Our Team
Hillory Tenute, President & Chief Executive Officer
For more than 20 years, Hillory has walked alongside Indigenous leaders as they navigate the often-complex machinery of government. An Anishinaabekwe from the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, her work is rooted in relationships, reciprocity, and a commitment to advancing the priorities of Indigenous Nations and communities.
Hillory is known for helping Chiefs, Councils, and organizational leaders bridge the space between community priorities and government decision-making. She brings a unique ability to translate policy, politics, and bureaucracy into practical pathways for action while maintaining the integrity of community voices and Indigenous ways of knowing.
Throughout her career, she has cultivated trusted and reciprocal relationships with Indigenous leaders, public servants, elected officials, and sector partners across Canada. Whether supporting Nation-building, economic development, rights implementation, community engagement, or strategic advocacy, Hillory's approach is grounded in walking beside clients as a partner, advisor, and advocate.
Summer Wabasse, Government Relations Specialist
Summer Wabasse is Oji-Cree from Webequie First Nation, located in Treaty 9 territory. As a Government Relations Specialist, Summer supports Indigenous leaders and communities in navigating the intersections of government, policy, advocacy, and community priorities. She brings experience in Indigenous engagement, government relations, communications, and economic development. Her work is shaped by her leadership on Nishnawbe Aski Nation’s Oshkaatisak Council and the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council, where she supports Indigenous advocacy, youth engagement, and dialogue with First Nations leadership and governments.
Jed Johns, A/Director of Government Relations
An Indigenous and government relations professional, Jed is nêhiyaw (Cree) and a member of Sucker Creek First Nation from Treaty 8 lands. He has served as the Chief Marketing Officer at First Nations Bank of Canada, contributing to the strategic marketing and communications of Canada's only Indigenous-majority owned bank. His prior experience includes roles as Manager and Senior Advisor of Government & Indigenous Relations at EPCOR Utilities, and a Sessional Instructor at Concordia University of Edmonton. Jed's previous positions span various organizations, including Senior Advisor for Indigenous Relations at Edmonton Public Library, Special Advisor to the National Chief at the Assembly of First Nations, and Communications Officer in the Office of Mayor Don Iveson. His early career experiences involved positions within the Government of Alberta's Department of Aboriginal Relations and in leadership as President of the Students' Association of MacEwan University, his alma mater.
Alyssa Goralchuk, Executive Operations Coordinator
Alyssa is a member of Norway House Cree Nation, located on Treaty 5 Territory. She previously served her home community as a Project Coordinator with the Norway House Cree Nation Health Centre of Excellence, where she supported the transition of health service delivery to a fully integrated model of care.
While completing her university studies, Alyssa participated in the Walt Disney World International College Program, gaining valuable international work experience in a diverse and dynamic environment. After graduating, Alyssa worked in finance with First Peoples Economic Growth Fund, a NACCA financial institution that empowers First Nations communities and entrepreneurs to drive economic growth.
Alyssa's professional background is in human resources, with experience supporting the Manitoba First Nations Police Service in recruitment and retention initiatives, employee onboarding, and the review and development of human resources policies.