Shared on behalf of Dr. Miranda Lesperance, Vice President, Indigenous Collaboration, Equity & Inclusion

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I am pleased to announce Leona Kakepetum as our new Director, Indigenous Collaboration, Equity & Inclusion, effective September 9, 2024.

Leona was previously the interim Manager of ICEI over the past year. She holds a degree in Political Science from Lakehead University and brings leadership experience working as the Interim Health Director at Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO), a non-political Chiefs Council that serves Deer Lake, Fort Severn, Keewaywin, McDowell Lake, North Spirit Lake, and Poplar Hill First Nations.

Prior to her time at Keewaytinook Okimakanak, Leona worked on the Health Transformation Team at Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), which represents 49 First Nations communities in Northern Ontario. Outside of her formal roles and education, Leona is very committed to community volunteer work. She is a Transplant Ambassador, and an advocate for health.

As the Director for ICEI, Leona will report to the Vice President of Indigenous Collaboration, Equity and Inclusion where she will work directly with the TBRHSC Indigenous Health Hub to improve health delivery and equity outcomes for Indigenous Peoples across the organization. She will also work to advance Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives for other equity-deserving groups that access services at TBRHSC.

Leona will remain on Level 1, Room 1480, Office 1472. She can also be reached via email leona.kakepetum@tbh.net and by phone at 684-7922 or 629-4514.

Please join me in congratulating Leona on her new role within the organization.