Fulbright Canada is pleased to formally announce the appointment of Lea Nicholas-Mackenzie and Matt Vickers as Co-Chairs of Honouring Nations Canada Circle of Advisors. They have graciously volunteered their time and brought considerable experience and talent to the role. Their leadership is critical as Fulbright Canada's Honouring Nations Canada initiative moves ahead with the community awards program, which is set to launch in 2023.
Lea Nicholas-MacKenzie, a member of the W?last?kwey nation (Maliseet First Nation) at Negwotkok (Tobique) in New Brunswick, is CEO and Principal at JWR Business Group and LNM Indigenous Consulting. She has held numerous senior roles within Indigenous organizations and the federal government, including a recent stint as Special Advisor for Indigenous Issues at the permanent mission of Canada to the United Nations. Lea has also served as Chief of Staff to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Chief of Protocol for the Four Host First Nations. “I am honoured to join Matt, Honouring Nations Canada and Fulbright Canada in this transformative initiative. I look forward to celebrating Indigenous excellence in governance.”
Matt Vickers, CET, Director and Chief Executive Officer of NorthernNations Cooperative and Managing Director of Indigenous Engagement with Hillcore Group, is responsible for developing strategy and advancing new business opportunities with First Nation communities to close on opportunities. Matt has over 36 years of diverse experience in the management consulting field. Throughout his career, Matt has worked in a broad base of industries, including First Nations, arts and culture, financial institutions, healthcare, government, and information technology. “Throughout my career, I have experienced many differing views on many different subject matters, and the best solution is working together for the benefit of all.”
Together, they bring strong leadership, extensive expertise, and a deep commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices. Thank you, Lea and Matt!
Honouring Nations Canada is an Indigenous-led, Indigenous-Informed initiative of Fulbright Canada. The Circle of Advisors plays a critical advisory role that is fundamental to the success of the initiative.
For more information about HNC, please visit fulbright.ca/honouring-nations-Canada.
Written in collaboration with Kassandra Sison, Fulbright Canada.