Corinne Paul - Chairperson
Corinne hails from Treaty 11 in the NWT and identifies as Métis although regaining her Dogrib Rae status after Bill C-31 passed in 1985. She is part of the IndigeSTEAM board, the chair of her oil & gas companies Indigenous employee resource group, and a Kairos blanket exercise facilitator. She is honoured to be a part of the CIFS board and to live in this beautiful Treaty 7 territory.
Marilyn Shingoose - Elder
Marilyn is Saulteaux First Nation and was born in Kamsack, Saskatchewan. She belongs to the Cote Nation in Treaty 4 Territory. Marilyn and many of her family members, including her mother and her siblings were all forced to go to Residential School. First hand, Marilyn understands the impacts of the Residential School System and has devoted her career by educating others while using her personal journey. Based in Calgary and area, she is facilitates and trains through workshops and ceremonies. Marilyn is a respected Elder, Wisdom and Knowledge Keeper.
Joyce Healy - Elder
Joyce is a member of the Kainai First Nation, which is part of the Blackfoot Confederacy. She teaches Blackfoot language and introduction to native studies at Lethbridge College. Sparked by a deep passion to keep the stories of the Blackfoot peoples alive and relevant, Us san gah gee/Joyce Marie Healy is driven to continue teaching Blackfoot culture and language as a post-secondary instructor and Indigenous relations consultant. Embracing her role as an emerging elder, she continues to learn from her elders to ensure the rich history, culture and language are maintained.
Sandra Neill
Sandra is a settler of Scottish and French descendants that settled in Ontario in the 1800s and in Quebec possibly earlier than that and grew up in various places in those two provinces. I have lived in Moh’kinstsis for 32 years and grateful to be on Treaty 7 land which I call my home. I am passionate about arts of all forms and about connecting people through art. In the past few years I was the Engagement Director of the Crescent Heights Community Association and was able to create opportunities for artists as well as enhance a sense of community and belonging through art – murals, mini galleries, curbside concerts, etc. Furthering this passion I opened Sparrow Artspace in August of 2021 which is a space of creativity, collaboration, and community. Sandra brings an amazing creative outlook to our organization. https://www.sparrowartspace.com/
Jamie Rozema Stinson
Jamie (ikkinaanskakii) is a proud member of the Metis Nation of Alberta. Jamie is from Mohkinstsis. She is Dutch on her dad's side and Metis and Blackfoot on her mom's. Her Metis family names are Vandal, Henry, Laderoute, Lucier and Brabant from the Red River Settlement in Manitoba and later northern Alberta. Her Blackfoot family name is Munroe from Two Medicine River in Montana. She is an active volunteer in the Metis community and spends her spare time connecting to culture through traditional arts such as beading, tufting, quillwork, and moccasin and capote making.
Wanda Rose
Gwe', Ni'n Teluisi Wanda Rose. Tleyawi Stephenville, NL pasna wiki Mohkinsstsis. I am of French and Mi'kmaq heritage. Graduated from Dalhousie University as an Animal Health Technologist. Moved to Calgary 33 years ago from Halifax, NS. Started with the City of Calgary 27.5 years ago as an Animal Health Tech and then worked with the Project Manager for 311 and decided to stay for 21 yrs. In my spare time I love spending time with my three teens, husband and 2 Siberian cats. I have been involved with non for profit organizations for a number of years building relationships. I love travelling, camping, hiking, horseback riding and cycling. I also travel to NL every year to be with my friends and family. My passion is to learn everything I can about the Indigenous world views and build relationships with my Mi'kmaw family and all Indigenous Peoples.
Michelle Dinunzio - Communications & Social Media Manager
Michelle is of mixed descent, with Cree heritage on her father's side and Scottish roots on her mother's. Born and raised in Calgary, Michelle's paternal lineage traces back to the Buffalo Lake Region of Alberta, and the Red River Settlement in Manitoba. She began her journey with Pokaiks Reconciliation Society in 2022 as a dedicated volunteer board member, and in 2024, transitioned to become an integral part of our team as an employee. Michelle oversees our communications, web development, social media presence, marketing, and graphic design. Although she is not involved in board decision-making to maintain transparency and avoid conflicts of interest, Michelle remains a vital member of our organization and is excited to contribute to this new chapter of our work.
Join Our Team
Are you a community minded individual looking for a way to give back to the community?
If you said yes, then we encourage you to consider applying to volunteer with us as part of our team! We are seeking dedicated individuals to jsoin our Board of Directors. The following positions are currently open:
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Event Planner
- Committee Members
Why Join Us?
- Impact: Be a part of a movement that is making a tangible difference in the community.
- Growth: Gain valuable experience and skills in nonprofit management, cultural programming, and community outreach.
- Community: Join a network of like-minded individuals who are committed to fostering reconciliation and promoting the arts.
As a diverse group of individuals including First Nation, Métis, and non-Indigenous allies. We welcome anyone who shares our passion for the arts, education, and creating positive change within our community and a desire to participate in ReconciliACTION in a meaningful way to apply.
If this sounds interesting click here to tell us a bit about you.