The Board Of Directors

Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that provides oversight and guidance to the agency. The Board consists of a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary Treasurer and additional members representing the interest of each of their member communities. Each Director shall be, at the time of their appointment and throughout their term, a duly appointed voting member of the corporation.

The Board of Directors is well governed and promotes a healthy work environment to ensure service excellence for the entire organization and each of their respective member communities. In service to its membership, policies and procedures are intertwined with traditions and the cultural beliefs of Anishinabek people.

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BIGRAS, Chris


Community: Zhiibaahaasing, ON 
Position: Board Director
Tenure of service: Since May 2023. (Also served as a KGCFS board member from Oct. 1999 to Nov. 2007)
Current occupation: Retired

  • She currently sits on a number of other boards, including Kenjgewin Teg and UCCM
  • Traditional Dancer
  • Pipe Carrier
  • Bear Clan
  • Mother of 4, 1 adopted

Searle-Aelick, Kim

M’Chigeeng First Nation


Community: M’Chigeeng First Nation, ON
Position: Director
Tenure of service: Since September 2023
Current occupation: Child Welfare Consultant

  • Elected to her first term as M’Chigeeng First Nation Councilor in September 2023
  • Worked for four decades in a number of pivotal positions in mainstream and Indigenous child welfare.
  • Highly qualified Consultant in child welfare and community engagement in Northern communities
  • Has a deep understanding of cultural nuances and unique challenges faced by First Nations Communities
  • Has a proven track record of implementing effective solutions to protecting children and youth in First Nation communities.
  • Has received provincial and local recognition for her work and volunteer efforts in Health, Education, Justice, and Economic Development
  • Kim’s most cherished role is that of being a Mom and Auntie.

Sheguiandah First Nation

Sheguiandah First Nation

Community: Little Current, ON 
Position: Director
Tenure of service: Since December 2023
Current occupation: Band Representative, Sheguiandah First Nation

  • Will be added soon

Sheshegwaning First Nation DAYFOX, Sherry

Sheshegwaning First Nation


Community: Sheshegwaning, ON
Position: Chairperson
Tenure of service: Since January 2016
Current occupation: Child and Family Support Worker

  • Has a Master’s Degree in Social Work
  • Registered with the Ontario Association of Social Workers & Social Service Workers
  • Brings twenty-five (25) years of experience in the fields of Mental Health, Child Welfare, Health Care, Substance Abuse as well as the Justice system.
  • Currently holds a seat on the Regional Kinoomaadzwin Education Board of Director’s & Regional Education Committee, Child Well-Being Working Group, and Enaag-Dawaab-Jig (Civilian Oversight Committee) for UCCMM Police.

Whitefish River First Nation NAHWEGAHBOW, Leona

Whitefish River First Nation


Community: Birch Island, ON,
Position: Secretary Treasurer
Tenure of service: Since August 2011 (Served previously as a Director and was one of the original Board Directors in 1991)
Current occupation: Retired

  • Strong Health and Social Service knowledge
  • Exceptional Corporate, Financial, Policy Development, Strategic Planning and Conflict Resolution Skills
  • Admirable Elder with keen Cultural Anishinabek wisdom
  • Previous service in role as Chief for Whitefish River First Nation for many terms
  • Current and previous service on many Boards and Committees at the National, Federal, Provincial and First Nations levels
  • Currently serves on the Tribal Council Elders Council, Union of Ontario Indians Health Commission (Acting Director) including numerous others

Wikwemikong Unceded Territory


Community: Wikwemikong, ON
Position: Director
Tenure of service: Since November 2024
Current occupation: Band Council Member

Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation MADAHBEE, Ingrid

Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation

Community: Aundeck Omni Kaning, ON
Position: Vice Chairperson
Tenure of service: Since January 2021
Current occupation: Retired

  • Formally retired resort manager, currently helps out at Duke’s Fish and Chips
  • Band Councillor
  • Formerly sat on various committees, such as recreation, education, and housing committees and still volunteers for various fundraising incentives
  • Offer an education bursary at awards for post-secondary students in the name Duke’s Fish and Chips
  • Ingrid cares deeply for young children and encourages them to pursue an education as the key to success
  • Loves to go moose hunting