Yancy Craig
Vice President, Indigenous and Government Relations
Yancy has 20 years of public administration and policy experience in the government and not-for-profit sectors. Prior to joining Indspire, he was a Senior Advisor at the Assembly of First Nations, having previously been Director of Strategic Development at the National Association of Friendship Centres. Prior to 2014, Yancy worked in a variety of policy and program administration roles in various federal government departments, having started his career at the Aboriginal Healing Foundation.
With family ties to Six Nations of the Grand River territory, Yancy spent his early life in Hamilton before moving with family to Ottawa, where he continues to reside. Yancy has a degree in Sociology and History from Trent University.
Yancy has served as a board member at Apathy is Boring, and Synapcity, and is passionate about innovation, public policy and Indigenous human rights.
Thomas Darnay
Chief Financial Officer
Thomas Darnay is Ojibway from the Garden River First Nation and the Chief Financial Officer for Indspire. He was previously the Director of Finance for the Six Nations of the Grand River, Finance Manager for the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and Finance Officer for the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Support Service Corporation. He is a Trustee of the Six Nations Community Development Trust, a member of the Anishnawbe Health Foundation’s Finance, Audit and Investment Committee, and a Board member of the Indigenous Screen Office. He was also a founding member of Oonuhseh and Aknohsot Native Homes. Tom’s leadership and expertise in finance, investment, strategic planning and governance successfully guides both senior management and the Boards of Directors. Tom has an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration, is a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant (FCPA)/Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) and Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM). He received the Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
Brandon Meawasige
Vice President, Communications and Marketing
Brandon Meawasige, a member of Serpent River First Nation, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies from McMaster University and a Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing from St. Lawrence College. With over 10 years of experience in marketing, communications, and media, he has managed a web design agency in Kingston, Ontario, and held various leadership positions with established technology companies and numerous startups. Born and raised in Toronto, Brandon also has ties to Alderville First Nation and was a recipient of funding from Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures Program during his undergraduate studies. Through his work at Indspire and his involvement in the community, he is dedicated to advancing Indigenous education and empowering First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth across Canada. He is currently pursuing a Master of Design (MDes) in Strategic Foresight and Innovation from OCAD University.
Julie Wildgoose
Vice President, Programs and Student Success
Julie Wildgoose is the Vice President of Programs & Student Success, overseeing the Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarships & Awards program, the Rivers to Success: Mentoring Indigenous Students program, the Research and Impact Unit, and the Teach for Tomorrow: Indigenous Educator Apprenticeship Program.
Previously, Julie founded and served as the Chief Engagement Officer at The Power Factory, a marketing and engagement-strategy agency established in 2008, established the Energy Solutions Expo and TPF Energy, an engineering consulting firm. She has a track record of developing and delivering programs for various gas and electric utilities in Ontario, and for public transit. She played a crucial role in the delivery of the Aboriginal Outreach Program for the IESO. Additionally, Julie has been involved in college and university campus programs across the United States.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Julie has a strong commitment to social impact. She has initiated charitable programs to support marginalized women and founded a company that directs all profits to athletes competing in individual sports. Currently, she is working toward her MBA in Coaching, Mentoring, and Leadership from St. John York University.
