Mike Metatawabin

Mike Metatawabin is a member of Fort Albany First Nation in Treaty 9 territory.  He is a Survivor of the notorious St. Anne’s Indian Residential School, which was located in his home community.

Over the past two decades he has taken on various leadership roles, including Chief of Fort Albany First Nation (1998-2006) and Deputy Grand Chief at Nishnawbe Aski Nation (2009 – 2012).  He has also served with many Indigenous organizations including Five Nations Energy, Wawatay Native Communications Society, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS), and the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN).

Mike has established solid relationships with government agencies ranging from the local to national level in his roles as president, chairperson, and board member of numerous regional organizations.

He is a longtime advocate for community issues including addiction, homelessness, housing, and child welfare. He was the Lead Commissioner of the Mushkegowuk People’s Inquiry on Suicide (2015-2016) and has been a powerful advocate for Mushkegowuk communities struggling with the opioid addiction crisis.

Mike’s dedication to his community and efforts to address the dark legacies of Canada’s colonial heritage have shaped his career as a respected leader and advocate for truth and reconciliation

He resides in Timmins with his wife Eva. They are the proud parents of four children and eight grandchildren.

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