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Welcoming New Council Members



OCTOBER 2025 – Ka Ni Kanichihk welcomes ten newly elected Council Members. Our new Council Members brings our existing Council to a full and robust membership of 12 members and two Elder Members. We welcome:

  • Elder Beverley Courchene
  • Elder Don Robinson
  • Andrea Gallagher
  • Angel McKay
  • Angel Toy
  • Youth Member Jayden Greene
  • Youth Member Kaelei Knutson
  • Rochelle Pelly
  • Stacey Reimer
  • Tania Lerat

To learn more about our new Council Members, read their biographies below:

Beverley Courchene is a proud member of Sagkeeng First Nation. She is a mother to 6 children (2 biological) and grandmother of 12 grandchildren. She truly believes in the traditional role of kinship, her children were raised with culture, and each of her kids all received their spirit names.

Beverley is an Anishinaabemowin speaker who promotes the language within her family by speaking it to her grandkids. She is very active in the community, whether it be making connections at elder’s conferences, round dances or community events – Beverly models her love and commitment to community to her young granddaughters by bringing them to events.

Don Robinson is originally from Bunibonibee Cree Nation (Oxford House First Nation), and has been a long time Winnipeg resident.

He is currently works in the areas of Grief and Trauma, and traditional knowledge counselling. He brings a unique cultural perspective on healing, intergeneration trauma, cross cultural awareness, family therapy work with Indigenous families, training and learning, traditional ways of healing, and family group conferencing. He has learned from Elders and knowledge keepers about the traditional ways through participating in ceremonies, fasting, sweat lodge, and the Sundance.

Andrea Gallagher (miskw-mikinaak ikwe) is an Anishinaabe citizen of Sagkeeng First Nation and a graduate of the University of Manitoba. She received a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Political Studies and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Indigenous Studies. She then went on to complete her Masters of Arts Degree in Political Studies, with a focus on Canadian and Indigenous Politics. Andrea has been a civil servant with the Government of Manitoba for the past nine years and currently serves as Director of Indigenous and Community Relations with the Public Safety Division of Manitoba Justice. As the daughter of a residential school survivor and educator, Andrea is also passionate about Indigenous education, having spent time as a sessional instructor at both the University of Manitoba and the Canadian Mennonite University, as well as contributing to the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba as a Speakers Bureau member. A Francophone and a proud mother of two, Andrea is also an active volunteer at her kid’s school, organizing and leading Indigenous Students groups of K – Grade 8 students every month. In her personal and professional capacity, she regularly works with diverse group and advocacy organizations in order to educate about our shared history and advance opportunities for reconciliation with Manitoba.

Angel McKay (she/her) is Anishinaabe from O-Chi-Chak-Ko Sipi First Nation with Metis roots from Crane River, Manitoba. She is an HR Consultant with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, specializing in strategic human resource planning and culturally grounded leadership development. Angel brings traditional knowledge from a life rooted in hunting, fishing, and ceremony, as well as experience leading and contributing to committees that advance Indigenous prosperity and wellness. She is also a student at the University of Winnipeg, committed to lifelong growth and learning.

Angel Toy is a proud First Nations Woman and a dedicated mother of three, from Minegoziibe Anishinabe First Nation. Currently, she is pursuing Applied Counciling at the University of Manitoba, and working towards a future where she support Indigenous communities through healing and growth.

Her passion comes from personal experience: as a former youth in care, she has witnessed the deep and lasting impacts the child welfare system has had on Indigenous children and families. These experiences have shaped her commitment to uplifting others (expecially youth) by creating safe, supportive spaces where our youth can heal, reconnect with culture and discover their full potential.

Angel believes in the strength and resilience of our people. By serving on the council, she hopes to contribute to meaningful change, advocate for our people and help build a safer, more supportive path forward for the next generation.

Jayden Greene (Black Thunder Bird) is from the Lynx Clan and a proud member of Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation. He is 26 years old and a proud father of three. He currently lives in Morris, Manitoba.

Jayden sits on a few boards in his community and across Manitoba. He is a board member with Circling Buffalo Inc, serving 63 First Nations in family violence prevention and women’s shelters, and the Vice Chair of the Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation Trust. Jayden helps manage Roseau River First Nations lands and monies, while the trust also works closely with Chief and Council, and the Vice President of the Ginew Cultural Group. Ginew Cultural Group is a volunteer group that helps put on cultural events for the community; founded in 2010, Jayden started as a youth rep and worked his way to Vice President.

Jayden also serves as the Southern Representative Youth Councillor for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, representing youth of 63 First Nations, Jayden works to ensure youth voices are heard in Manitoba. As of Sept 2025, Jayden completed his two year term as Youth Chief for in Roseau River First Nation. Currently, Jayden attends Yellowquill University College, studying First Nations Community Management. He wants to use his education and experience to help build up his community, support youth and create a better future for the next generations. His biggest goal in life is to serve as the Chief someday.

Kaelei Knutson is a proud member of Long Plain First Nation with roots in Opaskwayak Cree Nation. A devoted mom and former Westman Basketball player, she now coaches youth and creates empowering spaces for Indigenous young women and girls.

After completing her first year at Ka Ni Kanichihk in the Social Innovation and Community Development program, Kaelei is now studying in her second program year at RRC Polytech. She also works with Anti-Racism in Sport Canada, and serves on the Southern Chiefs Organization Youth Council. In her spare time she enjoys staying active, travelling, and spending time with family.

Rochelle Pelly is a Branch Manager at Median Credit Union, leading operations for 3500 members and supporting staff development. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Indigenous Business Studies and HR Management and has over five years of experience in credit union leadership. Rochelle is dedicated to reconciliation, financial literacy, and community partnerships, and is currently serving on the Credit Union Young Leaders of Manitoba Executive Committee.

Stacy Reimer is a proud Metis woman and mother to a one-year-old. She has been a social worker for the past 10 years and holds both a Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Recreation Management and Community Development.

She is currently working with Jordan’s Principle, traveling to northern communities to help children and families access the supports and services they deserve. Her work is guided by compassion, advocacy and a strong belief in community care.

Along side her professional journey, she is on a personal path of reconnecting with her spirit and learning more about her Indigenous culture.

Tania is a proud member of the Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan. Raised in the urban area of Winnipeg, she maintains strong ties to her Indigenous community and brings both lived experience and cultural insight to her work.

She holds a two-year diploma in Aboriginal Self-Government and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Conflict Resolution and Indigenous Studies. With over a decade of experience serving the grassroots community, Tania is deeply grounded in Indigenous values and passionate about building strength and resilience in the lives of the people she serves.

Tania values family above all and is a proud mother of two, a role she calls her favorite job. Her aspiration is to make a lasting, positive impact in the community by becoming a mentor and guiding others toward success.

As new Council member at Ka Ni Kanichihk, Tania is committed to supporting community led growth, healing and empowerment through culturally relevant and inclusive approaches.