Originally from Northern Manitoba, Treat 1 territory and a member of  Minegoziibe (Pine Creek) First Nation. Jo-Anne has been in the Nistawoyou region since 2007.  With 30 years of experience in the fields of Child and Youth Care, Child development and the last 21 years in on reserve addictions and mental health programming, she is committed to furthering awareness of the Intergenerational impacts of colonization, changing systems of oppression and advocating for Indigenizing and decolonizing programs that serve turtle island.

​

Jo-Anne has been the Executive Director of Wood Buffalo Wellness Society since 2012. Under her leadership, the agency has grown significantly, expanding beyond the Mark Amy Treatment Centre to include housing initiatives in 2013, Recovery Homes in 2022, and Permanent Supportive Housing in 2023. Jo-Anne has been instrumental in this growth, leading with a strong Indigenous lens and a commitment to holistic, community-centered care. Her vision and dedication have been pivotal in transforming the organization into a multifaceted support network that serves a wide range of needs.

Jolene moved to Fort McMurray in 2013 to pursue new opportunities and quickly developed a deep appreciation for the region and its strong sense of community. She respectfully acknowledges that she lives and works on Treaty 8 territory, the traditional lands of the Cree, Dene, and Métis peoples.

​

Before transitioning into the non-profit sector, Jolene built a strong foundation in radio sales and business development, where she honed her skills in relationship management, strategic planning, communications, and revenue growth. Her ability to build partnerships and align stakeholders around shared goals has remained a consistent strength throughout her career.

​

Jolene joined Wood Buffalo Wellness Society in 2015. She began her work in housing, later supporting programming at the Mark Amy Treatment Centre, and steadily advanced into a leadership role. Over the years, she has contributed to program development, operational oversight, and cross-functional team leadership. Today, she plays an integral role in advancing the organization’s mission, bringing extensive institutional knowledge, collaborative leadership, and a strong commitment to serving the community.

Maureen Boyes, RN BScN, brings over two decades of dedicated nursing experience to First Nation communities, embodying a deep commitment to healthcare excellence. Proud of her Metis heritage, she settled in Fort McMurray 36 years ago, where she raised three daughters and now cherishes her role as a grandmother to seven grandchildren. Maureen's expertise spans across primary care, home care, STI management, and public health initiatives, making her a valued asset in promoting holistic well-being and community health.

Shannon Kiyan was born and raised in the Wood Buffalo Treaty 8 region and began her Social Work career in 2016. She brings leadership experience in housing and homelessness initiatives, neurodevelopment interventions and implementation of behavioural health supports within community-based settings. Shannon has contributed to various committees and cross-sector working groups focused on advancing coordinated responses to complex social issues and strengthening community action strategies. Her practice is focused on strong person-centred and anti-oppressive lens’, prioritizing dignity, cultural safety and equitable access to services.