Indigenous & Ally Women Leaders Empowerment Circle

Indigenous & Ally Women Leaders Empowerment Circle Empowering existing and future Indigenous & Ally Women leaders within the Wabanaki territory

This is a safe and welcoming space focused on empowering Indigenous & Ally women. The members of the IAWLEC committee are passionate about advocating for and identifying networks that will support emerging Indigenous women leaders. IAWLEC's objective is to support Indigenous & Ally Women Leaders by facilitating the creation of opportunities for networking, mentoring, and empowerment. Active Member

s:
Sonja Perley (Chair)
Michelle Perley (Vice Chair)
Rebecca Francis
Savannah Simon
Ramona Nicholas
Becca Ireland
Tracy Ozark
Jasmine Pirie
Norma Dube

Please note that registration for our Uplifting the Leader in You event closed on August 7th. Anyone who submitted a reg...
08/19/2025

Please note that registration for our Uplifting the Leader in You event closed on August 7th. Anyone who submitted a registration after this date has been added to our waitlist.

Hello Everyone!Last week, we sent emails from our iawlecircle@gmail.com email address enclosing confirmations regarding ...
08/19/2025

Hello Everyone!
Last week, we sent emails from our [email protected] email address enclosing confirmations regarding registrations for this week's Uplifting the Leader in You event. Please be sure to check your junk/spam folders to ensure you haven't missed any communications from us.

08/13/2025

Meet our panelist, Tanya Johnson-MacVicar!

Tanya Johnson-MacVicar comes from the community of Potlotek, a small L’nu community located along the shores of Pitu’paq, the Bras d’Or Lakes in Unama’ki known as Cape Breton Island. Tanya has worked for and with, her L’nu people, most of her life recently supporting Canadians with the “Truth and Reconciliation 94 Calls to Action and bringing awareness to the epidemic of Murdered and Missing Indigenous People”. Through speaking engagements, exercises and discussions held in safe spaces, Tanya has encouraged humans to look at the history of Canada with an Indigenous lens.
Her work with the Canadian Criminal Justice system, various Indigenous organizations and community work won Tanya the “Tom Miller Human Rights Award” in 2023. The Tom Miller award is given to recognize the dedication and service of an individual in the community, particularly for those disadvantaged by discrimination and poverty.
In 2023 Tanya quit her “real job” to pursue her love of writing. She has self-published a children’s book, “Do you know my Grandfather, Smokey Dad, He’s a Superhero” honoring her grandfather’s 32-day paddling journey from Potlotek to the 1967 Expo Indian Pavilion in Montreal, Quebec. She has also self-published “Your Tears Are Not Enough” a three-part trilogy that focuses on real Indigenous issues. Her book has been gaining international attention bringing awareness to the epidemic of Murdered and Missing Indigenous People. Tanya owns her own consulting business, Apoqnmultesnen, she is proud to support and lift other women but is most proud of her role as mom, to her son Carter.

We look forward to having Tanya join our panel “Walking Together: The Journey of True Allyship”

08/11/2025

Meet one of our workshop presenters, Lynn Amakehs Mitchell!

Lynn Amakehs Mitchell - Uhkomoss Cihpolakon- Crow Clan, She is a Passamaquoddy Educator and Drummer. She is employed by Maine Indian Education and teaches the Passamaquoddy Culture and Language at Calais High School.
She works with all ages from Pre k to Adult in both: in- person and virtual teachings, throughout Maine, Canada and England. She is a member of the Sipayik Womens drum group – Cipelahq Ehpicik, where she says “We use our songs and drums for the healing of our people”. She also organized ceremony for the boys and girls rites of passage in both Sipayik and Motahkomikuk. She was the 2024 recipient of the NIEA (National Indian Education Association) Community service award for her lifelong commitment and dedication to her community.

We’re thrilled to have Lynn as a presenter in our Traditional Teachings workshop .

