Women's Council
The Nishnawbe Aski Nation Women's Council is under the portfolio of Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin. There are women from across NAN who sit on this council, the following are the women who make up this council:
Dora Beardy is from Bearskin Lake First Nation and holds the portfolio of Language and Capacity Building.
Jackie Fletcher is from Missinabie Cree First Nation and holds the portfolio of Communications.
Donna Orr is from Constance Lake First Nation and holds the portfolio of Health and Conferences.
Tina Rae is from Sandy Lake First Nation and holds the portfolio of Social Issues.
Theresa Sutherland is from Wahgoshig First Nation and holds the portfolio of Education and Teaching.
Rebecca Friday is from Kashechewan and holds the portfolios of Leadership/ Capacity Building.
Lorraine Crane is from Slate Falls and holds the portfolios of Research/Policy.
Mary Lou Wnters is from Kingfisher First Nation, newly elected, portfolio not determined yet at this point.
Esther McKay is from Bearskin Lake First Nation and is the Elders/Youth/Chiefs Liaison. Esther McKay is from the NAN Decade for Youth. Her seat is in an ex-officio capacity.
The terms of reference, Click Here, are available to review the background, the purpose, the role, membership, terms, objectives, priorities and portfolio's of each individual member.
The Nishnawbe Aski Nation Chiefs-in-Assembly have passed a number of resolutions establishment and continued development of the NAN Women's Council.
The NAN Women's Council held a NAN Women's Conference in March 2007 where over 100 women from Nishnawbe Aski Nation were in attendance. The theme was "Reclaiming our Past Glories & Gifts to Share with our Families." This overarching theme was to give the message to the women of NAN to take care of themselves in all aspects, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. A Socio-Health Wellness plan was developed from the evaluations, feedback and focus group discussions.
In order to support the momentum of the development of the women of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, there are staff dedicated to NAN Women. These staff are:
Christine Simard, Director of Women's Development
Betty Wheesk, Family Healing Coordinator
Rachel Mamakwa, NAN Women's Project Assistant
For further information regarding the NAN Women's Council, please contact Christine Simard or Rachel Mamakwa at 1-800-465-9952 extension 4953.
