National SIXTIES SCOOP HEALING FOUNDATION of Canada BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Foundation has recruited Board member Shirley to fill the vacant position of Chair to headline the Foundation’s service of Sixties Scoop Survivors.
Ms. Cardinal is a Sixties Scoop Survivor and a proud Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation member and was born in Fort Chipewyan, AB. Shirley currently resides in Fort McMurray, AB., Ms. Cardinal serves her Nation and is subject matter expert in human resources management and specializes in corporate and operational human resources services with over 20 years of experience.
Her passions are powwows, making arts and crafts, history, and education. Sometimes, the need for healing takes a blend of traditional and modern healing modalities that bring wisdom, shed light on many deep-seated issues, and bridge us back to wellness and feeling whole.
Shirley was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for her volunteer work. She is currently pursuing studies for a Bachelor of Commerce.
Troy Abromaitis, Treasurer
Troy MacBeth Abromaitis brings over two decades of senior leadership experience and expertise in real estate management to his role as a board member of the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation. Born in Vancouver and a survivor of the Sixties Scoop, Troy's personal journey has been marked by resilience, determination, and a profound commitment to reclaiming his Indigenous heritage. With a career spanning over 20 years in senior management roles within the real estate sector, Troy has honed his skills in strategic planning, community development, and resource mobilization. His extensive experience in navigating complex organizational challenges and fostering collaborations positions him as a valuable asset to the foundation.
As a community builder, Troy has played an instrumental role in fostering connections and partnerships within Indigenous communities and beyond. His leadership in the reconstruction efforts following the devastating wildfires in Lytton exemplifies his ability to mobilize resources and support community healing and resilience. In recognition of his unwavering dedication and leadership, Troy was gifted the ancestral name Lex7em'ken by his Nlaka'pamux family. This honor symbolizes his role as a beacon of hope and resilience in times of adversity, further underscoring his deep connection to his Indigenous heritage and community. The bestowal of this name was a profound acknowledgment of Troy's efforts in rebuilding and revitalizing his community, demonstrating how he has become a source of inspiration and strength for those around him.
Through his work in real estate management and community development, Troy has demonstrated a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges facing Indigenous communities. His commitment to reconciliation, healing, and empowerment aligns with the foundation's mission to support survivors in their own quests for healing, reclaiming their identities, and building stronger communities. As a board member of the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation, Troy's wealth of experience, leadership skills, and dedication to community service make him an invaluable asset to the organization. His passion for creating positive change and his unwavering commitment to Indigenous rights and reconciliation will undoubtedly contribute to the foundation's success in supporting survivors on their healing journey.
Mary John, Corporate Secretary
Mary is a proud Anishinaabekwe from Opwaaganisiniing, Ogiishkimanisii Clan, and a second-generation residential school and Sixties Scoop Survivor. Reconnecting with her birth family over 30years ago ignited her journey of cultural reclamation and healing, which she is passionately passing on to her children. She actively engages in Anishinaabemowin language learning, beading, drum making, leatherwork, playing the Native American flute, and participating in traditional gatherings and ceremonies.
With over a decade of professional experience in administration, project coordination, and community engagement, Mary brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her career includes roles in administrative support and leading community-focused initiatives. As a former Funeral Director and Cemetery Sales Representative, Mary supported families through difficult decisions with empathy and professionalism, honing her ability to handle complex logistics, sensitive records, and client relations.
Mary’s work in organizing Death Cafés and mentoring Indigenous youth showcases her dedication to fostering open and supportive dialogues within community. Her advocacy for natural burial practices and involvement in cultural reclamation efforts underscore her deep commitment to healing and empowerment within the Sixties Scoop community.
Her dedication to lifelong learning and Indigenous empowerment aligns seamlessly with the Foundation’s mission to uplift, heal, and empower Sixties Scoop Survivors their descendants and families. Mary’s expertise and cultural knowledge are vital assets to advancing the Foundation’s vision.
Eric Phillips, Board Member
Eric Phillips is 60’s scoop Survivor. He is Haisla, Whale Clan, Tsimshian and Gitxsan. Eric started commercial fishing at a young age and spent all of his summers on the water. For the last 18 years, he has been president of a commercial fishing company and in 2018, he received his Captain’s ticket for 150 ton Masters. Eric also studied emotional competence for indigenous people at the Justice Institute, with Dr. Lee Brown.
Eric lives in Chilliwack, BC on unceded Tzeachten territory with his wife and youngest daughter. He also has 3 adult daughters and a transgender son. Around 20 years ago, Eric's birth mother reached out to him and since then he has reconnected with his family. Eric suffers from anxiety and depression, though he is not afraid to try something new. When he heard the stories and met the people, Eric felt that his personal experiences could help other Survivors find a connection. Eric's abilities in finance, management and cultural understanding will lend a hand in development of this foundation.
