Meet the FNLGR Board of Directors

Councillor Hayden Guilderson is a young, dedicated leader and advocate for Indigenous prosperity and self-determination. Serving as a council member for the Tzeachten First Nation, Hayden brings a fresh perspective and unwavering commitment to his role.

Following in the footsteps of his great-aunt, Chief Glenda Campbell, the first female chief of Tzeachten, Hayden is inspired by her trailblazing leadership. With a strong background in lands management, business, leadership, and Indigenous taxation, Hayden spent the five years prior to his election as a lands officer with Tzeachten, where he worked to improve land governance and support community development. His experience in strategic governance has positioned him as a key figure in advancing the interests of Indigenous communities.

As a young leader, Hayden's ultimate goal is to support First Nations in their pursuit of self-determination, fostering sustainable growth, and creating systems that empower communities to thrive.

Chief Heidi Cook is from Grand Rapids, Manitoba, and serves as Chief of Misipawistik Cree Nation. She was re-elected in July 2023 for her second consecutive three-year term, following six years as a Band Councillor.

Chief Cook brings extensive leadership experience, combining her roles as Chief and Councillor with hands-on expertise in land management. Her work in developing the Misipawistik Isihtwawina Constitution reflects her commitment to integrating cultural values and traditions into governance structures.

Her interests include land and water protection, strengthening Treaty relationships, cultural teachings and ceremonies, and living a good life.

Councillor Joan McLeod-Shabogesic is a proud Nbisiing Nishnaabe-kwe and serves as a Councillor for Nipissing Nation. She also brings over 37 years of experience in First Nations land management, having served as Nipissing Nation's Land Manager from 1982 to 2019.

Joan played a key role in implementing sectoral self-government in lands, managing a land base of nearly 70,000 acres, and securing specific land claim agreements that expanded Nipissing’s holdings and established lucrative settlement trusts.

As one of fourteen First Nations representatives, she helped develop and negotiate the First Nations Land Management Act, leading to the formation of the Chiefs’ Land Advisory Board. She also spearheaded Nipissing’s land laws, including environmental management, archaeological management, and land use zoning.

Her proudest achievement is the Nipissing Archaeological Summer School, which provides youth with hands-on experience in Nipissing history, career development, and cultural preservation.

Joan holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Nipissing College (Laurentian University).

Evelyn Lube brings over 30 years of experience working with First Nations, with extensive expertise in lands administration across various governance frameworks. Her role at Westbank First Nation during its transition to self-government provides valuable insight into the evolution of land management systems. She has strong expertise in policy development, community engagement, and regulatory frameworks, making her a key contributor to advancing First Nations land governance.