Marnie Anderson
Board President
Wahnapitae First Nation
Marnie Anderson is a proud Anishinaabe Kwe, a member of Wahnapitae First Nation, with family roots in Shebahonaning (Killarney) and N’Swakamok (Sudbury). A dedicated scholar and advocate, she is committed to advancing First Nation health and wellness. She also spends her time at the Sugarbush in Point Grondine and kayaks on the Mahzenazing River.
Marnie holds a graduate Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Health from Laurentian University’s School of Rural and Northern Health (2023) and a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education (2014) with a specialization in Health Promotion and Indigenous Studies, also from Laurentian University.
With extensive experience in public speaking and networking (2016–2024), Marnie has delivered presentations in over 30 First Nation, Inuit, and urban Indigenous communities and organizations across Turtle Island (Canada). She has collaborated with health leaders, educators, child and family wellness advocates, government ministries, and cancer organizations to champion the well-being of First Nations.
Denise Restoule
Vice President
Dokis First Nation
Denise has an extensive 30 year career in community health. She started at Health Services in Dokis First Nation as a Family Health Aide, which evolved into the Community Health Representative (CHR) Program. She was the Acting Interim CHR Coordinator for the Ontario region, a Drug and Alcohol Prevention Worker, and served as Health Director. Politically, Denise served as Councillor for many terms, and in 2006 was the first female to be elected Chief, where she was re-elected for five consecutive terms, retiring in 2016. Denise was also Deputy Chief. In May 2018, Denise was appointed by the Minister of National Defence as Honorary Lieutenant Colonel (HLCoL) with the Algonquin Regiment in North Bay.
Candace Geroux
Treasurer
Shawanaga First Nation
Candace is from Shawanaga First Nation, where she and her family currently reside. She has more than 18 years of experience in Finance, and has worked in Health for the last six years. She is currently a Councillor with Shawanaga First Nation and holds the Health, Child, Cultural and Finance Portfolios within her community. Candace has been active within her community in recent years helping with the Annual Pow Wow through the Healing Centre and other events. Candace enjoys being out by the bay fishing or creating handmade beadwork in her spare time.
April Cardinal
Board Member
Magnetawan First Nation
April is the proud mother of three boys. For the past 7 years, April has served as the Social Services Director for Wahnapitae First Nation. For more than 20 years, April worked for Native Child and Family Services in Toronto, and at Magnetawan First Nation. She has worked as a Family Well-Being Representative, and Band Representative. April studied Aboriginal Child Welfare and completed Domestic Violence Counselling. April enjoys working with First Nations communities and people and continues to provide her knowledge and experience to the extremely delicate and important Indigenous Child Welfare System.
Chief Shane Tobobondung
Board Member
Wasauksing First Nation
Wasauksing Ogimaa (Chief) Shane Tabobondung is of Ojibwa and Pottawatomi ancestry. His bundle of knowledge and experience includes cultural practices with a formal Master’s Degree in Indigenous Studies from Wilfred Laurier University. He has been professionally involved in mental health, child, and family wellness for the last 20 years. Shane continues his work at a governance level to advance Wasauksing First Nation Inherent Rights and Title within a Anishinaabe law paradigm for his Nation.
Patrick Brennan
Board Member
Henvey Inlet First Nation
Councillor Patrick Brennan is serving his seventh term two-year term as a Councillor of Henvey Inlet First Nation. He holds portfolios in education, health, human resources, and lands, and has played a crucial role in establishing a trust for his community. Councillor Brennan is well-versed in developing land laws which were instrumental in bringing the Henvey Inlet Wind Project online. He was motivated to join the Board to raise awareness of First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FNFMA) mandates after experiencing firsthand the support it provided during the $1 billion wind farm energy installation. Councillor Brennan wants other First Nations to know that FNFA’s adaptability and eagerness to explore new business endeavours is impressive and can increase the quality of life for members of our communities.