08/09/2025

We're excited to announce our performer for our evening entertainment, Janelle Niles!

Janelle Niles is a Two-spirit Black - Mi’kmaq woman from Sipekne'katik (seh-beh-gen-nehh-gah-dii), First Nation in Nova Scotia. She has performed for many festivals such as Just For Laughs, Winnipeg Comedy Festival and Crackup Comedy Festival. She’s also appeared on Family Feud Canada, CTV’s Battle of the Generations and APTN’s Michif Country. Janelle is a full-time stand-up comedian, EMCEE, content creator, TV Personality and producer of Got Land? Indigenous comedy show. She hopes one day to perform in New York City. Her humour is described as eccentric yet captivating.

08/07/2025

Meet our panelist, Glenda Labillois!

Glenda Wysote-Labillois RSW,BSW,MSW

"I am a Migmaq woman from the Listuguj Migmaq First Nation Community; I am a wife and mother to two beautiful daughters, grandmother of three, my education background is in Social Work, I have received my BSW from University of Maine in Presque Isle, Maine and MSW from University of Orono, Maine.
I am a Registered Member of New Brunswick Association of Social Workers. I also obtained a Certificate in Community Development and Alcohol and Drug Counseling from the Nechi Institute in Alberta/Keyano College, I am a Sole Proprietor and owner of Sacred Fire Healing Lodge in Ugpiganjig, NB.
I have also taught Native Studies for Cape Breton University in my Community, I have been involved in the Traditional Way of Life for 31years. This is where I had found my identity as a Migmaq Woman. To be able to pray and sing in my own language has help me to gain the confidence and receive the Wisdom and Knowledge from Elder’s throughout my journey. Language has been the backbone of my spirit; it has provided me with the tools to share with all my brothers and sisters. I am sharing these teaching with you to bring back our Traditions and Culture. As Aboriginal descendants we need to take our rightful place in society."

We look forward to having Glenda join our panel “Voices of the Matriarchs: Strength, Spirit, and Resurgence”

08/05/2025

Meet our Panelist, Alexa Metallic!

Alexa Metallic is a proud L'nusgw (Mi'gmaq woman) from Listuguj Mi'gmaq First Nation. She currently serves as the Policy and Research Manager for Indigenous Climate Action (ICA), an Indigenous-led organization empowering communities to reclaim their roles as leaders in achieving climate justice.

She received her Master of Arts in Indigenous Governance in 2024 from the University of Victoria. Her SSHRC-awarded research explores the rematriation of Mi'gmaq narratives, stories, and worldviews, addressing how translation and transliteration into English may have influenced their original meanings. This work is deeply rooted in her conversations with Mi'gmaq grandmothers and linguists, emphasizing community-centered approaches to language revitalization.

We look forward to having Alexa join our panel “Walking Together: The Journey of True Allyship”.

08/01/2025

Meet our panelist, Rachel Bryant!

Rachel Bryant is an English professor in the Department of Humanities and Languages at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John. She studies colonial literary cultures and her own ancestors, who were New England Planters and Loyalists who came to Waponahkik in the 18th century. Their promises to live in good relationship with Waponahki people inform her work on non-Indigenous responsibilities under the Peace and Friendship Treaties. Rachel’s true education on what it means to be a treaty person began in 2017, when she first met the Wolastoqewi Mothers and Grandmothers who were protecting the Nashwaak headwaters against Northcliff Resources and the Sisson Mine.

We look forward to having Rachel as a speaker on our “Walking Together: The Journey of True Allyship” panel.

07/31/2025

Meet one of our panel speakers, Asha Bear!

Asha Bear is a Wolastoqey and Mi’kmaq multifaceted artist from Neqotkuk. Asha has been beading since 2014, finding solace and cultural connection in this traditional craft. She is also a storyteller and emerging filmmaker, using visual narratives to uplift Indigenous voices and experiences. With a background in counselling, Asha brings a trauma-informed and culturally grounded approach to both her creative and community work.

