Mi’kmaq-PEI-Canada Framework Agreement

Don MacKenzie

Don MacKenzie was born and raised in Charlottetown. He graduated from the University of Prince Edward Island with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in biology, and obtained his law degree from Dalhousie University.He practiced law at the Charlottetown firm of Foster Hennessey MacKenzie for 15 years. During that time he worked on many files related to the Mi’kmaq community, including matters on behalf of both the Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations.

He joined the Confederacy in 2006 as its Legal/Band Government Advisor and also assumed the role of Director of Intergovernmental Affairs the following year. He was appointed to the Executive Director position by the MCPEI Board of Directors in January of 2014.

In addition to taking over the responsibility for the general oversight of the organization, Don continues to undertake the roles of legal counsel and lead negotiator on Aboriginal and treaty rights matters.

Tracey Cutcliffe

Tabatha Bernard

Born and raised in Lennox Island PEI, Tabatha has experienced the change in First Nations’ communities that has brought opportunity as well as responsibility for program administration and management.

Tabatha brings to the MCPEI an understanding of First Nations’ programs. She has over seven years experience in administration of First Nations’ employment and training programs for Lennox Island. Prior to joining the MCPEI, Tabatha worked as the Employment Director for the Lennox Island Band. While working for the Band, Tabatha was elected to the Lennox Island Band Council in 2001.

Tabatha is a proud mother of four, grandmother of three beautiful grandchildren, and a dedicated professional. She has embraced the opportunity to work for all PEI Mi’kmaq as a Human Resource Advisor and Executive Assistant.

Marilyn Birch

Kandace McEntee

Kandace McEntee is the Director of Economic Development with the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI. She holds degrees from Acadia University and Mount Saint Vincent University. Kandace began her career working in economic development with the Province of Prince Edward Island, first in communications and then in trade and export. In 2006, she began working with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency where she has held positions in tourism, enterprise development, and community economic development and infrastructure. Before joining the Confederacy, Kandace had an opportunity to work with the PEI First Nations on several successful community development projects.

Allan Gillis

Allan Gillis joined the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI in 2009 as the organization’s Director of Education.  Allan is a graduate of the University of Prince Edward Island and completed a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Teaching at Fordham University, New York City.

Allan has considerable experience in the field of education. He taught for six years in New York City and upon his return to PEI, was employed as the Director of Education with the Lennox Island First Nation for fourteen years where he administered all areas of education within the First Nation.

As the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island Director of Education, Allan works closely with the Abegweit and Lennox Island First Nation to address identified needs or in a capacity of providing advice and/or advocacy.  As well, the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI Education Program is mandated to develop partnerships with the PEI Department of Education, Early Learning and Culture, the PEI Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, as well as other educational stakeholders to ensure Mi’kmaq learners receive a quality education and support services where needed.

Allan has been a champion for Aboriginal education within Prince Edward Island and may be contacted at the Summerside office of the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI.

Sherri Barrett

Sherri has degrees in Psychology, Human Resources and Human Services, training in Reality Therapy, and has many years of group and family facilitation. Sherri is a certified trainer in Life Skills Training, a facilitator for Developing Capable People with experience in cross cultural training. and TRE provider

Sherri has spent much of her professional and personal life assisting individuals overcome barriers and to realize their full potential.

Her strong belief in life-long learning has been developed through over 25 years in the field of human services/social development. She has worked with many individuals from varied backgrounds and life experiences including individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Sherri joined the Mi’kmaq Confederacy in 2005 and is the Director of Employment Services.

Using a holistic and motivational approach Sherri promotes building self esteem, inspiration, encouragement and the celebration of accomplishment.

Irene Gallant

Irene Gallant is the Director of Finance for the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI.  She joined the Mi’kmaq Confederacy team in August 2002.  Irene has 25 years in the Accounting and Office Management Field and is a member of the Aboriginal Finance Officers Association of Atlantic Canada.  She resides in Summerside, Prince Edward Island.

Roseanne Sark

Roseanne Sark, positioned as Director of Health at Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI, serves in areas of policy, program development and health promotion. She is also a Certified First Nation Health Manager from the National First Nations Health Managers Association(FNHMA). Roseanne has a Bachelor’s degree from Carleton University, and is certified in Reality Therapy and Conflict Resolution, and is an Indigenous Justice Circle Keeper. In her capacity, she gladly serves the interest of PEI First Nations as co-chair of the Health Policy Planning Forum, which is the Health Tripartite here in PEI.

Lori St. Onge

Lori St. Onge has been the Director of Indigenous Justice for the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI since 2007.  She graduated from the University of PEI with a Masters in Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma in Public Administration. She also holds a certificate in Human Resource Management, Conflict Resolution and Circle Keeping. Lori is also a trained Gladue writer.

