Celebrating First Nation Careers

Jack McKay, Deputy Chief 

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug

Jack speaks about the Farming initiatives undertaken by his community on the path to creating  sustainable food sources.  In August 2008, 15 goats were flown in from New Liskard, Ontario.  Jack discusses what they learned from this experience and how they continue to move forward with farming initiatives.

 Click here to view the interview with Jack McKay:

http://66.165.220.194/viewerportal/vmc/player.do?eventContentId=942

 Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug is an excellent example of creating new visions and opportunities in their community. Please visit the following links for more information:

 For more information on the Farming Project,  please review the Sagatay Article:  http://www.wawataynews.ca/sagatay/epublish/1/44

For more information on Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, please visit their web site:     http://kitchenuhmaykoosib.com/

Raymond Mason, KEEWAYWIN
Community Liaison Officer, Keewaytinook Mobile Cellular Project

Raymond Mason is an excellent role model for finding what you love to do, and applying that to the needs of his community. A personal interest in communication, and the desire to learn new skills, has led him to work with his community to forge ahead in the communication field.

Raymond is currently the Community Liaison Officer for the Keewaytinook Mobile Cellular Project. Keewaywin is one of the first two remote northern First Nations to obtain cellular service. Raymond’s position creates community support and awareness as the KM cellular expansion continues in the remote First Nation Communities of Nishnawbe-Aski Nation.

His message to the youth was passed down from his Grandfather: “Whatever job you do, you do it well….Do the best in whatever it is you are doing”. Try your best in all aspects of your life.

Zandra Bear-Lowen
Constance Lake First Nation
Profession: Principal

M y name is Zandra Bear-Lowen and I am the principal at Mamawmatawa Holistic Education Centre in Constance Lake First Nation in Northern Ontario. My mother's side of the family has always lived in Constance Lake. My immediate family returned back to the community over 10 years ago.

I ventured into University in Nanaimo, British Columbia. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Anthropology and also acquired a diploma in Physical Education from Malaspina College-Univeristy (now called Vancouver Island University) in 2000.

With gaining some teaching experience for three years abroad in Japan, I returned to earn my Bachelor of Education at Queens University while working full time at Mamawmatawa Holistic Education Centre.

An elder once told me to give back to my community when the time came, so when the opportunity came it was an easy decision to make when two teaching positions opened up at our new school. Teaching and going to school was the best option for my young family.

In 2008 the board of education approached me to take the principal position, which I accepted with great honour. I then earned my principalship through Six Nation Polytechnic and now this is my second year of being a principal. We are making some remarkable progress with implementing reading programs to help our students learn and grow. I hope to make a continued impact on our youth being in this position.

All my relations, Meegwetch!

Oct 16, 2009

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Chief Franklin Paibomsai
Whitefish River First Nation

Chief Franklin Paibomsai, an inspiring role model for First Nation Youth, speaks about turning his passion of science as a young boy into a career as an accomplished Civil Engineer and community leader in Whitefish River First Nation.

Chief Paibomsai delivers a positive message to students: “In choosing the path right for you, you must have passion and genuine interest in that field. School can be challenging, but with determination and a positive attitude, you can reach your goals”.

Chief Frank Paibomsai invites comments from students to be sent to www. whitefishriver.ca