Krystal Abotossaway
Krystal Abotossaway is from Aundeck Omni-Kaning First Nation and Chippewas of Rama First Nation. She is an urban Ojibwe Anishinaabe Kwe. Krystal is a well sought after expert, speaker, and leader on Indigenous engagement.
As Senior Manager at TD Bank, she is currently rotating through the various centres of excellencies within the HR function. Providing strategic counsel, execution support, and collaborating across internal teams and external partners. Krystal has successfully completed a Master’s degree at York University in Human Resource Management.
As the President of the Indigenous Professional Association of Canada, she is helping to redefine the agenda and identify new measures for advancing the opportunities for and the capabilities of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples.
Krystal is recognized across Canada, both in the media and within the broader Indigenous community, as an expert spokesperson for bridging strategies that will enable more Indigenous youth to achieve their aspirations and dreams.
Her thought leadership in advancing Human Resources knowledge on Indigenous engagement is informed by her academic background and ongoing leadership roles on multiple Boards in the GTA.
Michael White
Michael is from the Bear Clan of M’Chigeeng First Nation. He has served on the Miziwe Biik board for over fifteen years! Michael has a Masters of Education in Urban Indigenous Issues from York University and is the Director of First Nations House, the Indigenous Student Services at the University of Toronto. In his spare time, Michael serves the community as a ceremonial conductor.
Jimmy Dick
Jimmy is from Moose Cree First Nation and the community of Moose Factory, Ontario. He is fluent in the Cree language and is a Teacher/Educator on Native Culture and Spirituality. He is an Elder and guest speaker at international conferences and is an active volunteer and board member. Jimmy has been actively involved in Toronto’s Indigenous community since 1975 and is a member of the Eagleheart Singers drum group.
Quazance Boissoneau
Quazance is from Garden River First Nation. She has worked at Humber College supporting Indigenous students and has been sharing information on post-secondary education with First Nation communities since fall 2013. She advocates for Indigenous mental health and wellness by helping advance Indigenous youth with education and sports. Quazance strives to promote balanced lifestyles for Indigenous People living in two-worlds.
Gavin Lawrence
Gavin is a proud member of Saugeen First Nation. He creates pathways to careers in the construction skilled trades as a Project Director at the Labour Education Centre.
He works with Indigenous communities across Ontario, His focus has always been on creating opportunities. Gavin was once employed at Miziwe Biik in construction training.