Lori is an advocate for restorative justice. A process which focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community.  She is a proud Mi’kmaq woman and a member of the Lennox Island First Nation Band.

Lori sits on numerous committees and boards including the RCMP Commissioner National Aboriginal Advisory Committee. She has been a mentor for the In.Business Program, a mentorship program for Indigenous youth, since 2015. She was appointed to the PEI Human Rights Commission in 2017. Lori was the recipient of the Joan Taavon Award, an international award for her commitment to missing and exploited children.

Randy Angus

Randy has over 40 years experience in the Maritimes fishery and aquaculture industry. He has extensive experience in working with both the public and private sectors in resource management, and has a diverse background that covers a variety of species and organizations. He has worked in the administration of research and hatchery facilities, and has over 6 years of experience in Community development, 7 years climate change research, and sustainable development projects.

He has experience in planning, negotiating, and financing multi-partner projects. He also has experience in regional development projects, and negotiations with all levels of government.

A firm believer in life long learning, Randy looks forward to new opportunities and activities. He enjoys contributing to the Confederacy team in the protection, enhancement and strengthening of the Mi’kmaq Nation in Prince Edward Island.

Jesse Francis

Jesse Francis began working for Parks Canada in 1994. In 2001, he started what would become a five-year secondment with Lennox Island First Nation, working for the community in the development of cultural and eco-tourism.

Since 2005, Jesse has worked in a role which is a partnership between the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI and Parks Canada- one of the key ways by which the groups work together toward the accomplishment of their shared goals.

Jesse works in many aspects of the PEI First Nations – Parks Canada relationship and has managed a wide variety of culture and heritage projects.  He led the development of the travelling exhibition called Ni’n na L’nu: The Mi’kmaq of Prince Edward Island, and co-authored, along with John Johnston, the award-winning book of the same name.  Since 2017, he has been part of work by both the Mi’kmaq Confederacy and Parks Canada to revitalize the presentation of history, especially Mi’kmaq history, at Skmaqn – Port-la-Joye – Fort Amherst.

Jesse lives in Wellington, Prince Edward Island with his wife Moira and their three children.

Tammy MacDonald

Tammy MacDonald has been with the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI since February 2005. As the Director of Research and Outreach; Consultation Negotiation Coordinator, she ensures all ancient, historical and traditional or “Living Memory” Mi’kmaq cultural and resource use of all PEI’s land and waterways are taken into account in proposed Federal and Provincial Government projects, on PEI. In her Outreach role, Tammy also creates and coordinates Mi’kmaq Educational Cultural Workshops for Government, academic, or private organizations, and is the Social Media developer for the Mi’kmaq Confederacy.

As an historian, Tammy is passionate about sharing accurate historical knowledge with as wide an audience as possible. As an Islander, she is passionate about celebrating the cultural diversity of this beautiful province.

Chief Matilda Ramjattan

Chief Matilda Ramjattan was elected Chief of the Lennox Island First Nation on 01 June 2013. Chief Ramjattan obtained a degree in Business Management with an emphasis in computers from Lexington, Nebraska, USA.  Matilda has specialized training in the emergency management field including: Basic emergency management; ICS 100, 200; EOC, Emergency Public Information; and Project Management Certificate from UPEI.  Matilda has worked in several different areas of health, such as a Medical Transcriptionist for Medical Group in Nebraska; Community Health Link in Massachusetts, in Mental Health. Matilda has served as an executive on the Board of Directors of the Aboriginal Women’s Association and is currently a Co-chair of the MCPEI Board of Directors.

Matilda has volunteered for many events, like teaching songs in Mi’kmaq, and is a member of the Sunrise Singers women’s drum group. She is active in her church, the Summerside Community Church, as a House Group leader, which she holds on Lennox Island. Matilda is also an Aboriginal Entrepreneur. She and her husband, Allan, own and operate a computer sales and service business, Megadealsrus, in Summerside.

Matilda is a Band member of Lennox Island, where she resides with her husband. She is the mother of two, Carol and Gerry, and the proud grandmother of seven granddaughters: Amber, Aayliah, Abigail, Autumn, Annabella, Audrina, Alanna, and a brand new grandson, Martin Gerard North Star, born August 22, 2014.

To be filled

Position of Chief of Abegweit Mi’kmaw Nation will be filled after their Band Council election, April 2019

Councillor Daren Knockwood

Councillor Jacob Jadis

Councillor Janet Banks

Councilior Mary Moore-Phillips

Councillor Richard Guimond