Indspire Announces New President & CEO
August 19, 2025 – Ohsweken, ON – On behalf of the Board of Directors, Indspire is pleased to announce the appointment of its new President & CEO: Jocelyn Formsma. A member of Moose Cree First Nation, Ms. Formsma brings over two decades of experience in Indigenous advocacy and justice to Indspire, along with a proven track record in engagement at local, regional, provincial, national, and international levels.
An Indspire Laureate (Public Service – 2024), Formsma holds an Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in Public Administration and a JD (Juris Doctorate) from the University of Ottawa. After being called to the Bar of Ontario, she worked as a lawyer with First Nations-owned law firm Nahwegahbow Corbiere.
Jocelyn joins us from National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC), where she’s served as the CEO for the last 7 years. Her recent tenure reflects many years of commitment to the organization, overseeing growth and continually emphasizing the importance of this crucial support network for Indigenous Peoples in Canada, especially in urban settings. Prior to her time at NAFC, she worked at the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada (FNCFCSC). She became the youngest-ever Chairperson at the Aboriginal People’s Television Network (APTN). She was chosen to join the Deputy Prime Minister’s Task Force on Women and the Economy, serving as a strong voice for Indigenous women and Indigenous Peoples.
Formsma gives her time to numerous organizations, including serving as a trustee with the Canadian Museum of Human Rights and previously as a board member with the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) and the Indigenous Bar Association. She served on the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Youth Council and the Chiefs of Ontario Youth Council.
She was selected by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2021 to join the Young Global Leaders network, an international community of exceptional young leaders, and has participated and spoken at international venues such as the United Nations and the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples.
“As an Indspire Laureate, Jocelyn knows firsthand the importance of our organization’s mandate and of the many ways we support Indigenous excellence and Indigenous learners,” said Donald Worme, Chair of Indspire’s Board of Directors. “Her decades of experience as a strong advocate for Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous issues in multiple venues will ensure that Indspire continues to be a significant force for positive change across Turtle Island.”
Formsma says: “I am looking forward to joining Indspire as its next President and CEO. Indspire is an organization that I have long admired, and being a Public Service Award alumna, this role will have special meaning for me. My passion for youth leadership development and celebrating the successes of Indigenous Peoples translates to my commitment to take Indspire to the next level.”
Until Jocelyn Formsma begins her new role in January 2026, current President & CEO Mike DeGagné will continue to serve in this capacity.
About Indspire
Indspire is an Indigenous national charity that celebrates Indigenous excellence and invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. With the support of its funding partners, Indspire provides financial awards, delivers programs and shares resources so that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students will achieve their highest potential. In 2024-25, Indspire provided more than $31.6 million through over 8,800 bursaries and scholarships to First Nations, Inuit and Métis students across Canada.
Contact
Mallory Rose
VP, Communications, Marketing, and Student Success
mrose@indspire.ca
(416) 861-8507
