I am a proud member of Mitaanjigamiing First Nation, Treaty #3, residing in Fort Frances.

Since October 2022, I’ve served as a Board Director for AFOA Ontario. As Program & Services Manager at Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong, I lead employment programs for skills development, job training, and specialized support for youth, urban communities, and Indigenous people living with disabilities. My 26+ years of experience include roles as Executive Assistant, Finance Administrator, and Elected Leader.

I hold designations as a Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator (CAPA), Certified Indigenous Leader (CIL), and am pursuing my Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) certification. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Learning from Lakehead University and a General Arts and Science Diploma from Confederation College. I recently completed the "Leading People and Investing to Build Sustainable Communities" program at Harvard Business School.

I am deeply connected to my culture through ceremonies and learning the Anishinaabe language, and I believe in personal growth across all aspects of life—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

Ivan Thompson, a member of the Wolf Clan from the Mohawks of Akwesasne, began his career in his community’s Finance office, starting as a student intern and progressing to full-time employment over sixteen years. His experience spans various accounting roles, including financial analysis and managing the Economic Development division.

For the past eight years, Ivan has served as Accountant for the Kahnawake Fire Brigade, Ambulance, and Medical Transportation services. He holds a CAFM designation from AFOA Canada, diplomas in Business Administration and Business Accounting from St. Lawrence College, and has completed significant coursework toward his BBA at Yorkville University.

Ivan has contributed to several volunteer boards, including the Akwesasne Police Commission, Economic Development Fund Committee, Akwesasne Housing Authority, and the AFOA Ontario Board, where he currently serves as Treasurer.

John Carter brings over 50 years of management experience across the private, public, military, and not-for-profit sectors. His roles have included Division Manager at Simpson-Sears, Captain in the Canadian Armed Forces, and Senior Executive for the Federal Government and the Government of the Northwest Territories, culminating as Assistant Comptroller General. He has served as Executive Director for both the NWT Chamber of Commerce and the Yellowknife Dene First Nation.

With extensive experience in board governance, John has volunteered and held executive roles in various organizations. He represented the CGA at the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada (AFOA) from 2004 to 2018, chaired multiple committees, and has continued to serve on AFOA Canada committees, including as Vice-Chair of the Indigenous Learning Center.

John holds a 3-year Honors Diploma in Business Administration (Algonquin College), a Certificate in Financial Management, and an MBA from the University of Ottawa. He is a Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager, a Fellow of CGA Canada, and a Fellow of CPA Canada. In recognition of his military service, he received the Canadian Forces Decoration in 1981.

John has taught accounting, human resources, and exam preparation at Algonquin College, the University of Ottawa, and Aurora College. After retiring as CEO of the Salt River First Nation, he returned to Ottawa and continues to volunteer with AFOA and AFOA Ontario, currently serving as President of AFOA Ontario.

Ismo has been in various roles in financial services in the US and Canada for over 40 years. He has consulted with many First Nation communities in the past 15 years in the areas of investment management, organizational development including strategic planning, change management, and communication.

He has been a speaker at conferences held by the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association; National Aboriginal Trust Officers Association (NATOA); Canadian Association of Native Development Officers (CANDO); and the National Indigenous Council of Elders (NICE).

Ismo is currently a member of the Investment Advisory Committee for Nunavut Tunngavik Corporation, and is also a trustee for the Henvey Inlet First Nation's trusts.

A native of Finland, he is on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Friends of Finland Education Foundation.

Ontario Representative to the AFOA Canada Board of Directors