OHSWEKEN — Six Nations of the Grand River welcomed a new Senior Administrative Officer on Monday. Mandy Wesley joins SNGR on a six month contract as Interim SAO.
Wesley is a lawyer and member of the Bearskin Lake First Nation who has worked in indigenous policy all across Canada.
In a statement Wesley said, “I am humbled by the opportunity to work with the largest First Nation in Canada and embrace the exciting new challenges in the days ahead as we work together to facilitate opportunities for meaningful growth and development.”
SNGR Chief Mark Hill says the position of SAO is part of the community’s organizational review — which has been ongoing since the 58th Elected Council took their seats in November.
A comprehensive examination of council’s departments, external committees and administrative teams took place throughout November and December with a final report to the community expected in the coming months.
Wesley is expected to be a part of that organizational review looking for innovative solutions to modernize and streamline the way SNGR administration engages among it’s departments and with the community.
In a statement on Friday morning, SNGR said Wesley’s time with the community will carry on through to August 2020. The council will then use an executive search firm to fill the position permanently.
“We are open to making changes that will optimize our productivity in a way that is community focused. This may result in the creation of two roles for the office of the SAO and we encourage community members to apply for the position or positions as they become available,” said Hill.
Wesley previously lived in the Six Nations area for 30 years prior to moving to Toronto. She fills the position, previously held by Dayle Bomberry who retired in December 2019.
