Our Board
Nahwegahbow, David
Chair
David is Anishinabe from Whitefish River First Nation. He joined the Waubetek Board of Directors as Chair in May 2023.
He is a Founding Partner of the Firm Nahwegahbow Corbiere, David received his LLB from the University of Ottawa and was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1982.
For the last 37 years, David Nahwegahbow has advocated for the rights of First Nations peoples. He has represented First Nations in land claims, Treaty and Aboriginal rights, title cases and has appeared in courts at every level on a wide range of Indigenous legal matters, including at the Supreme Court of Canada in landmark Aboriginal law cases such as Tsilhqot’in, as well as the Robinson Huron Treaty Annuity Claim.
In 2008, David received the National Aboriginal Achievement Award (now Indspire Awards) for Law and Justice. In 2010, the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law inducted David into the Common Law Honour Society – a prestigious Alumni distinction. In 2011, the Law Society of Upper Canada granted him with the Law Society Medal. David was also recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Anishinabek Nation.
Bennett, Arnelda
Vice Chair
Arnelda Bennett, Director, is a member of the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation. Arnelda serves as the Business Development Officer for the Sagamok Anishnawbek. She joined the Waubetek Board in December 2016.
Bissiallon, Wilma
Secretary/Treasurer
Wilma Bissiallon is a member of the Mississauga First Nation and is presently employed with the Serpent River First Nation Economic Development Corporation as the General Manager. Wilma represents the North Shore Region from Sault Ste. Marie to Sudbury. She brings with her 20 years plus of experience in economic and business development, retail business, employment and training. In addition, she has many years of experience participating on committees and boards at the local to national level. She joined the Waubetek Board in March 2016.
Sutherland, Mariette
Director
Mariette Sutherland, Director, is a member of the Whitefish River First Nation. She joined the Waubetek Board in December 2018.
Mossip, Kevin
Director
Kevin Mossip, Director, is a member of the Zhiibaahaasing First Nation and has served on the Waubetek Board of Directors since 1995. Kevin has a long history of public service and business management, currently serving as Councillor/Deputy Chief and the Band Economic Development Officer for the Zhiibaahaasing First Nation. He has also worked as the Finance Manager and Manager for the community-owned Nimkii Makwa Convenience Store and Gas Bar. He has wider governance experience, having worked with the Anishinabek Nation in the development of the Chi-Naaknigewin governance model. He also holds Board positions being Chairperson for Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services and Mnaamodzawin Health Services. He is also the current President for the Mnidoo Mnis Power Wind Farm Corporation.
Debassige, Jessie
Director
Jessie Debassige owns and has operated her family retail business for over 30 years on the M’Chigeeng First Nation. There, she runs a convenience store, gas bar and heavy equipment operation employing several people and managing heavy equipment contracts. She is also an avid volunteer for minor hockey in her community. She joined the Waubetek Board in July 2011.
Francis, Deborah
Director
Deborah Francis, Director, is a member of the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation. She joined the Waubetek Board in February 2021.
Dokis, Gary
Director
Gary Dokis, Director, is a member of the Dokis First Nation. He joined the Waubetek Board in March 2022.