b'CHIEF PROFILEChief Profile Chief ShellyMoore-Frappier of Temagami First NationBY RICK GARRICKT emagami First Nation ChiefWe challenged that, and we wentputting this energy into working for my Shelly Moore-Frappier, firstthere and we protested at the cabin,ownpeople? elected in 2020 and nowMoore-Frappier says. The MNO hasBecause I had also served one term midway through her secondsince said that they didnt authorizeon the Bear Island Education Authority, term, stresses that protection of the landthat, and then the brothers that ownedI was inspired to run for election as I and people is of utmost importance init have had to take it down. So that issaw the need for steady community-relationships with government, industryone small victory, but we are movingcentred leadership, especially with the and non-Indigenous communities.forward and challenging the Ontariouncertainty and the challenges that were Her priority goals are to continue toMtis Harvesting Agreement. ahead, she adds.strengthen land-based education andMoore-Frappier says they are also cultural programming and to advancefocused on environmental and forestryMoore-Frappier began her university clear, strong governance and infrastruc- advocacy, noting that they are makingstudies at Laurentian University during a ture plans for the next generation. progress in challenging glyphosatepolitically charged period that included As the lead spokesperson forspraying and harmful forestrythe Oka Crisis in 1990 and the Supreme Temagami First Nation, our messagepractices through formal notices andCourt of Canada decision of 1991 in is clear: our homelands are not upengagement. Were making it clearwhich the court unilaterally adhered for negotiation, Moore-Frappierthat were exercising self-determinationthe Teme-Augama Anishnabai and the says. [Exercising our jurisdiction] isand land stewardship and that wereTemagami band to the 1850 Robinson-something that we do very well. Weveworking with industry, but on ourHuron Treaty.advocated at the provincial and nationalterms and aligned with our values andIt was a time where lots of things levels, and we will continue to assert ourprinciples, she says. were happening, Moore-Frappier rights and our jurisdiction. Prior to running for Chief, Moore- says. I feel very fortunate to have been Moore-Frappier, who is recognizedFrappier had had a long career ininfluenced by different leaders who we for her relationship-building skills byeducation, both at the secondary andgot to interact withElijah Harper, government and industry officials andthe post-secondary level. She has aOvide Mercredi, all of these different Indigenous leaders, says she is oftenBachelor of Education degree as wellpolitical leaders, and then spiritual sought out to provide commentary onas a Master of Social Work and wasleaders as well like James Dumont, Liza national and provincial issues affectingthe inaugural director of LaurentianMosher and my first teachers, my parents. First Nations. I want to deepenUniversitys Indigenous Sharing andSo having that influence very early in my our jurisdictional engagement withLearning Centre. At the time she waseducation shaped the way I think about governments and industry in ways thatfirst elected Chief, she was the associatethings and people like that.protect our land and benefit our people,vice president of academic IndigenousMoore-Frappier is currently on the she explains. programs at Laurentian University.Leadership Council at the Chiefs of Temagami First Nation took a strongMoore-Frappier says the loss of theOntario, where she holds the Mining leadership role in opposing Bill C-53,late Chief Gary Potts in 2020 and theand Education portfolios and serves on Recognition of Certain Mtis Governmentsupheaval caused by the COVID-19the First Nations Data Table and the in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewanpandemic led her to reflect on life andFirst Nations Data Champion Advisory and Mtis Self-Government Act, andan uncertain future. When I decidedCommittee. She is also the chair of the they also sued the Ministry of Naturalto put my name on the ballot for Chief,Executive Administrative Committee for Resources over a cabin that was built byit was more of a calling than anything,the Independent First Nations, where she two Mtis Nation of Ontario (MNO)she says. I was working 12-hour daysholds the Education portfolio.members on Pond Lake on Ndakimenanat Laurentian University and I reallyMoore-Frappier says one of her (Our Land). had to ask myself, Why am I notbiggest accomplishments since becoming 28l I ssue1 2025C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne'