SIXTIES SCOOP HEALING FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wayne Garnons-Williams, (Acting CEO)
Wayne is a First Nations, Sixties Scoop Survivor from Saskatchewan. Wayne completed his Bachelor of Arts, Political Science at the University of Windsor in 1987 and Bachelor of Laws at Queen University in 1990. Wayne is licensed to practice law in Ontario and British Columbia since 1992 and 1994, respectively. He has completed a Certificate in Advanced Alternative Dispute Resolution from University of Windsor in 2001. Thereafter in 2008, he completed his Master’s in Public Administration at Dalhousie University. He is currently a research fellow at the University of Oklahoma, the College of Law and is completing his Master’s in Law at the same time.
Wayne has served as Chair of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Appeal Tribunal as well as served as a member of the NAFTA secretariat from 2018 to the introduction USMCA with his focus on Indigenous Law and International Inter-tribal law. He is also the Principal Director of both the Indigenous Sovereign Trade Consultancy Ltd. and his law firm, Garwill Law Professional Corporation.
Wayne has successfully led international Non-Government Organizations, federal government departments and his own law firm. Through his years of education and professional life, Wayne has gained experience in Indigenous research, Indigenous political history, Indigenous grassroots leadership, policy, finance, accounting, advocacy, government relations, governance, management, human resources, law, fundraising, communication, marketing, and cultural based program delivery.
The Selection Committee felt that Wayne endorses the entire skillset that the Foundation is seeking. His experience in media relations, and his tremendous depth of expertise demonstrated through his work with various Boards is an asset that would be beneficial for the Foundation.
Wayne is a First Nations, Sixties Scoop Survivor from Saskatchewan. Wayne completed his Bachelor of Arts, Political Science at the University of Windsor in 1987 and Bachelor of Laws at Queen University in 1990. Wayne is licensed to practice law in Ontario and British Columbia since 1992 and 1994, respectively. He has completed a Certificate in Advanced Alternative Dispute Resolution from University of Windsor in 2001. Thereafter in 2008, he completed his Master’s in Public Administration at Dalhousie University. He is currently a research fellow at the University of Oklahoma, the College of Law and is completing his Master’s in Law at the same time.
Wayne has served as Chair of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Appeal Tribunal as well as served as a member of the NAFTA secretariat from 2018 to the introduction USMCA with his focus on Indigenous Law and International Inter-tribal law. He is also the Principal Director of both the Indigenous Sovereign Trade Consultancy Ltd. and his law firm, Garwill Law Professional Corporation.
Wayne has successfully led international Non-Government Organizations, federal government departments and his own law firm. Through his years of education and professional life, Wayne has gained experience in Indigenous research, Indigenous political history, Indigenous grassroots leadership, policy, finance, accounting, advocacy, government relations, governance, management, human resources, law, fundraising, communication, marketing, and cultural based program delivery.
The Selection Committee felt that Wayne endorses the entire skillset that the Foundation is seeking. His experience in media relations, and his tremendous depth of expertise demonstrated through his work with various Boards is an asset that would be beneficial for the Foundation.
Selina Legge,
Selina would like to acknowledge her Ancestors who have passed on before her. To Selina’s Aunt Mary Adams who gave her the courage to speak up for truth and justice, Selina’s Mother for her letters of love and encouragement to never give up, no matter how many times she fell or failed along the way. To the Anishnawbe Health team for helping her make sense of it all and to stop blaming herself for injustices put upon her. To Sally Brown Martel( Marcia) who bought this case forward. To her Lawyer Geoff Budden on representing her with her own personal lawsuit. To the Toronto Inuit community for your support, love and respect. To her Nunatsiavut family and beautiful friends who have been Selina’s solid rock. Nakummek, Thank you.
Atelihai, Hello.
Selina is an Inuk of Nunatsiavut. Mother of 3 and Grandmother of 5. In 1964 she was scooped from her family and ancestral lands by the Canadian Government and made a ward of state where she was placed with non-Indigenous people. When Selina reached 16 years of age, she no longer belonged to anyone. The government that stole her from her people now gave up ownership of her. She was left to fend for herself. She is a Sixties Scoop Survivor. At the age of 24 she was a single Mother and was able to come up with enough funds to buy a used car for $300.00 and a hot dog cart business that won her the best restaurant award. She continued working with Trade shows and festivals buying and selling products.
