STAFF MEMBERS

Jennifer is from Chapleau Cree First Nation and a second-generation survivor. Her Grandfather attended Residential Schools.

She began the role of Executive Director for Weecheetowin Support Services in February 2022.

Jennifer can be reached at jones@wssontario.ca

Ensure the eligible former Indian Day School students and their family members have access to an appropriate level of mental wellness and can safely address mental wellness issues related to their experience at these institutions and the disclosure of childhood abuse and traumas

Support the emotional health and wellness of former IDS students and family members in a community-based, holistic and integrated manner.

• Member of Sagamok Anishnawbek  - Massey ON

• Graduated as Social Worker from Loyalist College -Belleville ON

• Facilitator/Trainer – Langevin

• Member  Gookmisag Miinwawaa Zigosag   (Grandmas and Aunties)

• I am a mother, grandmother and great grandmother

• Fluent in Ojibway language

My name is Lily Chouinard, I have been working as RHSW (Resolution Health Support Worker) for the past 3 years. I currently work with families who have been impacted by the loss of a loved one, specifically (but not limited to) MMIWG, Health and Culture court in the Thunder Bay Ontario Region, but travel where needed.

Personally, I enjoy doing crafts (sewing and beading) and spending time with my 5 grandchildren, I enjoy meeting new people so please reach out if you feel you need support.

Kiara is the Administrative Assistant for Weecheetowin Support Services. In this position, Kiara provides support for various programs by carrying out a variety of clerical tasks as needed. She works closely with the RHSW/CSP Coordinator Manager at the main office in Batchewana, ON. The programs she provides support for, are subject but are not limited to, Resolution Health Support, Cultural Support, MMIWG, HCSS-IDS (Health and Cultural Support Services – Indian Day School), and Board Members. Kiara assists with the coordination of various tasks including financial bookkeeping preparation, meetings/conferences, arranging accommodations, etc. She also assists with clerical work within the office including operating/directing phone calls, sorting/filing documents, office errands, and more.

No bio found

Mary Sutherland is Originally from Constance Lake First nation, now resides in Garden River. Mary has worked in the administrative field since 1994. Her current role is the Finance Liaison for Weecheetowin Support Services, formerly known Ontario Indian Residential School Support Services. She is responsible for the day-to-day management of accounts, payables, Liaison with the organizations-chartered accountant. Prior to that she was the RHSW/CSP Coordinator who organized staff travel to reflect the request from Health Canada or from organizations or agencies who request for health support. Currently and for 15 years has been involved with the Indian Residential School Survivors. She is also an Indian Residential School Survivor who attended St Annes Fort Albany, And Indian Day School in Constance Lake First Nation. Her father was also an IRS survivor.

• Fluent in Cree

Harvey Trudeau (Wasageshik) is from the Sagamok Anishinabek First Nation, currently providing a dual role as the Cultural Support and Emotional Support person with Weecheetowin Support Services. This position provides Emotional Support; along with proving Smudging; to those experiencing emotion that may be triggered by different situations raising negative memories that one may have experienced earlier in their life. Primarily those memories from Indian Residential School, Indian Day School, MMIWG and the issue of the Unmarked Burial sites.  In addition, if the need arises will provide referral to other more specialized assistance. Harvey has served with organization in various capacities since the implementation of the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement in 2008.

• Harvey is fluent in Ojibwe

Elwood is from Pickerel River (south of Sudbury) and has been living there since 1970. He has been on his healing journey for about 20 years and enjoys helping others. Elwood’s journey has led him to Rain dance, Sun dance, working at various healing lodges and children family services. He has gained much knowledge along the way from elders for healing circles, sweat lodges, Spirit name ceremonies, colours and clans. My work with Weecheetowin has been pleasurable and rewarding. 

Ida Martin was born and raised on the Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve. She is a Mohawk of the Wolf clan. She has a Masters of Education and Counselling from Niagara University N.Y. , certified in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Ontario Teachers College at OTEC, Hamilton, Ont. and Registered Social Worker.

She has experienced various employment opportunities. She has worked as a Supply Teacher on Six Nations, at CAS as a Front-Line Protection Worker, Drug and Alcohol Counsellor, Educational Technician at Mohawk College, Clinical Worker at Social Services and Resolution Health Support Worker for the Ontario Residential School Survivors Society – now Weecheetowin Support Services.

Her current position as Health Support is to offer emotional support, guidance and information on the Independent Assessment Process to claimants attending the Hearings. These Hearings are part of the Settlement Agreement for Residential School Survivors who suffered abuses and may be financially compensated.

Peggy was born in Moose Factory, and a member of Moose Cree First Nation. She comes from a big family of 13 and has very fond memories of living in Moose River. Peggy’s father attended Residential School in Pelican Falls.

She attended Sault College for the Developmental Service Worker and Life Skills Coach programs; Lake Superior State University for Treatment and Addictions; and Wilfred Laurier University where she obtained her Masters in Social Work.  

My name is Mary Jane Metatawabin I am from Attawapiskat First Nation.  I am fluent in Swampy Cree N dialect. 

I went to Lakehead University for Language Instructor Program, and I took Anishinaabemowin immersion at Sault College. I’ve taught Cree and have translated/interpreted.

I am grateful to work with this organization.

Mîkwêc

Andrew was born at a place called Gahgahwashkook also know as Moose River Crossing
Ontario.Andrew Reuben is a Oji-Cree from Brunswich House First Nation. He was brought up in a
traditional manner, fist from his mother, father and grandfather and other elders using the cree language.
He later had to learn English. Andrew is also a residential school, sixties scoop and now a high school
boarding home survivor.
Andrew feels the need to bring back and use the oji-cree knowledge which is fundimental to the First
Nations teachings.He also feels strongly, as someone who speaks fluent Cree, to begin using our
indigenous languages as part and parcel of our living ways.The Indigenous knowledge is in the
Indigenous languages!
While he was growing up, it was common place to share, exchange, elate and practise the traditional and
customaries ways of his people.