National Team

We are a passionate national team working together for the advancement of Indigenous communities and peoples across Canada

Our team includes leaders from both local and international backgrounds all aligned with our mission for Indigenous Peoples. The dedication and passion of each member not only makes us strong, but it also creates a pathway to a future of inclusion, friendships, community and the trust needed to be successful together.

We have a combined 100 years of EXTENSIVE experience as former executive leaders and senior level managers at the Federal, Provincial and International Level.

Our experience includes being an AFN Regional Chief, First Nation Chief, Provincial Deputy Ministers, former senior leader in the labour movement and consultant in Indigenous-industry relations.

Retired AFN Regional Chief Roger Augustine

Through our combined experiences, we have:

  • Led cultural changes and complex organizational reviews;
  • Developed complex strategies;
  • Developed regulatory and legislative frameworks;
  • Improved organizational performance and outcomes;
  • Negotiated collective agreements and significant inter-governmental, bilateral and tripartite agreements;
  • Advised and negotiated on behalf of governments on Supreme Court decisions affecting aboriginal rights;
  • Mediated complex disputes;
  • Mentored emerging leaders and worked in the energy regulation field at the national level and in the health care field provincially.
  • Roger J. Augustine
    Roger J. Augustine

    Founder and President

    Roger J. Augustine is Mi’gmaq from the Province of New Brunswick, and is the retired Regional Chief for NB/PEI, Assembly of First Nations (AFN).

    ​In 1981, Chief Augustine was one of several dozen representatives (from across Canada) that signed the historic 1981 Declaration of Aboriginal and Treaty Rights.

    Chief Augustine co–founded the Atlantic Policy Congress (APC), which became the political voice for First Nations Chiefs in Atlantic Canada. He also co–founded the North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council, and was the Chairman for the Center of Indigenous Environmental Resources, and a Commissioner for the Indian Land Claims.

    ​Chief Augustine considers one of his greatest career accomplishments to be in the field of addictions treatment. After receiving specialized credentials from St. Francis Xavier University in Drug and Alcohol Education, Chief Augustine made enormous strides in dealing with addictions in his community by introducing a curriculum for Eel Ground Federal School. During his tenure as the Chairman of the National Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board, Chief Augustine received several awards in his field.

    ​On July 5, 2017, Mr. Stéphane Ouellette, President and CEO, Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP) appointed Chief Augustine as an Honorary Governor, Board of Honorary Governors, MNCTP.

  • Tom Mann
    Tom Mann

    Managing Director

    Tom Mann is a trusted advisor for Gitpo Spirit Lodge in government and community relations. As a former labour lawyer and Executive Director of the New Brunswick Union, and former Deputy Minister, Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, Tom provides guidance and expertise in labour relations and fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment for our partners.  

    Tom is currently a member of the Executive team of Gitpo Consulting Ltd. along with Roger J. Augustine and Galen Augustine.  Gitpo Consulting Ltd. works with community partners to develop, enhance and provide opportunities in housing construction to the benefit of the First Nation “through respectful cooperation and collaboration with First Nations and their organizations enabling economic development that is in balance with social and environmental concerns.”

  • Galen Augustine
    Galen Augustine

    Director of Operations

    Galen Augustine is the Manager of Operations at Gitpo Spirit Lodge and a Council member of Natoaganeg. Having spent 20 years in the public service (Corrections), Galen has observed a tremendous need to address the concerns of the Indigenous men across the country. He believes that there is a gap when it comes to providing services and resources to meet the specific mental, physical, spiritual and cultural needs. Once those need have been met, we need to create a sense of belonging for them to carry with them. 

    Galen has been part of the development of training and employment opportunities for Indigenous people. He is the VP of Workforce Warriors, President of Gitpo Renew (Renewable Energy), and owner of Gitpo Building Products. He also sits on an advisory board for the development of an on-line university focusing on mental health training for under-represented populations.