In 2007 Selina hired a lawyer and took the government to court for the abuses imposed upon her as a child which made her relive the Trauma. She spent four years with counselling and recovering to heal her broken spirit. Selina settled the case out of court through negotiations. In 2014 she was elected Toronto's Inuit Delegate to represent them on the National Level developing Inuit Specific programs and services. Selina worked collaboratively with Indigenous organisations such as Tungasuvvinat Inuit, Pauttitut Women and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. She is also one of the Co-Founders of the Toronto Inuit Association where she served on the board as Secretary. She was entrusted by the Inuit community to lead the Pre-Inquiry for Toronto's Missing and Murdered Inuit Woman and Girls. She also attended the 5th Indigenous Women's Summit representing Toronto and took part in the Truth and Reconciliation conference. This is part of Selina’s journey and healing story. With this experience Selina is looking forward to serving all sixties scoop Survivors on their journey to healing and reclamation.
Nakummek, Thank you
Selina would like to acknowledge her Ancestors who have passed on before her. To Selina’s Aunt Mary Adams who gave her the courage to speak up for truth and justice, Selina’s Mother for her letters of love and encouragement to never give up, no matter how many times she fell or failed along the way. To the Anishnawbe Health team for helping her make sense of it all and to stop blaming herself for injustices put upon her. To Sally Brown Martel( Marcia) who bought this case forward. To her Lawyer Geoff Budden on representing her with her own personal lawsuit. To the Toronto Inuit community for your support, love and respect. To her Nunatsiavut family and beautiful friends who have been Selina’s solid rock. Nakummek, Thank you.
Atelihai, Hello.
Selina is an Inuk of Nunatsiavut. Mother of 3 and Grandmother of 5. In 1964 she was scooped from her family and ancestral lands by the Canadian Government and made a ward of state where she was placed with non-Indigenous people. When Selina reached 16 years of age, she no longer belonged to anyone. The government that stole her from her people now gave up ownership of her. She was left to fend for herself. She is a Sixties Scoop Survivor. At the age of 24 she was a single Mother and was able to come up with enough funds to buy a used car for $300.00 and a hot dog cart business that won her the best restaurant award. She continued working with Trade shows and festivals buying and selling products.
In 2007 Selina hired a lawyer and took the government to court for the abuses imposed upon her as a child which made her relive the Trauma. She spent four years with counselling and recovering to heal her broken spirit. Selina settled the case out of court through negotiations. In 2014 she was elected Toronto's Inuit Delegate to represent them on the National Level developing Inuit Specific programs and services. Selina worked collaboratively with Indigenous organisations such as Tungasuvvinat Inuit, Pauttitut Women and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. She is also one of the Co-Founders of the Toronto Inuit Association where she served on the board as Secretary. She was entrusted by the Inuit community to lead the Pre-Inquiry for Toronto's Missing and Murdered Inuit Woman and Girls. She also attended the 5th Indigenous Women's Summit representing Toronto and took part in the Truth and Reconciliation conference. This is part of Selina’s journey and healing story. With this experience Selina is looking forward to serving all sixties scoop Survivors on their journey to healing and reclamation.
Nakummek, Thank you
Eric Phillips, Board Member
Eric Phillips is 60’s scoop Survivor. He is Haisla, Whale Clan, Tsimshian and Gitxsan. Eric started commercial fishing at a young age and spent all of his summers on the water. For the last 18 years, he has been president of a commercial fishing company and in 2018, he received his Captain’s ticket for 150 ton Masters. Eric also studied emotional competence for indigenous people at the Justice Institute, with Dr. Lee Brown.
Eric lives in Chilliwack, BC on unceded Tzeachten territory with his wife and youngest daughter. He also has 3 adult daughters and a transgender son. Around 20 years ago, Eric's birth mother reached out to him and since then he has reconnected with his family. Eric suffers from anxiety and depression, though he is not afraid to try something new. When he heard the stories and met the people, Eric felt that his personal experiences could help other Survivors find a connection. Eric's abilities in finance, management and cultural understanding will lend a hand in development of this foundation.
