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, and grew up on 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, ESL, Special Education, English, and Indigenous Studies. Joyce has a rich and diverse life journey including outreach travel to the Amazon River, Nunavut, and five trips to Haiti. Joyce led groups of Canadian teachers and artists to Haiti to support children and education as well as holding sick and dying babies and children. Joyce and her family have been part of the Huntsville community since 2005. She is a freelance writer and has published work with The Ontario Native Literacy Coalition and Niagara College. She is host to "Station to Nation" a weekly Indigenous music show, and has penned a column with a local newspaper. Joyce is a free spirit and humanitarian, who embodies compassion, faith, inclusion, equity 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.
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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Events
Dave Connell
Dave moved to Muskoka in 1987, to pursue his passion of canoe building. He began a small business which he continues in part-time. Dave's lifelong interest for Indigenous people and issues goes back to his childhood friendships and growing up in Montreal, where he became good friends with an Indigenous boy. Dave's keen interest and allyship grew throughout his adult life eventually leading him to enroll part time in Indigenous studies at Nipissing University in 2006. He graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Indigenous Studies degree. Dave joined Hope Arises team with a strong desire to make a difference and to promote cultural awareness and Reconciliation.
Development
Rebecca Paul
Rebecca Paul (she/her) joined Hope Arises as part of her Reconciliation journey and is honoured to be part of an Indigenous-led organization. Rebecca brings twenty years of experience in the social service and healthcare sectors including leadership and development experience with Muskoka organizations including Cottage Country, Algonquin Family Health Teams, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka and The District of Muskoka. Rebecca has dedicated her career to enhancing the well being and health of community. She has served on various Boards of Directors including Muskoka Community Foundation and Muskoka Futures. Rebecca has actively volunteered for many years with Muskoka Victim Services, Bracebridge Public Library, and the Muskoka Postpartum Peer Support Network. Rebecca, her husband, and children feel fortunate and grateful to live in Muskoka, on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy.
