Indigenous Women's Circle Members

Josie Nepinak is a proud Anishinaabe woman from Treaty 4 territory, with roots in Minegoziibe Anishinabe. She believes in a balanced approach to teaching Indigenous wisdom and healing along with modern Western methods. This promotes the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people, families, and communities.

Her broad background includes over 30 years in executive leadership, immersed in complex social issues, working with Indigenous organizations, and advocating for Indigenous women and families affected by family violence. Josie has a bachelor’s degree in women’s studies, along with ongoing career development in management. She chaired the Calgary Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Committee. She is also involved with several national and provincial boards and councils.

Melanie Omeniho is a descendant of the historical Métis community of Lac Ste. Anne, Alberta. She has been involved in advocating and working within the Metis community for many decades. As a young woman, Melanie attended meetings and gatherings with her mother and other Matriarchs who guided her in her journey to support Indigenous women and families.

Her political and advocacy career led her to play a role in the development and incorporation of Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO). Melanie has extensive experience in community and economic development, environmental initiatives social programming, and family and children’s services. She has worked to develop programs and advocate on behalf of her community to improve various social programs, so they better meet the Indigenous community’s needs.

In recognition of her work and advocacy for education, Métis women, and working with families involved in Children Services, she has received the following medals: Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal‎, and King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Nikki Komaksiutiksak is the CEO and President of Pauktuutit, the national organization representing Inuit women in Canada, and a powerful Inuk leader from Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut. She is a founding member and former CEO of Tunngasugit Inc., Western Canada’s first Inuit Resource Centre in Winnipeg. Nikki has dedicated her life to advancing Inuit rights and culture, particularly by supporting Inuit people in urban spaces.

A gifted throat singer, teacher, and performer, Nikki uses her artistry to inspire others and share the deep traditions of Inuit heritage. In 2023, she was honoured as Inuk Woman of the Year by Pauktuutit. Nikki has represented Manitoba at notable events such as the 2015 Indigenous Music Awards.

Nikki is also a passionate educator, teaching Inuit history and culture at the University of Manitoba and in schools across the province. A survivor of intergenerational trauma, including the tragic loss of her sister, Nikki channels her experiences into advocacy for Inuit communities. She is determined to ensure that Inuit culture, history, and language are celebrated and honoured across Canada. Nikki’s leadership inspires resilience, empowering Inuit women and communities to rise, amplify their voices, and secure a brighter future for generations to come.

Charlotte Wolfrey was born in the Rigolet area. She is recognized across Canada for her advocacy to combat family violence and violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

Over the years, Charlotte has held crucial roles at all levels of many committees and organizations. They include the Canadian Inuit Circumpolar Health Society, Atlantic Aboriginal Health Research, the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women, and many local/regional groups and organizations. She served two terms as AngajukKâk (mayor) of Rigolet before retiring.  Currently, Charlotte is on the Board of Directors of the National Family and Survivors Circle.

Charlotte has received numerous accolades, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013. She was selected as an Honorable Witness for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2012 and received the Pauktuutit Woman of the Year Award in 2011.

Marjolaine Étienne is an Innu woman from the Pekuakamiulnuatsh, a community of Mashteuiatsh. She grew up in a culturally rich and diverse environment. She first worked in community intervention before entering politics and is passionately dedicated to defending the rights and well-being of Indigenous peoples.

Marjolaine became president of Quebec Native Women in December 2021 and began her second term in 2024. She is an advisor to the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples, a distinguished role to which she was appointed by Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres. Her work is marked by a deep and sincere commitment to social justice, equity, reconciliation, and the preservation and celebration of Indigenous traditions, languages, and cultures.

She aspires to create a society where women can thrive in safety, with equitable opportunities for education, health, economic development, and political participation. For her, it is essential to preserve cultural heritage while paving the way for a better future for the younger generations, offering them promising and enriching prospects.

Cora McGuire-Cyrette has been serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) since 2015. A proud member of the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation), she uses her voice to champion the rights of Indigenous women and girls, promote healing, create safe spaces, and support Indigenous women and youth as they reclaim their leadership roles.