Eric Phillips is 60’s scoop Survivor. He is Haisla, Whale Clan, Tsimshian and Gitxsan. Eric started commercial fishing at a young age and spent all of his summers on the water. For the last 18 years, he has been president of a commercial fishing company and in 2018, he received his Captain’s ticket for 150 ton Masters. Eric also studied emotional competence for indigenous people at the Justice Institute, with Dr. Lee Brown.
Eric lives in Chilliwack, BC on unceded Tzeachten territory with his wife and youngest daughter. He also has 3 adult daughters and a transgender son. Around 20 years ago, Eric's birth mother reached out to him and since then he has reconnected with his family. Eric suffers from anxiety and depression, though he is not afraid to try something new. When he heard the stories and met the people, Eric felt that his personal experiences could help other Survivors find a connection. Eric's abilities in finance, management and cultural understanding will lend a hand in development of this foundation.
Danelle St-Laurent, - Board Member
Danelle is an Ojibwe-Cree-Sioux from Saskatchewan. Her mother is from Muskowekwan First Nation and her father is from Pasqua First Nation. At the age of seven, Danelle was adopted by a family in Quebec in the city of Rock-Forest, which is now named Sherbrooke. Since 2011, she worked as an Indigenous Community Development Officer for Correctional Service Canada, and she served for 3 years on the National Aboriginal Peoples’ Circle as the Aboriginal Representative of Quebec for the Government of Canada. In addition, Danelle has worked for Quebec Native Women, First Nations Human Resources Development Commission of Quebec, she sat on the Board of Directors for the Native Montreal Women Shelter and for the Rising Sun Childcare Centre. Danelle has been an active member for the Indigenous community in the province of Quebec and Montreal area for almost 20 years. She has great knowledge of the historical context, realities and challenges that the Indigenous people of Canada are facing.
Danelle is an Ojibwe-Cree-Sioux from Saskatchewan. Her mother is from Muskowekwan First Nation and her father is from Pasqua First Nation. At the age of seven, Danelle was adopted by a family in Quebec in the city of Rock-Forest, which is now named Sherbrooke. Since 2011, she worked as an Indigenous Community Development Officer for Correctional Service Canada, and she served for 3 years on the National Aboriginal Peoples’ Circle as the Aboriginal Representative of Quebec for the Government of Canada. In addition, Danelle has worked for Quebec Native Women, First Nations Human Resources Development Commission of Quebec, she sat on the Board of Directors for the Native Montreal Women Shelter and for the Rising Sun Childcare Centre. Danelle has been an active member for the Indigenous community in the province of Quebec and Montreal area for almost 20 years. She has great knowledge of the historical context, realities and challenges that the Indigenous people of Canada are facing.
Michael Christian, Board Member
Waytkp, (Hello All)
Michael is one of ten children of Delphine Christian (five sisters and five brothers). He is a proud member and former Kukpi7 (Chief) of Splatsin te Secwepemc (formerly known as Spallumcheen Indian Band) Michael is a Sixties Scoop survivor (11 years – age 8 to 19).
As a member and former Kukpi7 (Chief) of the Splatsin te Secwepemc, he has had the great pleasure to experience the rich Indigenous cultures across Canada as well as a select few from the United States of America. He has lived in many of the Western Canadian Indigenous communities as a Computer Instructor/Technician for weeks at a time.
This combined with his experience as an Indigenous politician has provided a unique insight into Indigenous histories, protocols, issues, demographics and social structures. His background includes 13 years as lead for Indigenous services which comprises of program and policy development in education, governance and law (Indigenous and Non-Indigenous), natural resources, cultural resources, information and communication technology. His 20 years’ experience in education and administration will complement the foundations needs
The majority of Michaels teaching experience is within the Indigenous private sector. He is looking forward to applying his skills and experience towards working with the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation to assist with our collective healing path moving forward.
