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

Dr. Theresa Turmel is the CSP Coordinator. She worked with IRS Survivors for over twenty-five years and is a published author. Her book titled "Mnidoo Bemaasing Bemaadiziwin: Reclaiming, Reconnecting and Demystifying 'Resiliency' as Life Force Energy for Residential School Survivors" presents a comprehensive understanding of how some residential school students navigated the challenges of residential school and survived the process at each stage of their life. The book is considered strength-based literature which we so badly need in these horrific, tragic times.

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.

Peter has been part of the Health Support Team since 2013. He enjoys his role as a Health Support Worker and is very honored with the many IRS survivors he had been working with since he has started.He is a survivor of the IRS. He attended St. Annes school in Fort Albany and later he would be sent to St. Joe’s which was formally located in Fort  William, now called Thunder Bay.He as addressed his personal issues with Western Therapy, but most of his personal growth comes from his traditional walk as he does many ceremonies and attends to participate in ceremonies as part of his self - care.When asked if he was ever triggered with his work he answered, "Yes of course, many times. but I always have my Spiritual practice to fall on, or I get full support from team members."Peter continues his work as Health 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.

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Aanii, Hello ! My name is Darlene Geauvreau. I'm a member of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek in Naughton, Ontario.  My husband and I have been married for thirty-three years and we have three wonderful children, a daughter, age 29 and two sons, ages 25 and 22.

I have family members at Chapleau Cree First Nation on my father's side and MChigeeng First Nation on beautiful Manitoulin Island, from my mother's side. I'm a third generational survivor of the residential school system as my mother and grandparents attended the Spanish Residential Schools.

I love working for my home community. For the past sixteen years, I've been employed at the Shawenekezhik Health Centre as the Health Services Clerk, coordinating all facets of the Medical Transportation Program and providing Non-Insured Health Benefits information and advocasy. Previous to that, for fifteen years, I was employed as a certified dental assistant in Sudbury, Ontario

I live my life according to the seven grandfather teachings, respecting and honoring all that sustains us.

I believe that learning is life long, and look forward to contributing and making a difference in the lives of the Weecheetowin family and those that we serve. Miigwetch.

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

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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.

I am Marlene Martin I am Bear clan and a proud member of the Moose Cree first Nation. I come from a large family of fourteen, our parents instilled in us strong family values. I grew up in a small community of Moose River. I was surrounded by many relatives, cousins, aunts, uncles & grandparents. We hunted trapped, fished, and grew some of our veggies. My father attended residential school Pelican Falls in Sioux Lookout. I attended residential school at Horden Hall in Moose Factory, ON.

I grew up and went on a ride called LIFE.  Today I have two sons eight grandchildren & one great granddaughter I instill the same family values.  Family is number one.

After 27 years of being a police officer I retired. When I was a police officer I responded to incidents involving various incidents from low level to high priority. I worked closely with the community and provided pro-active policing.

I recently joined the Weecheetowin Support services and felt very welcomed. I hope to bring my years of police experiences and my life skills to assist to help our communities’ members to help achieve their full potential.

Andrew Reuben is originally from Kashsachewan First Nation located on the Northern Shores of James Bay. He is presently living in Marysville Ontario with his family.

His past work was associated with the Political Partly of Nishnawbe Aski, and Chief of Ontario. He also was a Chief of his community for 1 term. (2 yrs.)

He has also worked as an elder for Correction Canada for numerous years.

Andrew walks in the traditional practice of his Ancestors. He is very passionate and fluent of his Cree Language. He believes that the language is the most important part of First nations people to identify with their culture.

Andrew has been employed with Weecheetowin Support Services going on 7 years and enjoys his work with the team.