The Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation Board of Directors (OFNTSC) has appointed Melanie Debassige as the new Executive Director for the OFNTSC. Her appointment to the role will begin on February 12, 2018 at the Toronto Service Centre.
“The Corporation is pleased that we have found such a great leader for our Corporation” said Wes Bova, OFNTSC President. “Melanie brings business knowledge combined with a passion to assist First Nations in creating sustainable infrastructure for First Nation communities. The Board of Directors felt that she is the right fit to lead this Corporation.”
Melanie is currently leading the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations as its Chief of Staff. In this role she has served as political advisor to the BC Regional Chief, while also managing the day-to-day operations of the BC AFN. “After spending the past few years serving First Nations leadership in British Columbia, I am thrilled to return home to serve Ontario First Nations in their pursuit of self-reliance and self-determination” said Debassige.
“I am honoured to serve as the first Indigenous woman to lead the OFNTSC at this critically important time in our collective history. I have always been guided and driven by my ancestors, the advice of my elders, and the goal of First Nations self-determination and self-reliance. I am humbled to lead OFNTSC on this journey of reconciliation in lifting our people up to respond to the most pressing issues of our time, and I look forward to hitting the ground running with the important work of fulfilling the mandate of OFNTSC.”
Prior to her joining the OFNTSC Melanie has held previous executive positions with Waubetek Business Development Corporation, Serpent River First Nation Economic Development Corporation and Milman Industries Inc. “On behalf of the Board of Directors I want to welcome Melanie to the OFNTSC. We look forward to working with her on critical infrastructure issues that affect First Nations in Ontario,” added Wes Bova.
