Catherine Fidierchuk
Cathy has taught at the early, middle, and high school levels in Manitoba. She has also served as a School Principal, a Language Arts Consultant, and an Area Superintendent with Frontier School Division. A retired educator with over 40 years of experience working with children and families in a collaborative and supportive manner, allows her to bring these assets to the UCN Governing Council. Her knowledge of the provincial, and northern educational landscape is broad and varied. Cathy's experience with human resources, financial and project management, program development, and the complex operation of overseeing a "home away from home high school" with a full campus operation allows her to understand the reality of serving the full range of supports necessary for student success.
Cathy has a Bachelor of Education Degree and a Graduate Diploma in Education from Brandon University. She holds a Level One and Two School Administrators Certificate from Manitoba Education. Currently, Cathy plays an active role on a number of Boards including Community Futures Greenstone, Metis Child and Family Services Authority, Louis Riel Institute and the Cranberry Portage Child Family Resource Centre. Cathy is also the Vice-Chair of the Cranberry Portage MMF Local.
Cathy is a life long Northerner who has a passion for the people and environment. She fills her free time travelling with her husband and enjoying time with her adult children and young grandchildren, including sharing with them her love of our region and all it has to offer.
Ms. Jennifer Flett
Pamela Marsden
Pam Marsden is Bit’ah’nii (Within His Cover), born for Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water) a proud member of both the Navajo Nation (Diné) from New Mexico and Swan Lake First Nation, Treaty #1. Her strong roots and sense of adventure have led her to northern Manitoba where she currently resides in Flin Flon.
Pam has spent her career communicating with different sectors including, education, health, and Indigenous politics. She currently holds the position of Indigenous Liaison Officer with Hudbay Minerals. It is within this role that she shares her enriched culturally humbled approach to reach Indigenous communities to create relationships, partnerships, and overall success for northerners.
Pam has invested time in board experience with the Mining Association of Manitoba, Flin Flon Aboriginal Friendship Centre, and several Indigenous committees.
“I’m excited to contribute my experience and knowledge as an Indigenous woman who plays an important role in achieving positive results in communities, and now will have two campuses to work with", said Marsden.
Anthony McInnis
Dr. Anthony McInnis is the City Manager (CAO) for the City of Thompson, where he was born and raised.
Dr. McInnis completed his PhD in Natural Resources at the University of Vermont. His doctoral thesis was focused on the application of ecological design & engineering in the mining field, and was entitled “An Ecomimetic Approach to Testing Biodegradation: The Treatment and Fate of the Alkanolamine 2-[(2-Aminoethyl)amino]Ethanol.” Dr. McInnis also holds a Master of Science from the University of Plymouth (UK), and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Manitoba.
He has held previous roles in Manitoba Aboriginal and Northern Affairs; as an Assistant Professor at the University of Vermont; and an Environmental Analyst with INCO Ltd (now Vale Canada).
He is currently serving various board and committee roles on the Northern Health Foundation, and the Thompson Community Development Corporation.
Sheila North
Sheila North, a member of the Bunibonibee Cree Nation is a Mother, Kookom, former ICMP Canada Director of Missing Children, Residential Schools and Engagement, a former CBC host and journalist, CTV Political Commentator, Entrepreneur, and Cree Translator. In 2015 to 2018, Sheila became the first female Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) and continues to provide leadership on issues impacting Indigenous people, including the issue of MMIWG and shares perspectives on intergenerational impacts of Residential Schools. Sheila currently serves on six Boards.
Chris Reddy
Christian Sinclair
Christian was born and raised in Umperville, near The Pas, MB and is a member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. He graduated from Margaret Barbour Collegiate Institute (MBCI) in 1988 and then enrolled in the Canadian military, serving 7 years with 2 tours of duty in Cyprus (1990 Recon-2PPCLI) and Somalia (1992-93 2 Commando-Canadian Airborne Regiment).
In 1999 he co-founded the Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games and in 2002 he was the General Manager of the 2002 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in Winnipeg. It was the most successful NAIG ever hosted, based on the $1.3 million surplus that was created into a scholarship program that is accessed by youth to this day.
Christian was the recipient of Canada's Top 40 under 40 Executives in 2003, and between 2004 and 2014 he worked for various companies and communities including Tribal Council Investment Group (TCIG), the North American Indigenous Games with the Southern Ute Tribe, Denver, Colorado, Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Keeyask Hydro Dam, and the Cree Regional Economic Enterprises in northern Quebec (the most successful First Nation Corporation in Canada).
In 2014 Christian completed his Masters in Project Management from University of Winnipeg, as well as Negotiations and Leadership Certificate Program from Harvard Law School.
Between 2014-2016, Christian worked as an independent business advisor. With a wealth of knowledge and his experience earned on the battlefield and in the corporate boardroom, Christian is a highly sought-after negotiator and project manager. He bridges the needs of industry and traditional land rights holders into mutually beneficial win-win opportunities for sustainable prosperity and lasting business partnerships for all involved for future generations.
From 2016-2019 he was elected as Onekanew (Leader) of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, and from 2019-2021 he was re-elected Onekanew Christian Sinclair, achieving many successes during this tenure. This legacy is to be experienced by OCN for generations to come.
In 2021 he was a Negotiator and Advisor to Marcel Colomb First Nation on the Lynn Lake Gold Mine Project; in 2022 a Negotiator and Advisor to Tataskweyak Cree Nation on the Keeyask Hydro Dam and future Economic Development Projects as well as an Advisor to the Marten Falls First Nation on their Strategic Planning for the Ring of Fire in northern Ontario.
Christian serves as a Board member of High Tide Cannabis trading on the Nasdaq and TSX (2019- present), and is presently operating as Christian Sinclair Consulting Services and serving on numerous boards and committees.