Cora was integral to the development of the Ontario Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy, and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. She serves as Co-Chair of the Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council of Ontario, and the Chair of the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, among others. Cora holds a BA in Indigenous Learning and Sociology from Lakehead University and an MMBA from York University, Schulich School of Business. She lives in Thunder Bay with her husband and has three children, two grandchildren, and a menagerie of pets.

Marissa is a 2 Spirit Anishinaabe, Ininew, and Métis youth living in their home territories of Winnipeg, Manitoba. They are a registered member of Misipawistik Ininiwak, with familial connections across Manitoba in Métis and Anishinaabe communities. Their 2 Spirit identity has led her to work at 2 Spirits in Motion Society to build National relationships within the 2 Spirit community. It also inspired her advocacy work, ranging from grassroots initiatives with Anishiative to global projects at the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples sessions.

They currently hold roles within the Ways of the Heart Youth Council, ACCESS Open Minds Indigenous Youth Mental Wellness network, and Assembly of First Nations’ Mental Wellness Committee and Implementation Team. Marissa also sits on the board of Ka Ni Kanichihk and is the Youth Representative for the Manitoba First Nations Wellness Advisory Council. Her heart medicine work is rooted in building multi-level Indigenous Peoples relationships and intersectional connections, advocating for youth mental wellness, and advancing the rights and inclusion of 2SIQTIP (2 Spirit, Intersex, Queer and Transgender Indigenous Peoples).

Salena Starling is a member of the Nisichawayashk Cree Nation. She is the Co-Founder of the Reconciliation Road Challenge. She currently holds the respected role of president and CEO of the Community of Big Hearts. Remarkably, she became CEO at just 18. This built on a foundation laid when she began her journey as a public speaker at age 11. In this role, she bravely shared her experiences in the child welfare system.

The hurdles Salena has overcome, especially as a young, queer, Indigenous woman, have marked her path as a leader. She now uses her lived experiences to inspire and educate others. She does this through workshops that address Indigenous Peoples’ history and challenges in Canada.

Salena's journey is an inspiring example of resilience, leadership, and the power of using your story for positive change. She is determined to keep making a difference in the lives of Indigenous youth in foster care and to raise awareness about critical issues facing Indigenous communities in Canada.

Shannon Pestun is the CEO of Pestun Consulting and Co-founder of The Finance Cafe. She also serves as a senior advisor to the Diversity Institute.

Throughout her career, Shannon has worked with academic institutions, nonprofits, industries, and governments across Canada to foster a more inclusive economy.

Shannon is an experienced speaker who has shared her insights nationally and internationally. She discusses the challenges and successes of building an inclusive and sustainable economy. Her compassionate and warm approach resonates across diverse audiences. She shows how together we can break down barriers, build lasting partnerships, unlock innovation, and create a more inclusive economy.

In 2020, she created the Gifting Circle Bursary for Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs. It raised nearly $200,000 to help promote Indigenous women’s entrepreneurship in Canada.

Originally from the Métis homeland in Treaty 1 territory, Shannon lives in Treaty 7 territory. She is a proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta.

Ann Maje Raider was born in Ross River, Yukon, into the traditional Kaska family of Pete and Lena Charlie. She completed high school in Whitehorse, Yukon. She has also had post-secondary education in accounting, management, group facilitation, and community development.

Ann was the first elected chief of the Liard First Nation. She served from 1992 to 1998. While in office, she focused on community development, healing, and wellness. She also started and carried out programs to promote education, training, and employment for Liard’s community.

In 1999, Ann and other passionate Kaska women set up the Liard Aboriginal Women’s Society (LAWS). LAWS works to adopt a comprehensive healing strategy for physical and sexual abuse in residential schools. Through LAWS, Ann has designed and managed different projects. These projects put the events of residential schools into a perspective that allows the healing process to begin. They also addressed the healing needed by people who have faced family violence or unhealthy and toxic circumstances.