An educator, researcher, and administrator descended from Huron-Wendat, French-Canadian, and Scottish-Canadian grandparents, Dr. Dewar brings a rich and dynamic set of skills to his new position at FNIGC.

With a PhD from the School of Indigenous and Canadian Studies at Carleton University, he has published widely and spoken extensively on healing, truth and reconciliation, and Indigenous health and well-being, with a specialization in the role that the arts play in healing and reconciliation.

In professional and scholarly settings, Dr. Dewar has worked closely with local, regional, and national networks of Residential School Survivors and their families, communities, and allies, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association, and national Indigenous organizations, in addition to a number of educational and cultural institutions.

“With a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience dealing with—and thinking about—the issues that face First Nations people, Jonathan is a perfect fit to take on this important leadership role” said Bonnie Healy, Chair of FNIGC’s Board of Directors. “He brings to the table a long track record of building and honouring relationships, a conscientious nature, and a commitment to collaborating with FNIGC’s Regional Partners that will only help to further FNIGC’s success in the years ahead.”

Dr. Dewar has held a number of key roles over the years with over a decade of senior leadership experience in qualitative and quantitative research, program evaluation, policy analysis, strategic planning, governance, and communications.

During his career he has served as the Director of Research at the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, the Director of the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre and Special Advisor to the President at Algoma University, and a Director at the National Aboriginal Health Organization. Most recently, he was a Senior Advisor with the Reconciliation Secretariat at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.

“I am deeply honoured to have been chosen for this position and I look forward to working with and learning from First Nations across Canada,” Dr. Dewar said.

“There is such incredible knowledge and expertise among FNIGC’s Regional Partners and the more than 600 First Nations communities across the country – and so many positive stories to tell about our past, present, and futures. I know that the FNIGC team can continue to make a profound and positive contribution to these efforts, and I look forward to being a part of it.”

Founded in 2010, FNIGC is the premier source of information about First Nations people living on reserve and in northern communities across Canada. An incorporated non-profit operating with a special mandate from the Assembly of First Nations’ Chiefs in Assembly (Resolution #48, December 2009), FNIGC is committed to improving the health and well-being of First Nations people living in our 634 communities across the country.

To read Jonathan Dewar’s full bio, click here. 

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After nearly seven years in key leadership roles at the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC), Gail Mc Donald will be retiring as Executive Director of the organization effective today.

FNIGC’s Senior Managers Addie Pryce and Jerry Lanouette will share Acting Executive Director responsibilities until an executive search process can identify a new permanent Director.

Ms. Mc Donald has had a celebrated, decades-long career in various First Nations issues and has earned a reputation as an outspoken advocate for First Nations data governance issues. She was instrumental in the growth of FNIGC as it transitioned out of an internal committee at the Assembly of First Nations into a stand-alone incorporated non-profit in 2010.

In the years since, Gail helped grow FNIGC into a position of authority and respect within First Nations communities, academia and government (federal, provincial, and regional), and was pivotal in forging its standing as the premier source of information about First Nations people living in 634 reserve and Northern communities.

On behalf of its Board of Directors, Regional Partners and all FNIGC staff, FNIGC would like to thank Ms. Mc Donald for her significant contributions in making FNIGC into what it is today. We could not have gotten here without you, and we wish you well in your next chapter as you return to your home community of Akwesasne to devote more time with friends and family.

For the next few months, Ms. Pryce will oversee all Program and Project Management responsibilities, while Mr. Lanouette will oversee Operational and Financial duties. An executive search is underway, and any interested parties can apply through Higgins Executive Search.

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