program

She hopes that through this work, she can help facilitate greater
cross-cultural understanding between First Nations and neighbouring
municipalities. She also looks forward to travelling to communities
across the country and learning more about the local cultures and
governments.
SULLIVAN, Peter J.
Peter J. Sullivan, has been Surveyor General of Canada Lands
and Director General of Natural Resources Canada’s Surveyor
General Branch since August 2005. Mr. Sullivan has over 30 years’
of experience both in government and the private sector related
to boundary surveys and land survey systems. He has led many
initiatives during his career including the development of geomatics
programs for Aboriginal property rights and the modernization of
cadastral systems for Canada Lands. Mr. Sullivan serves as Canada’s
Commissioner on the Canada-United States International Boundary
Commission and also has the responsibility for the Canadian
Geodetic Survey. He currently serves as a statutory member on the
Council of the Association of Canada Lands Surveyors and on the
Canadian Council on Geomatics.
TABOBANDUNG, Robert
From Wasauksing First Nation, Ontario, Robert Tabobandung is
currently employed as the Manager of Housing as a Business
(HaaB). Prior to HaaB, equipped with a Management Economics
degree from Guelph University, Robert has served among others; as
Economic Development Officer, Director of Operations, and Chief of
his community. During his 14 plus years working for his community,
Robert centred on the development of policy, business and
infrastructure to set a solid foundation for the community.
TAYLOR, Deborah
Deborah Taylor has more than 25 years’ of work experience at CMHC
where she held positions of increasing responsibility. During her
career she worked extensively with First Nations people on the design,
development and management of housing programs. In 2008 she
was appointed the first Executive Director of the First Nations Market
Housing Fund.
THAKAR, Jayshree
Jay Thakar leads Habitat for Humanity Canada’s Aboriginal Housing
Program, with the aim of helping many Aboriginal families realize their
dream of home-ownership. Since 2010 she has focused her energy
on Aboriginal housing and is constantly seeking new and innovative
partnerships and approaches to enhance housing for Canada’s
Aboriginal Peoples.
As an Architect-Planner, Jay launched her career in Ottawa in
1978 working with Canada’s largest Builders/Developers. Later
she joined Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC),
Canada’s national housing agency in 1986. In the late 90s, with the
globalization of the economy, with CMHC’s International Division,
she helped create and enhance business opportunities for Canada’s
housing export industry.
TRAVERSE, Regional Chief Bill
Regional Chief Bill Traverse is Annishinabe/Saulteaux and a member
of Treaty #5, Kinonjeoshtegon Annishinabe Tskinoginan, located on the
west shore of Lake Winnipeg. As the former Chief of his community, he
has over 20 years of political experience. He was both a victim and
survivor of the ‘Residential School System’.
Regional Chief Traverse is member of the AFN National Executive
for the Manitoba Region, serving 64 First Nation Chiefs and their
communities. The make-up of First Nations, which Regional Chief
represents, are members of Treaties 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 10 as well as
five (5) Dakota Nations. Currently, he is in his second term as the AFN
Manitoba Regional Chief and is the AFN – CCOHI (Chiefs Committee
on Housing and Infrastructure) portfolio lead.
WIGGINS, Blaine
Blaine Wiggins is a Mohawk from the Bay of Quinte Mohawks. Blaine
is the part time Executive Director for AFAC and is a Superintendent
with the BC Ambulance Service. As a former Fire Chief, Blaine is
experienced and certified as a Fire Officer, Firefighter, Paramedic,
Emergency Management, Fire Inspector and Fire Plan Examiner.
AFAC provides a national platform for Regional First Nations fire and
emergency services organizations to progress the cause of fire service
on reserve and work towards eliminating loss of life and minimize
damage to infrastructure.
February, 3–5, 2014
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