Helen Bobiwash

Director, Indigenous Aware Programs

Anishinabe kwe from the Thessalon First Nation
35 + years in Indigenous services
FCPA, FCMA, CAFM, GCB.D, CCB.D, ICD.D

Spirit Statement

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My spirit comes from time spent within communities and on Shkagamik kwe (Mother Earth).  Growing up, I spent summers playing in the forest behind my home and picking blueberries with my mom.  I lived on the Constance Lake First Nation for three years where I finished high school, experienced life on the rez and was introduced to the taste of moose meat.  I became immersed in Indigenous student life when I attended Cambrian College in the City of Greater Sudbury, and I have, since, maintained close connections with Indigenous communities where I live.

I have had the privilege of working with First Nations for over 30 years where I learned about Anishinaabewaadziwin (way of life), Anishinaabe Bimaadziwin (wellbeing) and Anishinaabemowin (language).  I am continually learning about ceremony and my responsibilities to serve our communities.  

I spend a lot of time, walking on the land and paddling the waters, watching nature and discovering lessons from the beings with which we share Shkagamik kwe.  I am a hand drummer, using the drum beat and song to heal my family and community.  I am a beginner learner of Anishinaabemowin, striving to use the language to increase the relevance of financial and management concepts to Indigenous communities.

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Bio

I am Anishinabe kwe from the Thessalon First Nation in Northern Ontario and mother to one son and four bonus daughters.

With a career spanning 35 years in Indigenous services, my experience has focussed on strengthening community wellbeing and providing independent accounting services in First Nations and Indigenous organizations across Ontario.  My services have reached First Nation administrations, economic development corporations, community-based health services, education self-government, and child welfare agencies.  I have represented First Nations in fiscal negotiations with the federal and provincial governments.

I am passionate about empowering leadership to understand and use financial information to achieve their vision for the future.  I have years of experience in the governance of financial stewardship, audit committee, risk management and strategic planning.  

I also have extensive insight into Indigenous relations and is committed to advancing Indigenous reconciliation.

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Corporate Highlights

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Relevant Experience = 35+ Years

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--  Cambium Indigenous Professional Services (CIPS) – Director of Indigenous Awareness Programs
-- Independent Accountant --
-- First Nation Fiscal Negotiator --
-- First Nations Financial Management Board – Board Director --
-- Building Ontario Fund – Board Director, Audit Committee Chair --
-- Investment Committee Member – Indigenous Growth Fund --
-- Public Sector Accounting Board - Director --
-- AFOA Canada – Board Director --
-- Health Sciences North – Board Director, Audit Committee Chair,

Finance Committee Vice-Chair  --​​​​​​

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Education Highlights

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Institute of Corporate Directors/Rotman School of Management – Directors Education Program, Governance Essentials Program

Competent Boards – Climate Change and Biodiversity Designation Program, ESG Designation Program

CPA Canada – Audit Committee Certificate Program

Harvard Business School – Leading People and Investing to Build Sustainable Communities

Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology – 3-Year Accounting Diploma​​​​​​

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