Kukwstsámc! (Thank You)
Waytkp, (Hello All)
Michael is one of ten children of Delphine Christian (five sisters and five brothers). He is a proud member and former Kukpi7 (Chief) of Splatsin te Secwepemc (formerly known as Spallumcheen Indian Band) Michael is a Sixties Scoop survivor (11 years – age 8 to 19).
As a member and former Kukpi7 (Chief) of the Splatsin te Secwepemc, he has had the great pleasure to experience the rich Indigenous cultures across Canada as well as a select few from the United States of America. He has lived in many of the Western Canadian Indigenous communities as a Computer Instructor/Technician for weeks at a time.
This combined with his experience as an Indigenous politician has provided a unique insight into Indigenous histories, protocols, issues, demographics and social structures. His background includes 13 years as lead for Indigenous services which comprises of program and policy development in education, governance and law (Indigenous and Non-Indigenous), natural resources, cultural resources, information and communication technology. His 20 years’ experience in education and administration will complement the foundations needs
The majority of Michaels teaching experience is within the Indigenous private sector. He is looking forward to applying his skills and experience towards working with the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation to assist with our collective healing path moving forward.
Kukwstsámc! (Thank You)
Chris Wagg, Board Member
Chris Wagg, a resilient individual, emerged victorious from the challenges imposed by the Sixties Scoop, a dark chapter in Canadian history. Born in 1967 in Ottawa, Chris faced early separation from their Indigenous family. Chris was adopted into a wonderful non-Indigenous family and in recent years has been reunited her Indigenous family in Alderville First Nation. Despite life’s challenges, Chris has emerged as a beacon of strength and resilience.
Throughout their life, Chris demonstrated an unwavering commitment to learning and self-improvement. Their journey as a lifelong learner began with a thirst for knowledge with education becoming a tool for empowerment, and Chris embraced it wholeheartedly.
Chris forged a career as a dedicated community developer. With a passion for contributing to their community, they worked tirelessly to make a positive impact in various roles within the public sector. Their dedication, work ethic, and commitment to justice and equity became a testament to their resilience and determination.
Beyond their professional life, Chris found solace and joy in the water. A lifelong swimmer, they spent many hours swimming competitively, training lifeguards and a strong advocate in the drowning prevention community. Now in retirement, Chris has returned to school to master the art of photography. This combined with their passion exploring the stories of fellow Sixties Scoop Survivors and finding ways to share these to help others be heard and heal on their own journeys.
Chris Wagg, a resilient individual, emerged victorious from the challenges imposed by the Sixties Scoop, a dark chapter in Canadian history. Born in 1967 in Ottawa, Chris faced early separation from their Indigenous family. Chris was adopted into a wonderful non-Indigenous family and in recent years has been reunited her Indigenous family in Alderville First Nation. Despite life’s challenges, Chris has emerged as a beacon of strength and resilience.
Throughout their life, Chris demonstrated an unwavering commitment to learning and self-improvement. Their journey as a lifelong learner began with a thirst for knowledge with education becoming a tool for empowerment, and Chris embraced it wholeheartedly.
Chris forged a career as a dedicated community developer. With a passion for contributing to their community, they worked tirelessly to make a positive impact in various roles within the public sector. Their dedication, work ethic, and commitment to justice and equity became a testament to their resilience and determination.
Beyond their professional life, Chris found solace and joy in the water. A lifelong swimmer, they spent many hours swimming competitively, training lifeguards and a strong advocate in the drowning prevention community. Now in retirement, Chris has returned to school to master the art of photography. This combined with their passion exploring the stories of fellow Sixties Scoop Survivors and finding ways to share these to help others be heard and heal on their own journeys.
Troy Abromaitis, Treasurer
Troy MacBeth Abromaitis brings over two decades of senior leadership experience and expertise in real estate management to his role as a board member of the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation. Born in Vancouver and a survivor of the Sixties Scoop, Troy's personal journey has been marked by resilience, determination, and a profound commitment to reclaiming his Indigenous heritage. With a career spanning over 20 years in senior management roles within the real estate sector, Troy has honed his skills in strategic planning, community development, and resource mobilization. His extensive experience in navigating complex organizational challenges and fostering collaborations positions him as a valuable asset to the foundation.
