Chief Michele Solomon, an Anishinabe Kwe and current elected Chief of Fort William First Nation in her first term of office. Prior to her election as Chief, Michele served Fort William First Nation for 8 years as a councillor. In her role as Councillor, Michele provided guidance and knowledge towards a substantial portfolio area including Health and Community Services, Finance and Youth and Social Development.
Michele is a proud daughter, mother, and grandmother. Michele holds a degree in Indigenous Learning from Lakehead University, and Social Service Worker Diploma from Confederation College. Most recently, Michele worked for the Ontario Native Women’s Association as a Community Development Manager. In this role, Michele managed ONWA’s Indigenous Women’s Leadership Programs.
Michele holds extensive knowledge and expertise in Mental Health and Addictions stemming from her many years as a Team Leader and Manager at Dilico Adult Residential Treatment Centre and Manager for the White Cedar Healthcare Centre.
Michele has a passion for Health and Wellness and her many years of experience in the field has allowed her to build strong knowledge and understanding of substance dependence and treatment.
Michele has also taught the first-year Indigenous Perspectives class at the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law. Furthermore, she has been providing workshops to many groups and organizations on the topic of the Robinson Superior Treaty since 2018.
She has proudly served her community on several committees including ONWA’s Board of Directors, the Thunder Bay Police Services Curriculum Development Committee and the Dilico Board of Directors.
Michele’s vision for the community is to ensure the First Nation has meaningful policies, resources and services available for all members. She is dedicated to advancing community wellbeing, prosperity and economic development and finding ways to inspire the youth.
In her own words “being the Chief of Fort William First Nation is second only to being a Mother and Grandmother”
