Our Team

Albert McLeod is a Status Indian with ancestry from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and the Metis community of Norway House in northern Manitoba. He has over thirty years of experience as a human rights activist and is one of the directors of the Two-Spirited People of Manitoba. 

Albert began his Two-Spirit advocacy in Winnipeg in 1986 and became an HIV/AIDS activist in 1987. He was the director of the Manitoba Aboriginal AIDS Task Force from 1991 to 2001. In 2018, Albert received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Winnipeg. 

Albert lives in Winnipeg, where he works as a consultant specializing in Indigenous peoples, cultural reclamation, and cross-cultural training. 

Albert McLeod Consulting – albertmcleod.com

Elder Betty McKenna is Anishinaabe, born in Opaswayuk (The Pas), Manitoba. Her family reserve is Sapotaweyak Cree Nation (Treaty no. 4). She follows the traditions of her people, speaks her traditional language, conducts numerous ceremonies, and gathers medicines. Elder Betty is an author of several peer reviewed publications and editor of the book “Listening to The Beat of Our Drum”. Betty is very passionate about Indigenous health, education and returning people to their traditional practices and languages. Elder Betty is currently involved with many research projects and is a lecturer at the First Nations University of Canada and Luther College in Regina. Betty is also an Elder in Virtual Residence to the Canadian Virtual Hospice. She is also currently the first Resident Elder for the Mackenzie Art Gallery and recently became a Resident Elder for CAAN. Elder Betty currently also serves as the guiding Elder to RESOLVE Research and Education for Solutions to Violence and Abuse, Institute of Indigenous People’s Health-Canadian Institutes of Health Research (IIPH), guiding Elder to IGNITE Adult Learning Corporation and she is an Elder in Regina Public Schools. Her previous roles include serving the College of Physicians and Surgeons Saskatchewan, serving as a Saskatchewan Police Commissioner, and she also served on the Elders National Advisory of Corrections Canada. She is widely recognized for her work and has received numerous awards over the years, these include: the Queens Gold Medal and the Queens Silver Medal, the Excellence in Health Award, the Wakamow Valley Award of Distinction for Conservation of Prairie Plants, as well as the Sovereigns Award for Volunteers. She is also on the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan’s Prayer Breakfast committee.

Elder Jimmy Quatell resides in Campbell River BC. At ten Jimmy was taken and put into St Michels Residential School for four years. Jimmy is an Elder now in the community, doing a lot of welcoming in many areas of things that go on. Jimmy does culture support in many villages dealing with the Trauma using our Medicine, mostly our Cedar. He brushes off from their Spirit. Jimmy was invited to be an Elder in Residence for CAAN.

CEO, Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network December 2019 – present
Finance and Research Director, All Nations Hope Network Oct 1999 – present

Kind Hearted Warrior Woman – Kisewatisowin Okihcitaskwew

Cree Iskwew (woman) with the following roles and responsibilities: as a daughter to Nimama (My Mother), as a mother of two Children and a Kokum (Grandmother) to three, with direct ties to the Kisikaw Piyesis Family from George Gordon First Nation, in Saskatchewan on the land now called Canada. Descendant of both the Moose clan and the Bear Clan, living as a traditional medicine practitioner, a knowledge keeper and baby catching bundle carrier.
Waniska (Awakened) to the ways of the ancestors, practising traditional ways of knowing, healing along the way, seeking pimâtisiwin (life) for all nations through Indigenous practices, language, ceremonies, culture and traditions. Can celebrate 30 plus years working as a Co-Creator for Kisi Manito (Great Mystery) honoring the ancestors along the way.

Mike Ash is a finance specialist, working alongside CAAN since 2012 from multiple positions spanning volunteerism, contractor administrative support, Executive Research Assistance, and currently, as the organization’s Financial Coordinator. He connects from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Peace and Friendship Treaty territory and traditional Mi’kma’ki land. Throughout the past decade, Mike has seen professional and personal evolvement concurring with CAAN’s expansion; a bilateral and reciprocal exchange. Mike’s adroit organizational skill sets a tone of dependability and order that ensures continuity for programming and membership engagement. This core work is instrumental for team success, a standard that Mike values both in and out of the workplace. Committed to collaborative achievement, Mike ensures the collective functions as its mandate intends. 

