Peggy was a long term employee of the Chapleau Cree First Nation (CCFN), active in the community for over 31 years in various positions such as receptionist, Education Counsellor, Indigenous Registry Administrator, Healthcare Coordinator/Director and lastly as Community Economic Development Officer. She brings with her a positive "can do" attitude, strong belief in collaboration and commitment. Her integrity, honesty, flexibility, empathy, leadership, stability and reliability will assist to create positive change for our organization as we continue to grow and expand.

She is a educated and highly skilled person who has achieved her educational successes while facing the challenge of being a young wife and mother, and employed full-time. She has over the years completed her GED, Automated Office Skills program, Native Education Counsellor Training program, Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Certified First Nation Health Manager Program. She is keen to continue her pursuit of higher education in the economic development realm.

She is a proud Indigenous woman, wife of 37 years, mother of two adult men, grandmother of 7 beautiful grandchildren ranging in age from 21 to newborn and is a member of the Chapleau Cree. Peggy has lived and worked in her community since 1992, and has had a significant impact in the wellness and economic growth throughout the years. Throughout the years, she has always believed strongly in a healthy work-life balance.

Ryan Moore brings nearly a decade of dedicated experience supporting business growth in Northwestern Ontario, gained through his time at the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission, where he fostered entrepreneurs and built strong partnerships. A lifelong resident of Thunder Bay, Ryan is also deeply committed to his community. He currently serves as President of THE Pipes & Drums of Thunder Bay, sits on the board of the Thunder Bay Minor Football Association, and has recently joined the North Superior Workforce Planning Board. When he's not working or volunteering, Ryan enjoys cycling, camping, playing his bagpipes, and spending time with his wife and son.

Reema Chopra is a Marketing Communications Leader with over 18 years of experience in strategic marketing, campaign development, and product marketing across nonprofits, B2B, and B2C sectors. She is excited to bring her expertise to OFNEDA, where she will strengthen relationships and drive awareness and revenue for the organization's initiatives.

Reema holds a degree in Visual Arts and Graphic Design, a post-graduate Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations, an advanced certificate in Digital Marketing and Management, and extensive training in marketing and entrepreneurship. She also brings valuable experience from working in advertising agencies and managing international marketing campaigns. Her creative approach and diverse skill set are key to enhancing OFNEDA’s campaigns.

A strong community connector, Reema serves on the Board of Directors for the Royal McLaughlin Art Gallery in Oshawa. She resides in Ajax, Ontario with her husband, two children, and two dogs, and brings over 10 years of entrepreneurial experience to her work.

Monica has worked in various Indigenous organizations in varied roles for the last 20+ years – Waubetek Business Development Corp., Anishinabek Nation Management Group Inc., Anishinabek Nation, National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (now Indspire), and Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services.  

She has a keen interest in economic development and has had business inspirations since she was a child. Monica is married with 2 boys, 2 step-children and 2 grandchildren.  She is excited about her new position at OFNEDA and looks forward to applying her varied skills to her new role as the Research/Member Support Specialist.

Debbie has had a diverse career, starting as a hairstylist with her own small business before transitioning to the airline industry, where she worked as a customer service agent. She later pursued her education and earned her MOA, subsequently working in various office environments. Her most recent role was as the Administrative Assistant for the Health Department at Chapleau Cree First Nation.

Now, Debbie is excited to continue her professional growth with OFNEDA, eager to learn how she can contribute to the development and prosperity of First Nations communities.

Outside of work, Debbie has a zest for life and has embraced new hobbies with her husband, such as fishing and recently earning her hunting license—activities she never thought she would enjoy. A proud mother of two sons and grandmother to seven grandchildren, she is also exploring the art of beading and other Indigenous crafts. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is something Debbie values deeply.

A father of two and member of Timiskaming First Nation. Jean’s focus on improving community holistic capacity is reflected in his previous technical and First Nation leadership roles.

A great passion for economic development opportunity is why working with OFNEDA is very exciting. Moreover, adding Indigenous procurement readiness and access to existing economic environments will contribute to meaningful economic reconciliation.

There is high value in meaningful relationship building, especially with the vision of doing business together. Afterall, our most valuable resource of all - human resources.

Let’s grow from here.