Parent Council

Couchiching gaye Niisaachewan odoonjii. Bizhiw odoodem. (She is from Couchiching and Dalles. Her Clan is Lynx.) Cynthia has been active in the Gaagagekiizhik Parent Council since her daughter, Nagweyaab started school in 2015. Her passion is in relearning Anishinaabemowin and Anishinaabe Culture, and being able to help others attain this goal. Both Cynthia’s parents are Residential School Survivors and she herself is a 60’s Scoop Survivor. She currently works as the Anishinaabemowin Project Coordinator at Bimose Tribal Council. Her education includes an Anishinaabemowin Immersion Certificate, an Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Ojibwe and a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration Management.

She is from the Bear Clan. Sharona has been on Gaagagekiizhik Parent Council since it originated. She has three children that attend Gaagagekiizhik and Bimose Community High School. Sharona was raised by her mother who is a residential school survivor who did not pass on the language to her directly, but instilled a strong sense of Anishinaabe identity to her. Sharona is passionate about learning Anishinaabemowin language for herself, but more importantly ensures all she can so her children may learn the language and culture. Sharona is a well-known entrepreneur and artist. She creates storytelling traditional garments that have found a market amongst a growing demographic. She also has extensive knowledge and experience managing projects/programs, and staff.

He is from the Sturgeon Clan. Thunder has been on the Gaagagekiizhik Parent Council since 2017. He has one child, Nagweyaab, who attends Gaagagekiizhik School. He is contributing to the enrichment of the Anishinaabe community with its culture and language by being active on Gaagage Kiizhik Parent Council. Thunder has a background in finance and event coordination such as Elder’s Forums, traditional feasts, and community-led workshops and conferences. He is the Administrative Assistant at Gaagagekiizhik School. Thunder is currently enrolled the Indigenous Teacher Education Program (ITEP), a partnership between Bimose Tribal Council and Nipissing University.

Also known as Samantha Chicago. She is from the Bear Clan and from Mishkosiminiziibiing First Nation (Big Grassy River). Sam has been on Gaagagekiizhik Parent Council since November 2016 when her children transitioned from a Catholic School. She is adamant her children learn the Anishinaabe language and culture as she is an intergenerational survivor of residential school, where her father was forced to assimilate. She wants to see strong identity instilled in her children as a means of revitalization of the Anishinaabe language and culture. She currently works for Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig (WNHAC) as an Administrative Assistant.