Eva Wilson-Fontaine is a member of the Peguis First Nation and serves as the co-founder and Executive Director of the Anish Healing Centre, a nonprofit organization dedicated to wellness. She is also a former trustee of the Helen Betty Osborne Foundation. With extensive knowledge and experience, Eva is committed to supporting the well-being of former Indian Residential School attendees, day school survivors, 60's Scoop survivors, and the families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit individuals (MMIWG2S+), as well as intergenerational families.

 

A determined advocate, Eva strives to preserve and share Indigenous heritage, culture, and language. Together with her husband, she has established Eagle Landing in Garson, Manitoba, a unique space that allows individuals to engage with and learn about Indigenous culture in a gentle and safe environment. This initiative was inspired by her elders, who emphasize the healing that occurs when one is connected to the land.

 

Eva's unwavering passion and empathetic approach have dismantled numerous barriers, paving the way for healing, health, and wellness for all. Alongside her husband, Ej, she has developed innovative methods that have garnered recognition and support from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations, fostering positive relationships between Canada’s Indigenous peoples and the broader community. They remain committed to promoting health and wellness through traditional practices, language, and ceremonies.

EJ Fontaine, a leader of the Sagkeeng First Nation, is a successful entrepreneur and founder of the Akiing Onji Foundation.

 

He established Anishinabek Consultants Inc. to promote Indigenous socio-economic development and launched Canada's first Indigenous job board, AMIK™, with his wife in 2006. EJ has over 30 years of experience in various projects related to employment and economic development, and he is recognized for his expertise in Indigenous engagement and recruitment strategies.

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Growing up in Manitoba’s First Nation communities, he understands the systemic barriers faced by Indigenous peoples and actively creates new opportunities for them.

EJ is dedicated to empowering the Indigenous community and its allies to make a meaningful impact, create change, and inspire collaboration.

 

Alongside his wife, Eva, he is committed to forging a path toward a brighter future for generations to come.

Sherman has been closely involved with the Indigenous community for nearly two decades. He holds a degree in Economics & Business from the University of Manitoba and has worked at many large Canadian corporations such as RBC, First Nations Bank, The Business Development Bank of Canada, as well as private for-profit and non-profit organizations. In all his roles, Sherman has always had a connection with the Indigenous community in a variety of capacities including as a board member and consultant.

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As an entrepreneur, Sherman has worked with businesses stretching from Japan, China, Scotland, and the United States. After working with Polar Bears in Churchill, Sherman founded Maple Leaf Survival™ - Manitoba’s Leader in Survival Training - where he teaches mostly private industry on Wilderness and Extreme Cold Weather Survival Tactics. His clients have included Manitoba Hydro, Stantec Consulting, First Nation communities, arctic research teams, and military service members from the U.S. Airforce to name a few.

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Sherman is currently the Chief Executive Officer for AMIK Inc. assisting companies such as CN Rail, Air Canada, Payworks, Canada Life, Assiniboine Credit Union, PCL Construction, Rio Tinto, and others with strategic Indigenous Engagement Solutions. 

Shauna was raised on a cattle farm on Lake Winnipegosis.

Fun fact: The lake's name comes from the Cree term "win-nipi," which translates to 'muddy waters,' paired with the suffix "-osis," meaning 'little.'

Growing up on the farm provided a wealth of invaluable lessons. Her parents worked diligently, instilling a strong work ethic and the importance of family and community. Looking back on those days, their lives were intricately connected to the land. From the beautiful gardens that her parents lovingly tended to and shared, to the vegetables her mother carefully preserved for winter, every element held profound meaning. She cherishes the moments spent gathering wildflowers for her mom, witnessing the miracle of birth with the arrival of baby calves, fishing, and picking wild berries and mushrooms. They even nurtured an orphaned baby fox that her dad brought home for her and her siblings. The sweet aroma of the hay meadows provided nourishment for the cattle that her parents relied on for sustenance. Shauna genuinely values her time on the farm and the essential life lessons it imparted to her.  

 

In her professional life, Shauna has devoted many years to Business, Social Services, and Hospitality. She holds a profound respect for the Indigenous teachings and the wisdom they offer. Shauna credits her life experiences and education to her parents, who instilled in her the most essential lesson of all:

 

Approach life with respect and kindness.