Danelle St-Laurent, - Board Member
Danelle is an Ojibwe-Cree-Sioux from Saskatchewan. Her mother is from Muskowekwan First Nation and her father is from Pasqua First Nation. At the age of seven, Danelle was adopted by a family in Quebec in the city of Rock-Forest, which is now named Sherbrooke.
Since 2011, she worked as an Indigenous Community Development Officer for Correctional Service Canada, and she served for 3 years on the National Aboriginal Peoples’ Circle as the Aboriginal Representative of Quebec for the Government of Canada.
In addition, Danelle has worked for Quebec Native Women, First Nations Human Resources Development Commission of Quebec, she sat on the Board of Directors for the Native Montreal Women Shelter and for the Rising Sun Childcare Centre.
Danelle has been an active member for the Indigenous community in the province of Quebec and Montreal area for almost 20 years. She has great knowledge of the historical context, realities and challenges that the Indigenous people of Canada are facing.
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Kukpi7 Michael Christian, Board Member
Kukpi7 Michael Christian is one of ten children born to Delphine Christian. He is a proud member of the Splatsin Secwépemc Nation (formerly known as the Spallumcheen Indian Band). Amongst his many achievements, from 1999 to 2001, Michael has been Kukpi7 (Chief) of the Splatsin. On January 23, 2024 Michael again earned the confidence of his people to have the honour to serve as Kukpi7(Chief) of the Splatsin. Kukpi7 Christian’s second term of elected office is from 2024 to 2026.
Kukpi7 Christian, a Sixties Scoop Survivor, having spent 11 years of his youth in a government institutional foster system, brings a deeply personal understanding of the intergenerational impacts of the Sixties Scoop, which drives his commitment to, cultural reclamation, and community revitalization.
Kukpi7 Christian holds a Bachelor of Information Technology from the American Intercontinental University in Chicago, USA as well as numerous instructor level diplomas from Vancouver Community College. He has extensive experience as a business owner in the private sector as well as managerial and leadership experience in the public sector. His professional background includes working in Indigenous communities across western Canada as a computer instructor and technician, helping to build digital literacy and technical capacity.
Kukpi7 Christian, has significant board and committee experience, including 13 years of leadership in Indigenous services, where he developed programs and policies in education, governance, law (both Indigenous and non-Indigenous), natural and cultural resources, and information and communication technology. With over 20 years experience in education and administration, Michael’s experience provides him with a deep understanding of the histories, protocols, and social structures that shape Indigenous communities; knowledge he applies to advance his Splatin people, the greater Secwépemc Nation and the board governance of the Foundation.
A passionate advocate for language and cultural revitalization, Kukpi7 Christian actively works to preserve and pass on the teachings of his people. His efforts focus on strengthening Indigenous identity and resilience, aligning with the Foundation’s commitment to supporting healing, cultural empowerment, and the reclamation of Indigenous ways of being.
Kukpi7 Christian’s leadership, extensive experience, and dedication to healing and advocacy make him a valuable member of the Foundation’s Board as it continues to support Sixties Scoop Survivors and their families on their paths to restoration and resilience.
Chris Wagg, Board Member
Chris Wagg, a resilient individual, emerged victorious from the challenges imposed by the Sixties Scoop, a dark chapter in Canadian history. Born in 1967 in Ottawa, Chris faced early separation from their Indigenous family. Chris was adopted into a wonderful non-Indigenous family and in recent years has been reunited her Indigenous family in Alderville First Nation. Despite life’s challenges, Chris has emerged as a beacon of strength and resilience.
Throughout their life, Chris demonstrated an unwavering commitment to learning and self-improvement. Their journey as a lifelong learner began with a thirst for knowledge with education becoming a tool for empowerment, and Chris embraced it wholeheartedly.
Chris forged a career as a dedicated community developer. With a passion for contributing to their community, they worked tirelessly to make a positive impact in various roles within the public sector. Their dedication, work ethic, and commitment to justice and equity became a testament to their resilience and determination.
Beyond their professional life, Chris found solace and joy in the water. A lifelong swimmer, they spent many hours swimming competitively, training lifeguards and a strong advocate in the drowning prevention community. Now in retirement, Chris has returned to school to master the art of photography. This combined with their passion exploring the stories of fellow Sixties Scoop Survivors and finding ways to share these to help others be heard and heal on their own journeys.
FIRST PERMANENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS – UPDATE
Throughout 2020, based on the recommendations in the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation Survivor Engagement Report, we recruited the first permanent Survivor-led Board of Directors for the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation. Our first official Board of Directors represent compassion, strength, unity and healing.
Official Launch of the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation and Board of Directors Announcement. Captions in French and English will be provided in the future, but for now, the video is available for viewing in its entirety.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Minister Bennett shares remarks on the new permanent Board Members of the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation and their vital work to address the legacy of the Sixties Scoop.