Initiative Advisors

The Initiative Advisors support the Ashoka Team with the shortlisting of entries for the Changemakers Initiative: Inspiring Approaches to First Nations, Métis and Inuit Learning. The Advisors provide guidance and advice on First Nations, Métis and Inuit content and entries that may be replicated within First Nations, Métis and Inuit populations / communities.

Levinia Brown Levinia Brown: Levinia Brown was born in Dawson Inlet - just south of Whale Cove, in 1947. At a time when there were no nurses, doctors, or government services in that area, she was delivered by her father. After completing her early education at schools in Chesterfield Inlet and Churchill, Manitoba, Ms. Brown became the first teaching aid in Rankin Inlet. A graduate of St. Anthony Hospital in La Pas, Manitoba, Ms. Brown has worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant in the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, and Alberta. In 1978, Levinia Brown received her certification as a Northwest Territories Classroom Assistant and was instrumental in establishing an eastern board program (EATEP) in Iqaluit, and in 1980 she became the first chairperson of the Keewatin Regional Education Authority. After serving as an information officer, chairperson of the local housing authority, and deputy mayor, Levinia Brown became the first woman mayor of Rankin Inlet. Establishing working relationships between government agencies and community governments was a high priority during her term. A successful career in municipal politics provided a natural step to territorial politics for Ms. Brown. Elected Member for Rankin Inlet South/Whale Cove on February 16, 2004, the Honourable Levinia Brown was selected by MLAs to sit on the Executive Council. On March 9, 2004, Premier Paul Okalik named Ms. Brown Deputy Premier. Since January 2010, Levinia Brown has been an elder as Student Support, at the Aboriginal Centres on the Red River College campus and at the University of Winnipeg in Winnipeg, Manitoba. On June 16th, 2011, Levinia Brown was honoured an Award through First Nations, the 1st Inuk Grand mother of "Grandmother" at 10th annual Celebrations; called "Keeping the Fires Burning Celebrations”, by Ka Ni Kamichihk Inc. Levinia Brown has also worked at Selkirk Mental Hospital since June 2011. The Honourable Levinia Brown is a role model and leader for Nunavut's youth. Dedicating her life to the development and promotion of community capacity building for health and social services, she projects a positive outlook on life. Her belief that life is a precious opportunity that should not be wasted is clearly expressed in her thirst for education, strength in leadership, and compassion for social issues. Levinia Brown is married to Ron Brown. Together, they have 7 children and 3 custom adopted children.
Alis Kennedy Senator Alis Kennedy: Dr. Alis B. Kennedy is a proud Métis who was born in Montréal. She is multi-lingual and holds a PhD in Organizational Psychology.  She is a Senator with The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO). She is committed to the advancement of all Aboriginal Peoples, particularly encouraging them to complete their high school education and to pursue post secondary education and/or advance training. One of her many achievements was her participation, as a commercially licensed pilot, in a York University Production "Women in Science". This video was seen by all high school students in Ontario in the mid 1980s to encourage them, particularly girls, to pursue science studies. Alis is a Veteran who served her country for 13 years and received her Canadian Decoration (C.D.) for her dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces. She also received on December 14, 2011, the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship (O.M.C.) for her involvement in a host of organisations at home and abroad for over three decades, mostly on a volunteer basis. She plans to retire from the Ontario Public Services (OPS) by the end of 2012.
Pauline Shirt Pauline Shirt: Pauline Shirt was born and raised in Saddle Lake Reserve, Alberta. Pauline is greatly recognized for her commitment to the Toronto Native community and for her dedication as a teacher and lecturer since the late sixties. She is a member of the Three Fires Society and the Buffalo Dance Society. Pauline Shirt, a Founder of the First Nations School and the Red Willow, are just two examples of her hard work ethic and perseverance to enhancing the betterment of the Toronto Aboriginal community. Today, Pauline serves as a mentor to many Aboriginal youth and young families as an experienced and trusted Grandmother. She also works in all levels of government conducting Opening Prayers and attending meetings, making sure the Aboriginal community is positively recognized as she offers a voice for her people..