NAN Strengthens Management Team with New Chief Administrative Officer, Executive Director

THUNDER BAY, ON: On behalf of the leadership of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler has announced the hiring this week of Gary Dokis as NAN’s Chief Administrative Officer and Abby Robinson as NAN’s Executive Director.

“I am very pleased to congratulate and welcome our new Chief Administrative Officer and our new Executive Director. Gary and Abby have strong track records in leadership, governance, and administration that will be invaluable to the revitalization of this organization,” said Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. “We look forward to Gary sharing his vast leadership experience to lead our Directors and Senior Managers. Likewise, Abby has a wealth of knowledge from an extensive career at Indigenous Services Canada that will support her work with the Executive Council.”

A member of Dokis First Nation, Gary Dokis has served as Secretary-Treasurer for the Anishinabek Nation since 2022, Trustee for the Okikendawt Hydro Revenue & Dokis Community Trust since 2021, and Director on the Chiefs of Ontario Board since 2019.

A member of Muskrat Dam First Nation, Abby Robinson has significant experience in program delivery and partnership development. She held key roles at ISC including Acting Director of Regional Plans & Partnerships and Senior Manager in First Nations and Inuit Health.

“We are confident that Abby and Gary have the knowledge and experience we need to address the many challenges we face, ensure greater accountability to our Chiefs, and make us more responsive to the needs of our communities,” said Fiddler.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) was established in 1973, and was originally known as Grand Council Treaty No. 9 until 1983. NAN territory encompasses James Bay Treaty No. 9 and the Ontario portion of Treaty No. 5, a landmass covering two-thirds of the Province of Ontario. NAN represents 49 First Nations with a total population (on and off-reserve) of approximately 45,000 people grouped by Tribal Council.

For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca