Ma’mo’weh Wii’soo’ka’tiwin Foundation Gala

The Elder Allan White Leadership Award is awarded to individuals, like Elder Allan White, who have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to improve the outcomes for indigenous youth and their families served by the Kenora Chiefs Advisory. 

The 2024 awardees, our founding partners, have an established ongoing relationship with Ma’mo’weh Wii’soo’ka’tiwin since its establishment in 2019, working with the Foundation and the Kenora Chiefs Advisory to advance the development of the Youth and Family Wellness Camp.  The Foundation and the Kenora Chiefs Advisory appreciate their genuine interest and unique hands-on approach. 

Stephen Chan – Stephen, also a founding Board member and current director of Ma’mo’weh Wii’soo’ka’tiwin Board, has focused his resources and time on the initial capital redevelopment of the existing facilities at the camp, and in more recent years, contributing to the general operations of the Youth and Family Wellness Camp. 

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.

Paul Cohen – Paul has taken on a leadership role in the development of the hockey program at the Youth and Family Wellness Camp.  Paul participates on a committee made up of Kenora Chiefs Advisory staff and community members that have identified the capital needs for the hockey program and possible funding sources.  In the meantime, a seasonal hockey rink at the beach front erected each winter with Paul’s help.

Born in Montreal, attended McGill university, then spent 4 decades working in a family business with operations in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K  that manufactured construction materials, industrial packaging and consumer goods. 

Cohen chaired the Canadian Plastics Industry Association, the Plastics Film Manufacturing Association and sat on other boards including Corporations in Support of Recycling and the Walrus Foundation. Responsible for the Plastics+Art effort that built sustainable sculpture on Toronto’s Don Valley Parkway.  

After the sale of the business seven years ago, Paul got involved in more personal projects – spirit distillation, started a publishing company for graphic-novels, opened an art exhibition space – as well as a number of volunteer and charitable efforts.  

He is married to artist Shelley Adler and they have three grown children. 

Barry Green – The Kenora Chiefs Advisory Youth and Family Wellness Camp is one of a number of Indigenous initiatives that benefit from Barry’s commitment to reconciliation. Barry has been involved in the development of the equine program and the seasonal hockey rink.  Most recently he has participated in the planning and establishment of an arts program at the camp including the construction of an arts studio and providing supplies and equipment. 

Chair of the Board at Greenrock Real Estate Advisors, Barry has over 30 years of experience in the Canadian multi-family real estate sector and is responsible for the oversight of operations, family office, and philanthropic divisions of the Greenrock organization.  

With his partner Laurie, and support from the Barry & Laurie Green Trust, Barry is deeply committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples though his work with Indspire, Ontario Native Women’s Association, School of Indigenous Learning, Connected North, Ma’mo’weh Wii’ so’ka’tiwin, Anishinaabe Health Foundation, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, TVO, and others.   

Barry has embarked on many learning journeys with community partner organizations to reflect and contribute thoughtfully towards building capacity and facilitating connections across the education and social impact sector.  He has a profound appreciation for the arts including his love for music, film and visual expression.   

David Heden – David was Ma’mo’weh Wii’soo’ka’tiwin’s first partner.  He responded to a need for support of the Kenora Chiefs Advisory youth baseball league. He has been supporting and promoting the Youth and Family Wellness Camp since 2019.  He has also experienced first hand the healing power of the camp. 

David Heden has never been afraid to take the road less travelled. He is both a dreamer and a manifestor, yet an expert in mitigating and managing risk. He first deviated from the marked path when he dropped out of school at the age of 17 to become a research analyst at K2 and Associates Investment Management Inc. After 13 dedicated years with K2, culminated with 6 years as managing partner, he led the firm’s event-driven, distressed debt and energy strategies until his early retirement at age 30.  One year later, he founded HGC Investment Management Inc., best known for managing over $1B in its HGC fund, an award-winning, flagship fund that has been recognized for its consistency and low volatility.  

 David is the proud father of two children. Inspired by their future and his experience as an industry visionary, he founded 5D World. The foundation of David’s success lies in his vision for continual self-improvement and inquiry. Blending energy with professional work has inspired David to do things differently and bridge the worlds of capital and consciousness creating impact.