Patrick Brownlee is a father, son, partner, friend, and colleague. Of French-Canadian ancestry, he resides in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, the traditional land of the Mi’kmaw, and Treaties of Peace and Friendship territory. Patrick has been an invaluable contributor to CAAN since 2008 in various roles from office administration and events coordination to assistant then manager in research and now, Programs Manager. Bringing an academic background in social services, Patrick infuses harm reduction-based awareness and a human rights core value system to advocating for disadvantaged people by amplifying minority voices. Engaging with CAAN’s communities and networks and maintaining membership relations is of particular importance to him. The ardent humanizing of those we serve, alongside project impact, remains of the utmost importance to Patrick as he oversees and supports Coordinators across a broad range of duties, making a good way for the organization’s overall success. Kind, compassionate, and understanding, Patrick is invested in service to the community as a means of self-development and a wholistic lifestyle. You will likely run into Patrick on one of his multiple daily walks, wearing a beloved set from his shoe collection, or acquiring Lego. 

Sharon Gimas is a nonprofit finance specialist with a Certified Public Accountant/Certified Management Accountant designation. Hailing from Weekes, Saskatchewan, Treaty 4 territory, the current and ancestral lands of the Nakota, Métis, Cree, Saulteaux, Dene, and Ojibway Nations, she is a wife, mom, grandmother, and ally of Ukrainian, Czechoslovakian, and English decent. Sharon obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Administration and continues to be a devoted learner of tax and government regulations, particularly as they relate to Indigenous initiatives and protocols. As Financial Officer for CAAN, Sharon guides the nonprofit’s financial compliance, systemization, and sustainability. She has 25 years of tax reporting, external auditing, and internal finance experience, both formal and volunteer. She enjoys water activities, curling, skating, making stained glass art, and being outside with her hands in the dirt. Spending time with her family and outside in mother nature are her favorites. 

Trevor Stratton, a citizen of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, is a prominent figure in the fight against HIV and AIDS, particularly within Indigenous communities. Diagnosed with HIV in 1990, Stratton has been a resilient advocate and leader in this field. He has been involved with the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network, now known as CAAN Communities, Alliances &Networks for over 20 years. His work has extended to various roles including serving as the Board President of 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations, and Board Director and National Advocate for the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR). He has also been a professional consultant since 2005 and has maintained active involvement in the Two-Spirit and HIV/AIDS community.

Stratton’s work includes coordinating the International Indigenous Working Group on HIV and AIDS (IIWGHA) for 11 years and participating in global research projects addressing sexual and reproductive health and rights for Indigenous women and girls. His efforts have contributed significantly to community mobilization and the broader understanding of HIV and AIDS in Indigenous communities. Trevor Stratton’s story is one of turning a personal challenge into a lifelong mission to support others and advocate for change in public health and awareness regarding HIV and AIDS. His journey and contributions illustrate the importance of community support, resilience, and advocacy in addressing public health issues.

After finishing graduating with honours from York University’s Bachelors of Social Work program, Tash developed her passion for advocacy, empowerment, and holistic wellness. She started her career as a program coordinator at a grassroots organization developing culturally grounded and wellness programs, support groups, workshops, and webinars across the Greater Toronto Area. Shortly, she moved to Montreal, Quebec for her personal and professional development. On this journey, she joined CAAN’s team as the Promising Practices Coordinator where she will use indigenous feedback and evidence-based research to provide recommendations, knowledge, and resources on how to implement wise practices to Indigenous individuals and communities across Canada.

My name is Brandi Bilodeau, I am a Metis woman and a mother of 1. I am the Campaign Coordinator for CAAN. I have worked with Indigenous people across Canada for the past 4 years and I am very passionate about advocating for our indigenous communities, building relationships and collaborating with community partners to enhance the wellbeing and services for our people.

