Catherine Graham

Director of the Métis Centre, Catherine has two undergraduate degrees and a Master’s in Legal Studies from Carleton University where her studies focused on issues related to Aboriginal Peoples and the law, and violence against women.  Her research interests include the social determinants of health, culturally relevant gender-based analysis, mental health, Aboriginal identity, and indigenous governance.  Catherine has worked with Aboriginal organizations at the national and local levels for more than 15 years on issues related to inclusion and equity.  She has also worked as a consultant in the area of criminal justice, relationship development, gender-based analysis, and mental health. 

cgraham@naho.ca

Sonia Wesche

Senior research officer with the Métis Centre, Sonia has a background in environmental studies, human geography, and community health sciences.  Sonia has studied at the University of Ottawa, Imperial College London, Wilfrid Laurier University, and most recently, the University of Northern British Columbia for her postdoctoral research. She has experience working with indigenous communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon, and with First Nations and Métis communities in Canada’s northern territories. Dedicated to engaging in meaningful research relationships with local communities, Sonia’s interests include environmental change, adaptive capacity, food security, and the social determinants of health.

swesche@naho.ca

Devin is from Winnipeg, Manitoba. A research officer with the Métis Centre, he has a BA in Environmental Studies from the University of Winnipeg and a Master’s in City Planning from the University of Manitoba. He has experience with Aboriginal research methodologies, research ethics, and qualitative research methodologies. Devin also has international research experience engaging indigenous peoples in New Zealand and the northern circumpolar countries.  His research interests include food security and urban Aboriginal identity. Devin is an outdoor enthusiast with an interest in mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking and canoeing.

ddietrich@naho.ca

A research officer with the Métis Centre, Mohan has a Master’s in Public Health. His main research interests are epidemiology, biostatistics and health systems management. Mohan’s long-term goal is to work with Aboriginal communities to address health disparities and inequities, particularly when it comes to chronic diseases. In his spare time Mohan enjoys photography and squash.

mkumar@naho.ca

The communications officer with the Métis Centre, Anna has a BA in History and Hispanic Studies from Trent University and a Master’s in Journalism from Carleton University.   Originally from Ottawa, Anna has lived in Central America working in community development and popular education. In her spare time she enjoys reading fiction, travel, arts and crafts, and spending time outdoors. 

aburnstein@naho.ca

Jack is the operations officer with the Métis Centre.  He has held a number of positions at NAHO since joining the organization in 2005.   Jack takes care of all finances, travel and logistics for the Centre. In his spare time, he enjoys biking and swimming.

jpalmer@naho.ca

Howard Adler

Howard is a research assistant with the Métis Centre.   A band member of Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation in Northwestern Ontario, Howard has a BA in Indigenous Studies from Trent University and is working towards his Master’s in Canadian Studies at Carleton University.  Howard’s research interests include Aboriginal and treaty rights in Canada, historical and contemporary Aboriginal/Canadian relations, self-determination, and decolonization.  In his spare time, Howard enjoys video projects, short story writing, and reading.

hadler@naho.ca

Jennifer Rankin

Jennifer is a research assistant with the Métis Centre. Jennifer is a student at the University of Ottawa working towards a BA in Aboriginal Studies with a minor in Philosophy. With Ojibwa roots from Sault Ste. Marie’s Batchewana First Nation, Jennifer is passionate about addressing the issues that face Aboriginal Peoples through awareness and prevention. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys reading, cooking, outdoor activities, walking her two dogs, and spending time with friends and family.

jrankin@naho.ca

Danielle Vance

A research assistant with the Métis Centre, Danielle has a B.Sc. in Human Kinetics and is a nursing student at the University of Ottawa. Danielle’s long term goal is to become a nurse practitioner. Her research interests include infectious and chronic diseases, neuroscience and mental health. In her spare time, Danielle enjoys being outdoors, attending concerts, and spending time with friends and family.

dvance@naho.ca