Today, Christian works with First Nations, Provincial and Federal leaders, as an advisor and negotiator. His work in major resource projects will ensure socio-economic success for all parties involved.
April Wastesicoot
Connie Wyatt-Anderson
Connie is a long-time educator from The Pas, Manitoba. She taught high school history and geography on the adjacent Opaskwayak Cree Nation for 22 years, leaving in 2014 to focus her time on pedagogical writing. She has been involved in the creation of student learning materials and curricula at the provincial, national, and international level, and has contributed to a number of textbooks, teacher support guides, and school publications. She co-authored the grade 11 Canadian history textbook used in Manitoba schools. She was the instructional designer and co-writer of Manitoba's Treaty Education Initiative and continues to train the province's teachers and school leaders as Treaty Education Lead.
Further to teaching, teacher-training, and writing, Connie is vice-president of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, is chair of the Geographical Names Board of Canada, and is a member of Elections Canada Circle of Educators.
Locally, Connie sits as a board member for the Kelsey Watershed District, the Sam Waller Museum, and The Pas Resource Centre.
Connie has written for the Globe and Mail, Canada's History, Canadian Geographic, and the Canadian Encyclopedia. She has received several awards including the 2014 Governor General's Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History and the 2017 Manitoba Metis Federation's Distinguished Leader in Education.
Connie holds a B.Ed, M.Ed. She lives in the Carrot Valley, west of The Pas, with her husband and two daughters.
Freda Lepine
In the heart of Manitoba, a compassionate force for change thrives in Freda. Self-employed and serving as the Vice President of the Indigenous People’s Alliance of Manitoba, she is a beacon for advocacy, particularly for the homeless and missing and murdered Indigenous women. Through her COVID project and workshops, she weaves a tapestry of empowerment, knowledge, and support.
Freda’s dedication echoes in her role as an apprenticeship mentor, guiding others on their paths to success. Her expertise shines through project management training from the University of Manitoba, where she honed skills in strategic planning, mission-setting, and governance.
With a heart for community, Freda’s impact extends far and wide. From committees on midwifery to economic advisory boards, she leaves a mark of excellence and dedication. Awards like the YWCA Women of Distinction and the MKO Partnership for Indigenous Skills and Training stand as testaments to her unwavering commitment to empowerment and growth.
In every role and endeavor, Freda’s vision for the north is rooted in centering a foundation for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth in economic and entrepreneurship training. It is a powerful way to cultivate a stronger north and province. Training and development are key to realizing and building a more vibrant and resilient community.
Keith Hyde
Dr. Keith Hyde serves as an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Arts, Business, and Science, teaching courses in English literature and religious studies at University of the North, The Pas, MB. He is grateful to live, work, and learn on the traditional territories of the Muskegowuk Inninnowuk (Swampy Cree), who signed Treaty #5 in 1875/76. Keith is a settler scholar who grew up in The Pas and is a third-generation educator. After completing a B.A. Honours degree in English literature (U of Winnipeg), he embarked on a master’s degree in religious studies (Regent College, UBC), and a Ph.D. in theology from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. Keith is interested in teaching, nurturing learning communities, and exploring interdisciplinary discourse between English literature, theology and local history.
Ryan Shewchuk
Ryan is a proud member and resident of The Pas, calling it home since 2017. As a Natural Resource Instructor at UCN, he leverages his experience with Northern Manitoba Conservation and Canadian Kraft Paper Woodlands to provide students with a comprehensive and practical education in Natural Resource Management. Holding a B.A. in History from the University of Winnipeg, and a Diploma in Natural Resource Management Technology from UCN, Ryan offers unique insights into post-secondary education in Northern Manitoba.
Ryan brings governance experience, having previously served as a student representative on the UCN Governing Council. As a former student and a current educator at UCN, with over a decade of experience working with government and industry in the North, Ryan will provide unique insights and perspectives during his second tenure on the board. He is committed to contributing to the growth and flourishing of the North and UCN, through his work and community involvement.
Jodi Johnson
Jodi (she/her) is a non-faculty member at UCN as the Manager of Community-Based Health Programming since 2021 in The Pas. Jodi started working at UCN in Enrolment Services in 2011, after graduating from UCN's Business Administration Diploma Program. In 2022, Jodi graduated from UCN with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. Jodi is currently enrolled in the Master of Business Administration Degree Program, online, through Laurentian University, with a projected completion date in 2025.
Jodi was appointed to the Governing Council in July 2024 and is looking forward to her time with the Governing Council, stating "I anticipate that my personal experience as a northern learner with young children, my experience as a UCN employee, and the skills and knowledge I have learned and am still learning during my academic career will benefit me in this role".
Martha Jonasson
Martha Jonasson was born and raised in Wabowden, MB. She is a widow with 1 daughter, 4 sons, 15 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Martha is the second oldest of 13 surviving siblings.
Martha returned to school as an adult and completed Grade 12. She graduated from a 2-year New Careers Health Training program and completed the University of Manitoba Psychology course by correspondence as well as periodic trips to Winnipeg. She also took counseling modules during her employment with the Federal Government.
While employed with the Federal and Provincial governments, Martha was responsible for providing employment counseling services to the following communities: Norway House, Nelson House, Cross Lake, Gillam, Churchill, Ilford, Pikwitonei, Thicket Portage, South Indian Lake, God’s Lake Narrows, God’s River, Oxford House, and Island Lake.
Martha’s employment history includes working as an Employment Councillor/Consultant (Fed/Prov); a Youth Drug & Alcohol Abuse Councillor; an Information Officer & Supervisor of 4 Communities; and a Public Health (mainly diagnosing & treating).
Martha has been a member of the UCN Council of Elders since its inception and enjoys working with, and supporting, students and staff.