Anishinabek News

Counsel congratulates Principal John Beaucage on his appointment to the Order of Canada

Published

5 months ago

July 8, 2023

John Beaucage (Eyaabay) is a Pipe Carrier from the Bear Clan and a band member of Wasauksing First Nation, raised on the Shawanaga First Nation and has extended family in Nipissing First Nation, appointed to the Order of Canada. – Photo supplied

TORONTO (July 4, 2023) – Counsel Public Affairs is incredibly proud to congratulate John Beaucage (Eyaabay) on his appointment to the Order of Canada.

The Order of Canada honours people who make extraordinary contributions to the country. John has been recognized “for his exemplary leadership and commitment to advancing the well-being and prosperity of Indigenous communities in Canada.”

We can think of no more fitting an honour for our friend and colleague John. He is a leader, builder of bridges, and genuinely kind person who is constantly working to create a better country for every member of our shared society.

Among his many public service roles, John has served as Chief of Wasauksing First Nation, Grand Council Chief of the Anishinabek Nation (Union of Ontario Indians), and Ontario’s first Indigenous Advisor to the Minister of Children and Youth Services. He also sat on numerous boards as well as the Premier’s Cabinet for Smoke-Free Ontario, Ontario’s Expert Panel on Climate Change, and the Ontario Biodiversity Council.

John worked for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) for over 25 years in Ottawa. In May of 2008, he was appointed Chairperson of the $300 million First Nations Market Housing Fund, announced as a new and innovative way to give First Nations citizens the opportunity to own their homes on-reserve.

Today, John works on green energy projects with several Indigenous communities across the country and serves as Chairperson of Nigig Power and Mitgoka Power.

We at Counsel have had the privilege of working with John for over a decade. He has been instrumental in growing our Indigenous facilitation practice and our “Nibwaakaawin” training offering, both of which help companies and organizations to engage respectfully with Indigenous peoples whose interests intersect with their work. We have worked together on many projects, often bridging the gap between government, the private sector, and First Nations.

John is a rare person who combines hard-work and intelligence with a warm-heart, ready smile, and a genuine desire to help others. It has been and remains our privilege to know him as a colleague, mentor, and friend. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to John Beaucage on this much-deserved honour!

John’s biography can be found here.

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Established in 2004, Counsel is a national firm with a team of 30+ team members representing Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto, and Ottawa.

Counsel provides a full suite of services in national and provincial government relations and public affairs, including lobbying, crisis communications, strategic communications, media training, “PR4GR” campaigns, public opinion research, Indigenous facilitation, and justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion consulting.

Anishinabek News

Administrative Coordinator

Published

15 hours ago

November 27, 2023

Anishinabek News

Executive Assistant to the Vice-President Academic and Research (VPAR)

Published

15 hours ago

November 27, 2023

Anishinabek News

Mikinakoos Children’s Fund launches $15,000 fundraiser for GivingTuesday

Published

22 hours ago

November 27, 2023

Mikinakoos Children’s Fund aims to raise $15,000 to provide vital winter clothing to 18 First Nations, collaborating with the KO First Nations, Keewaytinook Internet Highschools, and Fort Hope First Nation on GivingTuesday on November 28, 2023. – Photo supplied

THUNDER BAY (November 22, 2023) — Mikinakoos Children’s Fund, an Indigenous children’s charity providing essentials to youth in remote First Nations in Northwestern Ontario, is announcing the launch of a special fundraiser in recognition of GivingTuesday.

In alignment with the global GivingTuesday movement, Mikinakoos Children’s Fund aims to raise $15,000 to provide vital winter clothing to 18 First Nations, collaborating with the KO First Nations, Keewaytinook Internet Highschools, and Fort Hope First Nation. The initiative seeks to purchase over 1,500 coats for children in these regions, ensuring they are equipped to brave the harsh winter months.

“The winter season can be particularly challenging in the remote areas we serve, where many children lack access to proper winter gear,” said Mikinakoos Executive Director Emily Shandruk. “Mikinakoos Children’s Fund believes that every child deserves the warmth of hope during the colder months. With this in mind, we’re launching this crucial campaign to make a positive impact.”

Recent support from TD Canada Trust’s Ready Commitment Funding, a $50,000 grant over two years, is boosting Mikinakoos Children’s Fund’s Warm Clothing initiatives, of which this initiative is a part. With growing requests from various communities and organizations, Mikinakoos’ GivingTuesday funding alone wouldn’t have sufficed. Thanks to the extra support, the charity can now ensure that no child is left without essential resources.

GivingTuesday, which falls on November 28, marks the opening day of the giving season—a global movement encouraging people to come together for a day of generosity and positive change. Mikinakoos invites individuals and organizations alike to join in the effort to make a difference.

Here’s how you can contribute:

Donate: Your contribution, regardless of size, will bring Mikinakoos Children’s Fund closer to its $15,000 goal. Every dollar counts. GivingTuesday falls on November 28; however, this fundraiser will run until December 31.
Spread the Word: Share our campaign on social media, with friends, family, and colleagues. Together, we can make a wider impact.

“The remoteness of the communities we serve presents challenges in shipping and distributing necessities, such as food, sporting equipment, and winter gear, especially with the absence of permanent roads,” said Shandruk. “Climate change has further exacerbated the inconsistency of ice road conditions, making the delivery of essential items even more difficult.”

Please consider contributing to Mikinakoos Children’s Fund’s GivingTuesday campaign through this link or by texting “WARMCOATS” to 807-500-1522. Interviews with spokespeople from Mikinakoos Children’s Fund are available upon request.

About Mikinakoos Children’s Fund

Mikinakoos Children’s Fund is a charity created to address poverty by providing basic amenities, such as food, clothing, and shelter to First Nations children residing in remote communities. Join us on this journey to create positive change and secure the safety and wellbeing First Nations children. Engage with Mikinakoos Children’s Fund on social through #FirstNationKidsFirst.

Contact:

Victoria Belton
Senior Consultant
Media Profile
Tel: 416-992-5179