NEWS RELEASE
BPW SAULT STE. MARIE WOMEN'S WEEK CHAIR
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On Thursday, March 12, the 2020 honourees were guests at a Women’s Week Dinner.
Guest speaker was Kelly Tallon Franklin of Courage For Freedom.
The 2020 honourees were:
Monday:
Barbara Day N’Dizhinikaaz – Red Stone Woman of the Crane Clan of the Noon Day People of Garden River. Program Support Worker for Nimkii Naabkawagan Family Crisis Shelter delivering programs for both First Nation and Shelter. As part of the Indigenous Women’s Anti-Violence Task Force, she assisted in its creation as a result of dealing with serious rates of violence, intergenerational trauma and systemic discrimination. A graduate of Sault College and Laurentian University and a Junior Elder in training.
Tuesday:
Lauren Doxtater, MSW, RSW – currently part of Indigenous Women’s Anti-Violence Task Force (IWAVTF) and Social Equity Coordinator, City of Sault Ste. Marie working towards poverty reduction, Indigenous relations and community inclusion. IWAVTF is working to end all forms of violence and protecting the honour and value of community members.
Wednesday:
Jennifer Syrette – Executive Director of the Nimkii-Naabkawagan Family Crisis Shelter supporting residents who are fleeing or experiencing domestic violence, supporting the community with programming to all members of the Batchewana community. Worked on the creation of the Indigenous Women’s Anti-Violence Task Force (WSAVTF) a result of various community initiatives. She sits on the Board for Aboriginal Shelters of Ontario and the National Aboriginal Circle Against Family Violence, providing a positive role model for her family to be proud Anishinabe men and women.
Thursday:
Donna Latulippe - a busy community volunteer and retired elementary teacher who has been first female mayor of Thessalon, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient, Chair Algoma Manor Nursing Home Board and currently Chair of North Shore Health Network Board. Worked with Algoma District Homes for the Aged Board to create Algoma Manor Nursing Home not-for-profit to redevelop and construction of the current home. A member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 182, chair of the Youth Education Committee. Thessalon representative Huron North West Professional Recruitment and Retention Committee.
Friday:
Debra Tonon – A hairstylist with Headlines salon, passion to improve lives of vulnerable in the community. Pulling together her supportive friends created ‘Breaking Away’ for those of the vulnerable community that age out of the school system and specific social programs allowing them to continue to grow and learn to meet their individual needs and maximize their independence.
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