David Zimmer, Past President & Director
David Zimmer is the former Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (2013 – 2018) and a four-term member of the Ontario Legislature. He has the distinction of being the longest serving Minister responsible for Indigenous Relations.
Mr. Zimmer represented the riding of Willowdale in both the McGuinty and Wynne governments and acted as Parliamentary Assistant to Attorneys General Michael Bryant and Chris Bentley (2003 – 2011) as well as Parliamentary Assistant to Kathleen Wynne, then Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs (2011– 2013).
Mr Zimmer served has a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (2003–06, 2007–11, 2012), Standing Committee on Estimates (2006–07), Standing Committee on Justice Policy (2006–11), Standing Committee on General Government (2012), Select Committee on Elections (2008–09). He is credited with introducing and passing “Elder Abuse Awareness Day” and measures to suspend the driver’s license of anyone who is convicted of impaired boating.
David de Launay, President and Chair
David de Launay is an experienced public sector 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 company, 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 working with diverse interests to deliver results. He was a bridge builder with Indigenous People through innovative policy, creative partnerships, and mutually beneficial negotiations.
As well as chairing the Ma’mo’weh Wii’soo’ka’tiwin Foundation Board, David is a Director of LOFT Community Services and a member of the Trent University Board of Governors’ Property and Finance Committee and of the Selection Committee for Ontario Public Service excellence awards.
Kathleen Wynne, Director
Kathleen Wynne was Ontario’s 25th Premier. She was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 2003 as the MPP for Don Valley West, and she became the leader of the Ontario Liberal Party in January 2013.
Kathleen has dedicated her professional life to building a better province for the people of Ontario. She and her government were guided by the values and principles that knit this province together: fairness, diversity, collaboration and creativity.
Kathleen has served as Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Minister of Transportation, Minister of Education and Minister of Agriculture and Food.
In her role as Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Kathleen worked in partnership with First Nations communities to address issues such as mining development, First Nations land claims, and improving quality of life for Indigenous people living off-reserve through affordable housing and recreation programs.
As Minister of Education, Kathleen led the government’s efforts to reduce class sizes, implement full-day kindergarten and provide more opportunities for high school students to reach their full potential.
Kathleen has served as a Public School Trustee in Toronto. She has led citizens’ groups in a number of grassroots community projects, and has played a major role as an organizer and facilitator. This experience has contributed to her results-based approach to life, government and community.
Kathleen has three adult children, Chris, Jessie and Maggie, and four grandchildren, Olivia, Claire, Hugh and Violet. Before moving to Alliston, Ontario, Kathleen and her partner Jane lived in North Toronto for more than 30 years.
Chief Chris Skead, Director
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.”
Stephen Chan, Director
Stephen Chan was the founder and CEO of DapaSoft Inc., a software and IT consulting company based in Toronto. Dapasoft was sold to the Calian Group in February of 2021.
Stephen has a Honors Bachelor of Mathematics in Computer Sciences at the University of Waterloo plus Bachelor of Civil Engineering at McMaster University.
Stephen also participated in the following ventures:
- Founder, President and CEO of Mayer Information Technology Inc. Mayer provides ERP solution to the Recycling Industry.
- Founder and CEO of Visfuture Inc. Visfuture provides IT solutions to industry.
- Founder and CEO of Kiwana Technology. Kiwana provides ERP solutions to the manufacturing industry.
- Co-founder and investor in Catalyst Healthcare. Catalyst is based in Kelowna BC and provides end-to-end software solution to pharmacy.
Hanita Tiefenbach, Treasurer
Hanita Tiefenbach is a former Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs. Prior to 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.