THUNDER BAY – Matawa First Nations Management, an agency serving nine Anishinaabe communities in northern Ontario, has a new chief executive officer.
Sharon Nate, an Eabametoong First Nation member and Lakehead University education alumna, started in her new position Tuesday.
She replaces David Paul Achneepineskum, who has opted for semi-retirement after 25 years as CEO.
“I’d like to acknowledge David Paul and the legacy that he’s leaving behind here,” Nate said Tuesday in a Zoom interview from her office on Court Street S.
“They are certainly big shoes to fill, and I’m looking forward to carrying on what was started and looking forward to starting new beginnings as well.”
Nate brings over 20 years of experience in education, leadership, teaching and advocacy for Indigenous youth and communities.
Most recently she was executive director of education at Matawa Education, where she led major initiatives including the construction of the Matawa Education and Care Centre and the development of the Matawa Waka Tere Language Revitalization Program.
The World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium awarded Nate an honorary doctorate in recognition of her leadership in Indigenous education and language revitalization.
Nate said her priorities for Matawa include “transparency, community-led initiatives, expanding on Matawa’s economic potential, (and) ensuring throughout this whole process that our cultural values are guiding every step of the way as we move forward.
“And then also, in working with David Paul I’ve learned the importance of leadership and also the power of relationship-building with all of the partners within this community of Thunder Bay, but also expanding to the governments as well.”
Matawa provides services and support to nine First Nations northeast of Thunder Bay: Aroland, Ginoogaming, Constance Lake, Eabametoong, Long Lake #58, Marten Falls, Neskantaga, Nibinamik and Webequie.
