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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The following volunteers were elected on August 13, 2008 from the corporation's Membership to the Native People of Sudbury Development Corporation Board of Directors for the 2008-2009 term:

Catherine Debassige (Petahtegoose) President Cathy Debassige (Petahtegoose) was born and raised in Sudbury. Currently attending school at the N'Swakamok Alternative School, Cathy was the Treasurer of Native People of Sudbury Development Corporation from 1988 to 1994. She took a few years off to pursue other interests and was voted back onto the Board in the summer of 2002. Cathy has volunteered to assist with N'Swakamok Friendship Centre Alternative School fund raisers as well as with children and prenatal programs at the centre. The well-being of the Native community is very important to Cathy, she considers being involved with Native People of Sudbury Development Corporation an ideal way to help achieve this goal. In her spare time, Cathy enjoys crafts such as beading, sewing, crochet as well as volunteering to help other organizations.

Susan Bruce Vice-President Susan Bruce was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland. After obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree from York University in Toronto, Susan attended law school at the University of Western Ontario in London. She was called to the bar in 1986 and was in private practice for one year. In 1987 Susan became an Assistant Crown Attorney and currently works in that position at the Crown’s office in Sudbury. Susan has been a Director of Native People of Sudbury Development Corporation since 1995. She has also served as a Director of the Sudbury YWCA where she focused her attention on emergency shelter for abused women. Away from work, Susan’s interests are varied and include rowing. In 2001 she was a Gold Medalist in her category at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta for the 1000 metre event. The majority of Susan’s time away from work and volunteer activities is devoted to her husband and two children.

Hannu Piironen Treasurer Hannu Piironen is one of the newest Directors of the corporation. Hannu was appointed to the position of Treasurer in July of 2002. Besides holding a Law Degree from York University and an Honours of Political Science degree from Laurentian University, Hannu is also an experienced Landlord, owning and managing several buildings in Sudbury. Hannu is an Honourary Consul of Finland. His past experience working with non-profit organizations include the Sudbury Finnish Rest Home Society, Sudbury Suomi Lions and Network North. Hannu states that he is interested in the housing field and wants to contribute to his hometown of Sudbury by sharing the knowledge and expertise he has acquired over the years. He also believes that Native People of Sudbury Development Corporation is a well-run organization with worthwhile objectives. Hannu's pastimes include reading, travelling and playing trivia games. He is married with two children, Miia who is 10, and Mikko who is 6, and one cat named Wooly.

Bill Kinoshameg Director Bill Kinoshameg is one of the newest members of the Native People of Sudbury Development Corporation Board, although he has years of experience in the non-profit housing sector. Bill was born in Wikwemikong, Ontario on Manitoulin Island, and now resides in Sudbury. Bill worked with Toronto General Hospital in Energy Management, and was a foreman at General Electric before he retired from his most recent job as Supervisor of Operations at Trent University in Peterborough. Bill's volunteer work is extensive, some of which includes the following: he has been on the Board of Wigwamen Incorporated (Ontario's oldest and largest Urban Native Housing corporation) in Toronto since 1977 and has served as that corporation's President since 1995. Bill is actively involved with Operation Red Nose, a volunteer group during the Christmas season. He has been a member of the North American Indian Club for many years and has served as the club's President for part of that time. He also has been a Director for Habitat for Humanity. Bill has various licenses in different trades and has completed many courses in safety, fire and first aid. He attended Garnier College Residential School in Spanish, Ontario. He has a wide interest in all fields of knowledge. His interest in serving on the Board of Directors of Native People of Sudbury Development Corporation is because it is a corporation similar to Wigwamen Incorporated, helping Native families and individuals secure safe, affordable and decent housing in an urban setting. In his spare time, Bill enjoys reading, listening to music, outdoor adventures such as canoeing kayaking, golfing, hockey and exploring life around him. Bill says that he likes to be involved in projects so that his "mind doesn't go to waste." Bill lives by the philosophy of "doing the best I can in whatever I try."

James Fortin Director James Fortin was elected at the Annual General Meeting held on August 13, 2008. A photo and biographical information will be posted at a later date.

Rebecca McGregor Honorary Director Rebecca McGregor was born in Wikwemikong, Ontario on Manitoulin Island. She has dedicated many years of volunteer work to ensure that the Native community in Sudbury can pursue employment, education and health-related matters in safe, affordable and comfortable homes. Her main concern has always been for the safety and livelihood of the community's most precious asset - it's children. In 1982, Rebecca was a tenant of Native People of Sudbury Development Corporation when she became aware that poor administration was threatening the very existence of the corporation. Rebecca's determination to save Native Housing was the driving force behind rescuing the organization from imminent collapse. Rebecca  served as the President of Native People of Sudbury Development Corporation from 1983 to August 2008. Under her leadership, the corporation grew from 11 housing units in 1982, to 106 units today. Administration of Native People remained solid under her wise, careful guidance. Rebecca is a past Treasurer of the N'Swakamok Native Friendship Centre in Sudbury and was one of the original volunteers who helped establish minor hockey in Birch Island. Rebecca now lives in Birch Island, a First Nation just off of Manitoulin Island, Ontario. She enjoys speaking Ojibway, her first language. In her spare time, Rebecca helps family and friends with daily tasks, enjoys playing bingo, going to the casino, reading, spending time with her family and the outdoors. In recognition of her dedication to the corporation, Rebecca was made an honorary life-time Director at the August 2008 Annual General Meeting. Although she no longer holds voting or signing authority, Rebecca  will still be active with the corporation by attending Board meetings whenever she is able to do so.   James King-Séguin Non-Voting Secretary James King-Séguin, Executive Director of the corporation, was once again appointed as non-voting Secretary of the corporation for the 2008-2009 year.

 

Anyone interested in becoming a Member of Native People of Sudbury Development Corporation can submit a letter of interest and a detailed resume to the attention of the Board of Directors for consideration. If the application is approved, a $2.00 Membership Fee will be charged. Members are advised of, and can vote at, Annual General Meetings and Special Members' Meetings. They are also mailed a copy of the corporation's quarterly newsletter.

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