Angie is the Indigenous data coordinator based in southwestern Ontario. After graduating with honours from Brock University’s Community Health program, she began working in health science research. She joined CAAN in May of 2023 as the coordinator for the I’m Ready Reach project.  Angie is creating and leading a process for CAAN to engage in data management with an emphasis on strengths-based analysis. In her spare time Angie is a sugar maker and beekeeper.

Sianna Bulman is a Queer, Gender-Non-Conforming member of the Metis Nation of Alberta. She resides in Treaty 6 territory. Sianna is the Indigenous Research Project Coordinator for the I’m Indigenous, I’m Ready Project. They hold a Bachelor of Arts from Memorial University of Newfoundland in Social and Cultural Studies, with their research focused on experiences of racism in Canada. Further learned interests include socio-political analysis, environmentalism, the subject of death and dying, and baking and pastry. They have contributed their artistic perspective to various community advocacy initiatives ranging from climate actions to music festivals. Between championing social causes, Sianna enjoys a good hike with her dog, taking a course on a topic of interest, or making a good homemade pastry.

Kris Kelly is a mom, auntie, daughter, granddaughter, sister, and poet. Deeply connected to the water, woods, and wind, she practices allyship for diverse communities across the world. Kris was raised in Northern Ontario, home of the Nipissing First Nation and Robinson-Huron Treaty. A journeyer, spiritual artist, and votary of the grounding power of nature, Kris is inspired by Indigenous ecological and ceremonial knowledge, and cultural and land-based teachings to propel both academic and personal growth. She is a culturally sensitive service provision and development expert, leading CAAN’s research department in a person-centered way as Research Manager since February 2023. Applying the principles of co-creation and reciprocity with living and non-living things, Kris seeks to curate spaces of safety for storytelling to act as a powerful conveyer of change. A mental health clinician, policy advisor, and researcher, Kris has spent 10 years working for non-profit organizations, children’s mental health clinics, and hospitals. With CAAN, she seeks to expand the research portfolio, highlighting Indigenous strength and interrupting systemic harm cycles, prioritizing liberation and access. When Kris is not working, she can be found in nature, adventuring with her daughter and family, creating art, and cooking!

Hany is a Human Resources professional who has worked in various different industries across several countries including Canada, England, and Australia. He earned his Honours Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario. Since he was little, Hany has possessed an international outlook on his personal and professional life. He was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt and has gradually made Canada his home over the years. Recently, Hany has been exposed to the unique and rewarding challenges of working in a First Nations setting; he currently resides in the unceded territory of the Ktunaxa and Kinbasket people. Hany’s approach in his Human Resources career sees him balancing his professional posture whilst taking on a culturally sensitive approach. Hany will be supporting management at CAAN and will be providing pivotal support in areas such as employment legislation, day to day performance and reward management, working on personnel policies and procedures, participating in recruitment practices, administering health and safety protocols, and retention.

Cassie is of the Haudenosaunee Mohawk Turtle Clan. A Professor of Indigenous Studies and PhD candidate, she is located in the Upper Canada Treaties and Dish with One Spoon Wampum land, traditionally of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples. Cassie holds a bachelor’s degree in First Nation’s studies and History, as well as a Master of Professional Education degree. She acts as an instructor, trainer, and educator to organizations and individuals alike, expanding relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous circles to further inter-communal cooperation. Centering historical occurrences as principal informants to current relationships, Cassie advances decolonial frameworks to improve suicide-prevention and life-promotion programming for Indigenous youth. As the Gender-Based Quality Framework Coordinator at CAAN, Cassie reviews all projects for gender-inclusivity and equity. This work involves intergenerational teachings of gender-identity across Indigenous nations and a violence-reduction framework for community trainings. She began this work in March of 2023, drawing on her personal and professional commitment to grounding, confronting, and repairing generational trauma for a healed and promising future. Cassie can be found playing World of Warcraft and Mario games or prioritizing her family relations. 