As a community builder, Troy has played an instrumental role in fostering connections and partnerships within Indigenous communities and beyond. His leadership in the reconstruction efforts following the devastating wildfires in Lytton exemplifies his ability to mobilize resources and support community healing and resilience. In recognition of his unwavering dedication and leadership, Troy was gifted the ancestral name Lex7em'ken by his Nlaka'pamux family. This honor symbolizes his role as a beacon of hope and resilience in times of adversity, further underscoring his deep connection to his Indigenous heritage and community. The bestowal of this name was a profound acknowledgment of Troy's efforts in rebuilding and revitalizing his community, demonstrating how he has become a source of inspiration and strength for those around him.
Through his work in real estate management and community development, Troy has demonstrated a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges facing Indigenous communities. His commitment to reconciliation, healing, and empowerment aligns with the foundation's mission to support survivors in their own quests for healing, reclaiming their identities, and building stronger communities. As a board member of the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation, Troy's wealth of experience, leadership skills, and dedication to community service make him an invaluable asset to the organization. His passion for creating positive change and his unwavering commitment to Indigenous rights and reconciliation will undoubtedly contribute to the foundation's success in supporting survivors on their healing journey.
Troy MacBeth Abromaitis brings over two decades of senior leadership experience and expertise in real estate management to his role as a board member of the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation. Born in Vancouver and a survivor of the Sixties Scoop, Troy's personal journey has been marked by resilience, determination, and a profound commitment to reclaiming his Indigenous heritage. With a career spanning over 20 years in senior management roles within the real estate sector, Troy has honed his skills in strategic planning, community development, and resource mobilization. His extensive experience in navigating complex organizational challenges and fostering collaborations positions him as a valuable asset to the foundation.
As a community builder, Troy has played an instrumental role in fostering connections and partnerships within Indigenous communities and beyond. His leadership in the reconstruction efforts following the devastating wildfires in Lytton exemplifies his ability to mobilize resources and support community healing and resilience. In recognition of his unwavering dedication and leadership, Troy was gifted the ancestral name Lex7em'ken by his Nlaka'pamux family. This honor symbolizes his role as a beacon of hope and resilience in times of adversity, further underscoring his deep connection to his Indigenous heritage and community. The bestowal of this name was a profound acknowledgment of Troy's efforts in rebuilding and revitalizing his community, demonstrating how he has become a source of inspiration and strength for those around him.
Through his work in real estate management and community development, Troy has demonstrated a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges facing Indigenous communities. His commitment to reconciliation, healing, and empowerment aligns with the foundation's mission to support survivors in their own quests for healing, reclaiming their identities, and building stronger communities. As a board member of the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation, Troy's wealth of experience, leadership skills, and dedication to community service make him an invaluable asset to the organization. His passion for creating positive change and his unwavering commitment to Indigenous rights and reconciliation will undoubtedly contribute to the foundation's success in supporting survivors on their healing journey.
FIRST PERMANENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS – UPDATE
Presenting our first permanent Board of Directors:
Throughout 2020, based on the recommendations in the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation Survivor Engagement Report, we recruited the first permanent Survivor-led Board of Directors for the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation. Our first official Board of Directors represent compassion, strength, unity and healing.
Throughout 2020, based on the recommendations in the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation Survivor Engagement Report, we recruited the first permanent Survivor-led Board of Directors for the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation. Our first official Board of Directors represent compassion, strength, unity and healing.
November 12, 2020 Virtual Event
Official Launch of the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation and Board of Directors Announcement. Captions in French and English will be provided in the future, but for now, the video is available for viewing in its entirety.
Official Launch of the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation and Board of Directors Announcement. Captions in French and English will be provided in the future, but for now, the video is available for viewing in its entirety.
Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Minister Bennett shares remarks on the new permanent Board Members of the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation and their vital work to address the legacy of the Sixties Scoop.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Minister Bennett shares remarks on the new permanent Board Members of the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation and their vital work to address the legacy of the Sixties Scoop.