among his people and peers.

CHIEF DARLENE COMEGAN, DIRECTOR
As Chief of the Northwest Angle #33 First Nation in Ontario, Canada, Darlene Comegan brings a distinct blend of experience and commitment to her role. For over two decades, she has been at the forefront of building relationships across cultures, shaping strategies in tune with her community’s values, and advocating for Indigenous rights. Her work is recognized by the Assembly of First Nations, the Chiefs of Ontario, and she is a proud recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. Elected Chief in 2014, Comegan has been instrumental in the community’s development. She has focused on economic growth, social services, and infrastructure while ensuring her community’s voice is heard on regional and national boards. Her leadership, recognized by her inclusion in Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2016, reflects a dedication to her community and the broader goal of global impact.

DAVID DE LAUNAY, PAST CHAIR AND SECRETARY
David de Launay is an experienced executive, board member, and project leader presently consulting and giving back through volunteer work. He is on the Advisory Council of the Development Partners Institute which brings together mining, Indigenous, and community interests to maximize the social and economic benefits of mining. From 2013 to 2018, David was the Ontario Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and of Northern Development and Mines capping off thirty-three years of service to the people of Ontario in various provincial government senior executive positions. He often led negotiations and partnership-building with First Nations. His board Director experience is extensive, including Hugh’s Room for the Performing Arts, Destination Ontario, Algoma University, FP Innovations, Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation and numerous international Great Lakes organizations.

HANITA TIEFENBACH, TREASURER
Hanita Tiefenbach is a former Assistant Deputy Minister, at the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs Before her retirement, Hanita held a number of senior positions at the Ontario Public Service in the areas of health, indigenous affairs and inter-governmental relations. Her areas of expertise include strategic planning, innovative policy and program development, building productive relationships, and program operations. Hanita’s background also includes experience in the hospital and private home care sectors prior to joining the OPS. Hanita has worked with the Kenora Chiefs Advisory over the years and is thrilled to be part of this initiative that will contribute to the well-being of the member First Nation communities.

STEPHEN CHAN, DIRECTOR
Stephen Chan, a successful entrepreneur committed to social impact, who founded DapaSoft Inc., a company dedicated to providing software solutions. After selling the company in 2020, he still acts as CEO of Mayer Information Technology Inc., Visfuture Inc., and Kiwana Technology, offering a diverse range of software and IT services to the recycling, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. In addition to his business endeavours, Chan is an avid advocate for Reconciliation and through his support of the Ma’mo’weh Wii’soo’ka’tiwin Foundation, works to enhance the lives of Anishinaabe people. He firmly believes in the corporate responsibility of businesses to uplift their communities and leverages his skills and expertise to support the foundation in achieving its mission.

GRANT WEDGE, DIRECTOR
Grant has over 45 years of experience working as a lawyer (since 1988), senior executive, mediator, facilitator, instructor and consultant for governments, Indigenous communities, and organizations in Ontario and across Canada. He remembers fondly his work as Grand Council Treaty #3’s Association Representative in 1980. He was Ontario’s Deputy Minister of Native Affairs (1994/5) and also worked as a Legal Director, ADM and Chief of Staff. His commitment to social justice and reconciliation includes working for Aboriginal Business Canada, the Law Society of Ontario, and facilitating the Health section of the Kelowna Accord in 2005. He served on the founding Board of Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto in 1990 and with Community Legal Education Ontario. With his husband Bob, they have 3 children and 5 grandchildren.

ZAHRA BHANJI, DIRECTOR
Dr. Zahra Bhanji is the Assistant Dean in the Office of the Vice-Principal Academic & Dean at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC). She is founding member of the Campus Curriculum Review Working Circle that promotes programs and pedagogical approaches at UTSC to reflect the diversity of its students with a focus on Indigenous knowledges and knowledge systems, Black knowledges, and international perspectives.

Zahra has over 25 years of experience in higher education, international development, and the non-profit and government sectors in Canada and overseas. Beyond her professional commitments, she is passionate about community service and has served on various volunteer boards. After her undergraduate studies, Zahra held an Aga Khan Foundation Canada, International Development Management Fellowship where she worked with Indigenous communities on community-based forest projection initiatives in rural Gujarat, India. Zahra is committed to advancing the mission of the Ma’mo’weh Wii’soo’ka’tiwin Foundation and contributing to the well-being of the Anishinaabe people.