Niwiisoogawaananig Anishinaabeg chi mino bimaadizid
Mission Statement: Kenora Chiefs Advisory is committed and dedicated to providing culturally appropriate health and social services which address the needs and enhance the well-being and capacity of community members in our affiliated First Nations.
Kenora Chiefs Advisory maintains a culture which recognizes and values ethical conduct through the 7 Sacred Teachings. Culture remains at the centre of the work Kenora Chiefs Advisory does and is identified as an important determinant of health and wellness. Kenora Chiefs Advisory works to enhance service coordination among various systems and deliver culturally safe services to create a pathway toward healing and wellness for our communities and members.
Kenora Chiefs Advisory Staff are well qualified, with a wide range of academic and professional credentials, including Master of Social Work, Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Science, Registered Nurse, Registered Dietician, Personal Support Worker, Developmental Services Worker, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Psychotherapist, Speech Language Pathologist and Early Childhood Educator. Ongoing staff training is a priority.
Kenora Chiefs Advisory was awarded Accreditation with Commendation status by Accreditation Canada in 2020. KCA underwent a 4-year Site Survey to meet or exceed benchmarks for excellence in service “Required Organizational Practices” The accreditation evaluates the delivery of culturally competent and sensitive services, and client-centred care while considering governance, management, policies, procedures and a healthy work culture. Overall, Kenora Chiefs Advisory had a score of 89.6 % across all criteria for Accreditation and continues to be committed to ongoing quality improvement across the organization.
KENORA CHIEFS ADVISORY LEADERSHIP
JENNIFER DREAVER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jennifer Dreaver, MSW is the Chief Operating Officer at Ogimaawabiitong (KCA).
Jennifer is mixed Nêhiyaw-German from Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First Nation within Treaty 6 territory, north of Saskatoon, SK. She has lived both in Wabaseemoong and Kenora since 2014, and has been with KCA since 2016.
Jennifer began her journey with the organization working to supervise and develop child and youth mental wellness programs and services and helped guide the implementation of Jordan’s Principle funding stemming from the historic Canadian Human Rights Tribunal decision.
Jennifer is motivated by the strength and determination of the First Nation communities KCA works alongside and believes that everything we need to be well and thrive is within the Nation and its lands.
She continues to learn from leadership, knowledge keepers, youth and staff to guide her in leading the day-to-day operations. She most enjoys encouraging staff to build relationships in the communities, and promoting the strong vision and ethics that underpins the work of Ogimaawabiitong.
In her personal life, Jennifer enjoys being active and out on the land with her partner, and two children.
GILLIAN LUNNY, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Originally from Kenora, Gillian moved
back to be closer to her family. She brings
13 years of leadership experience to
Ogimaawabiitong.
She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing as
well as her Master’s in Nursing, and served
for 6 years as a Registered Nurse. Gillian
then began her 19-year Public Health career,
first as a Public Health Nurse, then as a
Chief Nursing Officer, and later became
the manager of Sexual Health and Harm
Reduction at the Northwestern Health Unit.
Gillian works to advocate
for equitable service delivery models for
our partner communities, has a passion
for educating communities and partner
organizations on the social determinants of
health, and has previously sat on provincial
advocacy committees related to HIV,
substance abuse and harm reduction –
bringing a wealth of experience to the role.
JOE BARNES, SENIOR ADVISOR
Joe Barnes served as Executive Director of Kenora Chiefs Advisory for nearly a decade before retiring to the role of Senior Advisor in December of 2022. He now works with the senior leadership team, the Board of Directors and the Ma’mo’weh Wii’soo’ka’tiwin Foundation to advise on large-scale projects and funding opportunities.
Barnes has a Diploma in Social Service Work from Seneca College and has had extensive experience working within First Nation Communities and the broad Canadian context. Among Barnes’ many accomplishments are such innovative activities as the development of community strategic plans for Health services for their membership; and the First Nation Public Health Pilot Project in Northwestern Ontario.
Barnes has been working with KCA since 2004, first working as a consultant on the development of new healthcare models in the north. In 2010 Joe was offered the role of Executive Director, and in his time in that role, he helped to grow and expand the organization to one of the largest employers in Kenora as of 2024.