Dashreen Sanghera is a lover of all beings, deeply attuned to the interconnectedness of all life. She was born and raised in Toronto, the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit. Dashreen graduated from the University of Toronto in 2024 with a degree majoring in Ethics, Society, and Law and minoring in Sociology and Diaspora and Transnational Studies. She is eagerly anticipating her law school journey at the University of Ottawa beginning in September 2024. Her passion lies in health law, with a particular focus on cultural sensitivity and humility within our healthcare system. This passion has been driven by the lived experience of her mother battling a terminal illness as a racialized woman. Dashreen is deeply committed to addressing barriers that hinder access to effective disease treatment.

Dashreen has previously collaborated with the CAAN Research Department and Dr. Anita Benoit on a paper examining the relationship between Inuit homelessness and Tuberculosis. This project for Dashreen underscored the importance of community-based research and the principle of “Nothing about us without us.” The findings of the paper were guided by the framework of the 12 dimensions of Indigenous homelessness described by Indigenous communities around Canada themselves. Dashreen strives to continue to honour and uphold Indigenous perspectives in her work.

She looks forward to embarking on this next chapter of her academic and professional journey, driven by a deep-seated passion for equity, justice, and community empowerment in health law.

Oki/Greetings, I’m Tawnya Crowshoe the Indigenous Health Program Manager at CAAN. I’m from Piikani Nation, Treaty 7 Territory. Being out on the land is medicine to me. I love to do outdoor activities and build memories with my son in this way. It’s a great way to decompress and reconnect with nature, self, and family.

Connor Reid (he/him) is a proud Two-Spirited member of the Qalipu First Nation of Newfoundland and Labrador. Residing in St. Catharines, Ontario, on the traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, Connor’s journey in navigating his identity has profoundly shaped his passion for health policy and research.

Growing up without access to the cultural knowledge of his parents’ Indigenous roots—Qalipu on his father’s side and Native American ancestry in the United States on his mother’s—Connor’s experiences have inspired a deep commitment to improving health equity and access for Indigenous peoples. His desire to learn more about his culture and what it means to be Indigenous fuels his engagement and deepens his need to connect with and embrace his heritage, driving his work to uplift and empower Indigenous communities.

Connor brings a diverse academic background in public health, gerontology, and applied behavior analysis to his role, integrating the social determinants of health into culturally informed, community-based research.

Outside of work, Connor enjoys gardening, cooking, baking, and spending time outdoors hiking and exploring new areas. He cherishes time with his family, trying new restaurants and wineries in the region, and visiting new towns on weekends. Connor has a passion for repairing electronics, tackling mechanical projects, and speaking beginner-level Spanish, Dutch, German, and French.

Leona Quewezance, a proud mother of four and grandmother of three, comes from KeeseekooseFirst Nation located on Treaty Four Territory.  She is committed to honouring her ancestors by preserving and nurturing traditional knowledge, particularly around medicinal plants across Turtle Island.

Leona’s experience spans twenty-five years on the frontlines where she provided HIV and hepatitis C education and training to numerous communities and organizations.  Her journey has equipped her with the skills necessary for programming and coordinating projects.  She also helped coordinate a research grant called Kotawe (to start a fire).  Her work in providing workshops within First Nations communities has been central to her staying grounded. Her lived experience and direct engagement with the communities reinforced her connection to her cultural roots and allowed her to continue growing in her role to support her people.

Leona has started a new position with CAAN Communities Alliances and Networks.  As the new Visionary Director of Indigenous Practices, Leona aspires to support the membership, councils and leadership teams with meaningful involvement.  She envisions fostering deeper connections between Indigenous practices and contemporary leadership, ensuring that traditional knowledge and cultural values are integrated into decision-making.  Her goal is to empower the people by bridging the wisdom of the past with the needs of the present, creating a harmonious and sustainable future.