The Mission
THE ENGAGEMENT
One of the Foundation’s main strategies is to leverage the engagement of Aboriginal youth in their communities, regardless of their living environment. This engagement allows them to get to know who they are, discover new strengths, develop personal and social skills and abilities, and, in short, build a variety of protective factors. These are powerful tools for dealing with life’s obstacles so that they do not slip into any kind of addiction.
They then become new, positive role models in their communities, bringing about change in a legacy of suffering that has been handed down for far too long. For instance, a 15-year-old may decide to engage with the younger generation by getting involved in tutoring. Another might choose to commit to reconnecting with his or her traditions by interacting with elders and ensuring that they are documented. Anything is possible as long as Kanatha’s mission is upheld, and the intent of the commitment remains constructive and beneficial to the community.
The Kanatha Foundation Team
Jean-Yves Pépin
Founder and General Manager
Responsible for development with Aboriginal communities, agreement negotiations and budget management. Responsible for communications and public relations.
Catherine Deboisbriand, M. Ed.
Content Manager
Responsible for the content and programming of workshops for grade school students in Quebec’s Aboriginal communities. Oversees the planning of workshops and the overall process.
Fanny Roy, B. Ed.
Education Consultant
Education consultant, educational component for the Kanatha Foundation. Coaching and support for the community (educational platform, intervention, training, etc.). Development of training and support tools for high school students in the communities.
Sébastien Montambeault
Webmaster
Responsible for updating the website and ensuring its improvement. He coordinates the work of the various technical staff: developers, web architects and graphic designers. He also manages the hosting of the site.
Gabriel Pelletier
Hardware Manager
Responsible for computer equipment, maintenance, and upgrades. In charge of video productions and PowerPoint editing.
Manon Brisson
Administrative Coordinator
She ensures the smooth running of the Kanatha Foundation by carrying out administrative and accounting activities. Schedule management and planning with the various stakeholders in the Aboriginal communities.
Board of Directors
A Word from the President
Our Board of Directors is made up of individuals who, through the depth of their commitment and the wealth of their expertise, provide the Kanatha Foundation with the support it needs to accomplish its mission with youth and adults in Quebec’s Aboriginal communities.
Gilles Houle
Chairman of the Board
Born to a Mohawk father and an Algonquin mother, Gilles Houle has always been involved in causes that are close to his heart. Gilles Houle holds a master’s degree in Environmental Law from Sir George Williams University. For many years, he was President of the Native Alliance of Quebec, contributing to the well-being of off-reserve Aboriginal people in their efforts to develop their self-esteem.
Germain Paul
Vice-Chairman of the Board
A native of the Innu Nation of Mashteuiash – Pointe-Bleue, Germain Paul has been working with First Nations for over 50 years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Administration and has worked in various ministries, organizations, and associations, particularly in the field of professional training for Aboriginal people.
Fannie Roy
Director
Fannie holds a Bachelor of Education in Professional Training and has developed several training programs in intervention with children aged 4 to 12. She has created support tools for elementary and high school students. For Fannie, it is important that children have good self-esteem, which is undoubtedly one of the keys to staying in school.
Catherine Deboisbriand
Secretary-Treasurer
Catherine Deboisbriand holds a master’s degree in teaching at the preschool and elementary levels. She is known for her great ability to adapt and her interest in taking on new challenges. For Catherine, it is essential to help children develop. Having healthy and supportive experiences allows children to better prepare themselves to become healthy, happy, hopeful, and fulfilled young adults.
Jean-Yves Pépin
Director
Jean-Yves Pépin has a college diploma in Electronics Technology and a wealth of experience in communications, multimedia, marketing, and business development. He founded the Kanatha Foundation in 2005 with the goal of raising awareness, informing, and presenting solutions to the Aboriginal population on addiction issues and helping young people with the risk factors that can increase the likelihood of adopting problematic behaviour.
During the first years of life, children learn to make meaningful connections with the world around them.
Address:
204 Champlain Blvd.
J5R 3T2
Contact:
info@kanatha.ca
(514) 707-1586