Meet the Team
Nokomis Support
Jan Beaver
Jan Beaver is a storyteller, author of several children’s graphic novels and history books focussed on Indigenous themes, educational consultant and a facilitator of the Way of the Circle programs at Northern Edge Algonquin. Over the years, Jan has been a Water Scientist with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, a classroom teacher, an outdoor education teacher with the Toronto District School Board, a staff member with the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, member of various Aboriginal Education Committees and Senior Education Advisor for Ogemawahj Tribal Council in Rama. Jan is a proud recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in recognition of her work in education. She is a member of the Alderville First Nation (Anishinaabe) and has dedicated most of her life to learning and teaching others about the history, traditions and cultures of First Nation peoples.
President & Founder
Joyce Jonathan Crone
Joyce is Haudenosaunee, Mohawk, turtle clan, from The Six Nations of the Grand. She is a retired teacher with 33 years of experience including the role of First Nations, Metis and Inuit school board consultant, and department head of Special Education. Her experience includes kindergarten, Special Education, English, and Indigenous Studies. Joyce has a rich and diverse life journey including travels to the Amazon River, Nunavut, and five outreach trips to Haiti. Joyce led groups of Canadian teachers and artists to Haiti to support children and education, Joyce is retired and makes her home in Huntsville Ontario. She is a freelance writer and has published work with The Ontario Native Literacy Coalition. She has a local radio talk show, and pens a column with a local newspaper. Joyce is a free spirit and humanitarian, who embodies compassion, faith and justice.
Secretary
Monique Charlton
Monique is a retired Business Analyst of 25 years within the Ontario Healthcare sector. In her retirement she started a business, Write For Wellness, to encourage people to write and tell their story, and discover authentic connection to all living things. Monique grew up in Treaty Three territory in Northwestern Ontario, not far from a Residential School, and joined Hope Arises to connect and bring positive action to Truth and Reconciliation.
Youth Advisor
Micah MacLeod
Micah is twenty years old and in her third year of Biology at Nipissing University. She is Haudenosaunee, Upper Mohawk, Turtle clan, of the Six Nations of the Grand. She is on a personal journey of learning, understanding and appreciating her heritage and culture. Micah has been involved in events and educational opportunities that help celebrate her Indigenous identity. She has designed an Every Child Matters T-shirt and organized an orange shirt day initiative at Nipissing University. Micah has designed a basketball jersey for an Indigenous celebration at her University. She believes in the importance of hearing and accepting the voice and perspective of Indigenous youth. A woven vision of the future that is inclusive, empowers and is healing for all. Micah is very excited to join our team and bring a vibrant, and youthful, two-eyed perspective.
Treasurer
Vicki Jones
Vicki has an Honours Degree in Law, and a second Honours Degree in Psychology,
including courses in Indigenous Studies. Vicki's career
in Investment and Portfolio Management has intersected with her desire to be a changemaker.
Vicki seeks to live in a good way by following a path of spiritual goodness and appreciates Indigenous ways of being.
As a young girl growing up in Northern Ontario, Vicki spent time on the Kipawa First Nation, where she learned traditional ways of life including cultivating and foraging, the preparation and cooking of food and communal ceremonies.
These experiences are woven into her moral fiber. Vicki's passions include being in nature, travelling, yoga and engaging with others. She is an advocate and volunteer, who believes in making a difference in her community.
Vicki makes her home in Huntsville.
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