CHIEF & COUNCIL
2021-2025 TERM
LOUIS KWISSIWA
Chief
Portfolio: Energy, East West Tie (EWT)/BLP, Young People, Economic Development, Governance
Thurston Kwissiwa
Deputy Chief
Portfolio: Deputy Chief, Governance, Communications & Outreach, Housing, Education, EWT/ BLP
Johanna Desmoulin
Councillor
This council term 2021-2025 allows me to reconnect to the people through my new position as the CCP Implementation Coordinator & the healing and wellness strategies plan champion. I am very humbled to be appointed to hold the social portfolio as Councillor.
Portfolio: Social & Family Services, Lands and Resources, Culture and Language, Human Resources
Jeff Desmoulin
Councillor
Portfolio: Economic Development, LandClaim/Litigation Files, Ontario Works, Policing
Notes: Liaison with White Lake LP
Myles Kwissiwa
Councillor
Portfolio: Sports and Recreation, Policing, Health
Vern McWatch
Councillor
Portfolio: Social & Family Services, Culture and Language
Appointed: Board of Directors with Dilico Ojibway Child and Family Services
Judie Desmoulin
Councillor
Hello, Aaniin, Boozhoo!!!
As many of you already know my name is Judie Desmoulin, I have lived in Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg my entire life. Eric Desmoulin and the late Cora-lee Desmoulin are my parents, with the late Leonard and Dorthy Jacobs (maternal) and Tobias and Francis Desmoulin (paternal) being my grandparents. I’ve been married to Shawn Desmoulin for 15 years. We have raised 5 wonderful children together one of whom honoured me with two handsome grandsons that call me Nana. My children Summer, Secret, Patience, Storm, Shawn Jr and my two grandsons Kendrick and Blake are my entire world and are what makes my heart complete.
I have been the Supervisor at the Pic Mobert Children’s Community Space since 2018 where the Ministry of Education has granted me director approval. I adore my job and the beautiful children I work with on a daily basis. Our children and youth need positive role models. I believe that children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them the beauty the possess inside.
Portfolio: Emergency Service & Planning, Education, Health
Basil Sabourin
Councillor
Portfolio: Sports and Recreation, Public Works, Lands and Resources, Housing, Finance
Michelle Ward
Councillor
Michelle currently resides in Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg with her partner John and son Ryder, she and her family relocated from Thunder Bay to our community after completing her academic goals. Michelle successfully acquired a diploma in Native Child and Family Services from Confederation College and an Honors Bachelor of Social Work degree from Lakehead University. She has extensive experience in social and mental services and has previously worked as the community Family Wellbeing Coordinator since 2019 and now holds the title of Mental Health Program Coordinator in the community. Michelle’s compassion and drive to improve the overall wellbeing of her community has been displayed through her determination to achieve academic success and through her commitment to bringing her knowledge and skills back to her community. Michelle is the daughter of Marilyn Ward and Raymond Tookenay and is the granddaughter of Marvina and James Ward and has a largely rooted family history in Netmizaaggamig having grown up in this beautiful community. In November 2021 Michelle was elected as a member of Chief and Council which she graciously accepted along with the role and responsibilities that come with that very honorable position in the community. Michelle has dedicated her time and commitment to the betterment of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg and the wellbeing of the members that belong to the community and will continue to aid in the future development and progress of our First Nation.
Portfolio(s): Young People, Emergency Services & Planning, Finance, Communications and Outreach
Wayne Sabourin
Councillor
Portfolio: Ontario Works, Energy, Policing, Land Claim/ Litigation files, Public Works, Human Resources
Senior Management Team
Joe Moses
CEO
Joe Moses is honoured and privileged to serve as CEO of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg. He is a proud member of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg. He currently serves on various boards and fulfills multiple leadership roles, including Secretary-Treasurer of Nokiiwin Tribal Council and Vice President of Nokiiwin Economic Development Corporation. Joe is also Founder and Principal of JM Development Solutions; a full-service consulting business focused on building strong projects and relationships between industry, government, and Indigenous stakeholders with clients across Canada and Mexico. Mr. Moses’ prior career experience involves providing executive management and strategic leadership to multiple community-owned businesses, including three hydroelectric projects, a full-service civil construction company, a forestry harvesting operation, and a 150-person capacity camps & catering company. Mr. Moses has served on numerous profit and non-profit boards. In 2016, Mr. Moses was awarded Shift Thunder Bay’s NOVA Award, as one of Northwestern Ontario’s “Top 20 under 40” Visionaries and served in 2015 as the first Indigenous Chair of the Board in Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce history. Joe holds Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Music degrees from Brandon University and is currently completing his Executive Masters of Business Administration from the University of Fredericton. Joe enjoys reading , cooking, playing guitar, and spending time in the outdoors with his family in Marathon, ON.
Donna Sutherland
General Manager
Since 2009, Donna Sutherland has worked for the community. She started in Economic Development, then working in Ontario Works. Working as Manager of Ontario works until 2022.
Joel Merrylees
Chief Financial Officer
Joel Merrylees is a Haweater, he was born and grew up on a dairy farm on Manitoulin Island. He obtained an Honours B.A. in Business Administration from Brock University. He is an accountant with his CMA, CPA designation. With over 25 years working in private industry and public agencies he has been part of and led many departments and projects. He has also been a member and Board Chair for several boards. Joel currently resides in Echo Bay, ON. Joel enjoys the outdoors, hunting, fishing and gardening. In his younger days Joel enjoyed playing fastball and golf. He coached his son’s baseball teams for many years. He loves to take his hunting and fishing successes from field to table including butchering, processing, smoking, canning, and sausage making.