Mitaanjigamiing Land Code Committee
Get to know the team leading our Land Code development
Janice Henderson
Chief of Mitaanjigamiing First Nation
Janice Henderson has dedicated her efforts to advancing her community for the past 37 years. She returned to her community in 1984 to reconnect with her family. She had been separated from them at the age of 5, as a result of the Indian Residential School and the Sixties Scoop.
She has held the leadership position as Chief of her community from 1986-1992; 1997 – 1999 and since 1997 –to the present day. She was also employed as the First Nation Manager for her community. She was instrumental in relocating the community from an island site to the mainland in 1989 and involved in developing and promoting a shared leadership governance model. An Election code, Band membership code, Financial Administration Law, a Comprehensive Community Plan, Land Use Plan, Residency and Tresspassing By-law are some of the initiatives completed under her leadership.
A Loss of Use Claim settlement of approximately $2.8 million was settled in 1990. The funds were utilized in leveraging funding to develop the existing reserve. In 2018, a Treaty Land Claim Settlement was settled for approximately $24.8 million. A trust fund was developed to ensure the future generations will be benefitting from the settlement. Currently, a Flood Claim settlement is in the final stages of negotiation with Canada and Ontario.
In terms of education, a Bachelor of Arts degree, Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager designation from (AFOA) and Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator designation (AFOA), are some of her educational accomplishments. She has also taken Professional Development training in Mediation and ADR, Negotiation Skills Training; and Women in Leadership.
CONTACT:
mfnchief@mitaanjigamiing.ca
(807) 274-2188 ext 305
(807) 275-5837 (Cell)
Darlene Whitecrow
Councillor
Born and raised in Seine River First Nation.
Transferred to Mitaanjigamiing First Nation in the Early ’90s and currently on Band Council
Elected to band council in 1997 for a 2-year term. Elected again in December 2013 in a by-election to complete a term. Elected in May 2017 for a 2-year term.
Reelected May 2019 and again in May 2021 for another 2-year term.
I enjoy being on Band Council and getting things done for the Mitaanjigamiing First Nation, planning and goals for the community. Attending many meetings in the community and outside the community for the Nation. Sitting as a board of directors for 2 boards Nanicost and Agency 1. Enjoy meeting government officials to discuss band business and achieving results. Enjoy meeting community members to discuss their goals and vision for the community. Working with the Chief and Council to improve community living for all band members. Work well as a team member with other members of the Chief and Council.
Chris Henderson
Councillor
Boozhoo,
My name is Chris Henderson from Mitaanjigamiing First Nation, I have worked for my community in various capacities throughout the years from Band Councillor to my current job Community Planner/Membership Clerk. I worked as a Governance Coordinator for 7 years (2011-2017) and CCP for the last 3 years (2018-2021) Band Council for 2 terms. I received my CAPA designation in October 2019, I am currently trustee for our community, Vice President for Weechi it te win Family services Board and also sit on Land Code committee.
CONTACT:
chris@mitaanjigamiing.ca
807-274-2188 ext. 259
807-275-6831 (Cell)
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Chris Matheson
Committee Member
I was born and raised in Fort Frances, ON and am a member of Mitaanjigamiing First Nation. I live in Fort Frances with my wife and 2 daughters. For 17 years I was an independent property & casualty claims adjuster for many different insurance companies, transitioning to work for our community from May 2017 to March 2020. I am now the owner of Borderland Cannabis, an Ontario licensed retail cannabis store that opened in April 2020 in Fort Frances. I’m looking forward to working with our members and the Lands Committee in moving forward in controlling our own lands and truly believe we are the best community in Treaty #3.
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Ed Morrison
Committee Member
Hello,
I sit as a committee member for the development of Mitaanjigamiing Land Code. This is exciting process and will give our community more control over our growth and creation of a higher standard of living for all members.
I currently work as the First Nation Manager and have also worked in different capacities thru out the years for MFN. I live in the community and enjoy being on the land. This is the cornerstone to our tradition practices and principals.
Meegwitch
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Naomi Field
Lands Manager
Hi! I’m Naomi Field, I’m currently employed by Mitaanjigamiing First Nation as the Ganawendaasowin Childcare Supervisor but my true calling is protecting the lands and resources of our people. I have my Social Service Diploma; my Bachelors of Art Degree and I am a Certified Lands Manager. I love to develop laws and policies; this is the main reason I obtained a Social Service Diploma! I feel that our First Nation has accomplished a lot to get out of the current regime; the Indian Act. We have our own Membership Code, Election Code, Matrimonial Real Property Law and Finance Code and soon we will have our own Childcare Code, Taxation Law, and Land Code. These are all true accomplishments of our people. I am grateful to be a part of this Land Code process and hope we can have the document completed and ratified soon so that we may have the jurisdiction and control over our lands and resources as it should be. Meegwetch!
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Paul Henderson
Economic Development Officer
Paul Henderson has been employed as Economic Development Officer since the spring of 2019. He graduated from the Toronto School of Business in 2001 with a Business Administration Diploma and has lived in Mitaanjigamiing First Nation since then. He has served on council for 4 terms and has been a member of various committees in Housing, Economic Development, Education, Governance, and Recreation. Presently, in Community Comprehensive Community Planning and the technician for the Economic Development Committee. He also sits on the Gobe board for Mitaanjigamiing First Nation and helps with feasibility studies and economic ventures.
Contact
paul@mitaanjigamiing.ca
807-274-2188
807-271-0440 (Cell)