We're looking forward to having Asha sit on our “Voices of the Matriarchs: Strength, Spirit, and Resurgence” panel.

07/29/2025

Meet one of our panelists, Norma Dubé!

Norma Dubé retired from the provincial government public service in 2015 after a career spanning 38 years. Of note, she assumed the leadership of the Women’s Equality Branch in 2002.

She is now enjoying retirement though is keeping active on issues that are of personal interest. This is evidenced by her involvement with Women for 50%, the Fergusson Foundation, the NB Francophone Association of Seniors, the National Acadian Society, the NB Association of Social Workers as well as numerous other Boards and Committees relating to seniors, language rights and gender equality issues.

Norma will be sitting on our “Walking Together: The Journey of True Allyship” panel.

07/25/2025

Meet our keynote speaker, Victoria Labillois!

Victoria LaBillois, a distinguished Mi’gmaq entrepreneur from Listuguj, in the traditional territory of Gespe’gewagi, earned the prestigious 2024 Indspire Award in the Business and Commerce category. For outstanding service to community, Victoria was recently awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Her latest entrepreneurial launch, the Eloquent Hostess, combines her gift for languages with her powerful voice, serving as MC to national events and conferences.

With a rich background in public service, Victoria has dedicated her efforts to both the First Nation and federal sectors, contributing at the Band, regional and national levels. Currently serving as the Vice-Chair of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board (NIEDB), Victoria plays a pivotal role in shaping economic policy. Victoria is a board member for Hydro Quebec, the first Indigenous person to serve in this role.

Victoria is a lifelong learner, holding a BA in political science and an MBA from the University of New Brunswick. Her most recent studies at the Harvard School of Business were as part of the Indigenous leadership programming.

From 2020 to 2022, Victoria actively participated in developing the National Indigenous Economic Strategy as a representative of the NIEDB. A companion document to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Articles and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, the NIES was launched in June 2022.

Beyond her professional achievements, Victoria is deeply committed to mentoring and serving as a role model. Actively involved in leadership and capacity development programs. Her passion project is imparting valuable financial literacy skills to Indigenous youth, contributing to their overall empowerment and success. She was instrumental in the development of a video game, Money Smarts, for Indigenous youth to learn the fundamentals of money management.

Giving back is important to Victoria; she served as co-chair for a national Steering Committee with the Canadian Construction Association, overseeing development of an Indigenous Engagement Guide for SMEs.

07/24/2025

Meet our Uplifting the Leader in You event MC, Tanna Pirie!

Tanna Pirie – Wolastoqiyik, Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation)

Tanna is a seasoned Indigenous consultant, facilitator, and MC with a strong reputation for leading meaningful conversations, events, and community gatherings. She brings over four years of consulting experience supporting governance, strategic planning, and community development across sectors.
Previously, Tanna served as CEO of Band-Owned Enterprises and Band Manager for Neqotkuk First Nation, where she advanced policy, leadership capacity, and funding strategies to strengthen community programs. She later served as Director of Operations for Ugpi’ganjig (Eel River Bar) First Nation, overseeing many major community initiatives.
As a graduate of ICE’s 20/20 Catalyst Program, Tanna currently mentors youth as an “Auntie” with Indigenous Clean Energy’s ImaGENation. She brings lived experience, humour, and heart to every role—uplifting others and helping build strong, self-determined communities.
Tanna is known for her engaging facilitation style, cultural grounding, and ability to create inclusive, respectful spaces that foster dialogue, build trust, and center Indigenous voices. Whether leading strategic sessions, community gatherings, or public events, she brings clarity, warmth, and a strong sense of purpose to every room she steps into.

Address

Fredericton, NB

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Indigenous & Ally Women Leaders Empowerment Circle posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Indigenous & Ally Women Leaders Empowerment Circle:

Shortcuts

Share

Category