About Us

Barbara Dumont-Hill

Biography: Barbara Dumont-Hill, a First Nation Algonquin, was born on the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Reserve and has resided in her traditional territory ever since. She is Turtle Clan. Barbara has served as a grandmother with the 2015 Walking With Our Sisters memorial installation in Ottawa and has worked with the RCMP, Carleton University, and Algonquin College. She advised the Canadian Department of Justice legal team who worked with the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Geri LeBlanc

Biography: Aniin. Miskwe Ginew ikwe ndiznikaz. Mukwa ndodem. Keeseekoose nindooji. Geri is a proud Nakawe woman from the Keeseekoose First Nation. She is a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Geri's traditional name is Red Eagle Woman. She is a Bear Clan Knowledge Keeper. Red Eagle Woman is a Women's Traditional Dancer. She is a residential school survivor. Geri retired from the federal public service in 2012. She is a recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal for her work in social justice and employment equity. Geri has worked with several organizations to bring attention to the need for clean drinking water to First Nation communities. She organized the first Water Walk held in the Halifax-Dartmouth area. In December 2015, Geri took on the role of Coordinator of the Elders in Residence Program at Dalhousie University and continued till March 31, 2021.

Debbie Eisan

Biography: Chief Petty Officer Second Class(Ret’d) Debbie Eisan is an Ojibway Anishinabe kwe from Batchewana First Nation, and was born in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. During her 36 year military career, Debbie served numerous tours of duty, highlighted by her involvement in the close out operation of the United Nations Base in Rwanda, Africa, and her posting to the HMCS Iroquois, which saw her spend seven months in the Arabian Sea supporting the War against Terrorism. In 2004, Eisan was the recipient of the National Aboriginal Women in Leadership Foundation Award of Distinction, and in 2012, she was presented the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal for her work in advocating and bringing Cultural awareness for Aboriginal people serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. Now working as the community Events Planner at the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre in Halifax, she organizes and plans a myriad of events that are of benefit to individuals and groups within the larger Halifax community. It is an extensive and growing list, be it veterans, the homeless, seniors, youth, mothers, fathers and students. Her reach also extends to those who are incarcerated, bringing them culture and spirituality as well as traditional foods. Deb is a member of the Indigenous Council of Elders at Dalhousie University, St Mary’s University and the Chair of the Halifax Police Diversity working group, and an Elder with the Halifax Fire Department. She has been named as an Honorary Naval Captain with Maritime Forces Command, and is affiliated with Her Majesties Canadian Ship Margaret Brooke. She is also a member of the Advisory Committee for care and Compassion to the Minister of Veterans Affairs. As a devoted wife, mother and grandmother of five, and a former board member of Indspire, Deb believes that Indigenous youth must be given the chance of success through Education and maintaining connection to their grass roots.