Bio
Maurice Switzer, Bnesi, is a citizen of the Michi Saagig of Alderville First Nation, where his maternal grandfather Moses Muskrat Marsden was Chief from 1904-09. His maternal great-grandmother, Esther Ann Hill, was from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. His paternal grandfather, Harry Schwitzer, came to Canada in 1910 from Imperial Russia.
Maurice is a board member of the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre and North Bay Indigenous Hub, chair of Nipissing University’s Indigenous Council on Education, a member of the Indigenous Wellness Circle of the North Bay-Parry Sound Public Health Unit and the Indigenous Reconciliation Advisory Committee of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, and trustee for Lakefield College School.
His son and grandson are officers in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and he has two great-granddaughters.
Bio
I have been an NBIFC member since 2016 and have been happy to be on the Board of Directors for the past four years. It means a lot to me to be part of the Centre, as there is always a lot going on to help Indigenous people within our community and are a contributor to our local economy. The NBIFC was there to help us with our Granddaughter years ago, and for that reason, I’m only too happy to give back and serve on the Board.
The North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre isn’t just a building, it is a community and a family.
Bio
Joyce Shortt-Lavigne, a member of Nipissing First Nation, has been a long time supporter of the urban Indigenous population of North Bay. A mother, and grandmother, Joyce has been a presence here at the NBIFC for many years, bringing her work experience as a Social Worker, as well as her past experiences at other organizations as a board member to support the financial department as best she can. Her dedication and love of volunteerism are very much appreciated, and we are so happy to have Joyce on the BoD once again.
Bio
Meegwetch for the opportunity to serve as a board member at the Friendship Center. As a community volunteer, it is my privilege to give back to my brothers and sisters. My life experiences and my education have given me the knowledge, strength and courage to assist our People in our fight for reconciliation.