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Hi, my name is Melanie Hulan. I work with NAWN as the Financial Administrative Assistant.
I feel fortunate to be a part of this great organization.
Working at NAWN has given me opportunities to meet new people, learn new things and be a part of our rich culture.
Email: melanie.nawn@gmail.comPhone: 709-643-4563
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Hey! My name is Stephen Boulos. I’ve lived in Stephenville since 2007, I am so lucky to call this place home. I spent a few years away after completing high school, working on Business Administration & Human Resources. I ended up coming back to Stephenville after realizing what I had when I was gone; It sure is a beautiful place to live. Outside of work, I like to get outside with my dog to do hikes and explore new trails. I love to swim, watch movies, sing, dance, learn, and sew, to name a few. I am quite creative, so any way I can express that I will do so.
I am newer to NAWN, but my job and coworkers bring me excitement for what is to come. It has been an awesome experience so far, learning so much in such a short period; I know it will be very fulfilling for me on so many levels. My position here at NAWN is the Technical Lead for the Reconciliation Council, providing assistance to the council members. I am excited and honoured to be part of this wonderful team & organization, and for all of the incredible things they are doing for Indigenous peoples, and for what we will accomplish in the future.
Email: tlrc.nawn@gmail.com
Phone: 709 643 4563
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My name is Janet Keating. I am currently the Indigenous Community Navigator with NAWN. I have been working in this position since March 2025.
I retired in 2021 after working with the Provincial Government for 33 years.
I feel it is an honour to work for this organization. The staff are great and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about my culture, while helping many people along the way.
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Nikki is a Two-Spirit woman with a deep passion for culture, community, and helping others. As a Peer Support & Community Programmer with the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network, she is grateful to be part of an organization that creates meaningful and lasting impacts for Indigenous women, families, and communities every day.
Nikki is dedicated to fostering connections, supporting community members, and creating welcoming spaces where people feel valued, respected, and empowered. She believes strongly in the importance of culture, wellness, and community engagement as pathways to personal and collective growth.
Outside of her work, Nikki is a proud mother to one child and five beloved cats. She is also an avid volunteer who is always seeking new opportunities to give back, support local initiatives, and make a positive difference in the lives of others.
709-643-4563
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Roxanne Riche is a Gladue Writer trained through the Indigenous Perspectives Society in 2024 and a Mental Health and Addictions Worker who graduated from Canadore College in 2011. Throughout her career, she has been driven by a deep passion for helping others and a commitment to supporting individuals, families, and communities in achieving positive outcomes.
A beneficiary of the Nunatsiavut Government with familial ties to Nain and Hopedale, Roxanne values the importance of culture, connection, and community. She finds strength and balance through spending time on the land and at her family's cabins, where she feels most connected to her culture and is reminded of the simplicity and beauty of traditional ways of life.
As a mother of two boys, family is at the heart of everything Roxanne does. Her work is guided by compassion, advocacy, and a strong belief that everyone deserves access to support, understanding, and opportunity. These values have shaped both her professional career and her volunteer efforts within her community.
Roxanne is a founder and President of the North West River Youth Engagement Initiative (NWR-YEI), a grassroots organization created to provide safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces for children and youth. Motivated by a desire to support some of the community's most vulnerable populations, she is dedicated to ensuring young people have access to meaningful programming, positive relationships, and opportunities to thrive in an environment where they can truly be themselves.
Whether through her work as a Gladue Writer, her background in mental health and addictions, or her commitment to youth and community development, Roxanne remains focused on creating positive change, amplifying Indigenous voices, and helping build stronger, healthier communities for future generations.
Roxanne Riche
Gladue Writer
Newfoundland & Labrador Aboriginal Women's Network
Labrador Friendship Centre
(c) 709-735-0003
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My name is Odelia White. I work as part of the Indigenous Justice Program as a Gladue Writer, through the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network (NAWN).
In my role as a Gladue Writer, I am able to assist Indigenous individuals who find themselves before the court. Through the writing of a Gladue Report, we are able to give a complete picture of that Indigenous person for the court to consider when sentencing. It is a key way to bring understanding of the intergenerational effects of our history on the Indigenous person.
I feel honoured and grateful for the opportunity to work in an environment focused on helping others with their healing journey. Being able to connect and learn about our cultural traditions is very fulfilling for me.
When I am not in the office, I enjoy spending time with my family, listening to music, painting, and board games.
Email: gladuewriternawn@gmail.com
Phone: 709-649-3957
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Hi, my name is Michael "Mike" Young and I started with the Elders and Youth program in May of 2025.
I grew up in the community of Flat Bay and spent many years involved with the youth drumming group there, as well as volunteering with and working at the annual Flat Bay Powwow.
I feel so lucky to be part of the Elders and Youth program and help connect local youth to their community, culture and heritage.
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Kwe’ Booshoo,
My name is Nona Matthews-Gosse and I work as the Executive Director. I started working with the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network(NAWN) in October 2017. Working for NAWN, a non-profit Indigenous women’s grassroots organization has been very special, as it is a supportive and innovative organization. The Board of Directors are dedicated to our communities and our staff provide excellent support, programming and work hard to create positive changes in many aspects of our lives. When I am not in the office, I enjoy sewing and making things such as moccasins and mittens and going for walks.
Email: Executivedirector.nawn2016@gmail.com
Phone: 709 643 4563 or 709 643 1290
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I started my journey with NAWN in August 2023 as the Mental Health Peer Support with the Elders and Youth; Breaking the Silence on Mental Health program. I spent two years working as the Project Coordinator on the Preparing for a Stronger Future project, which was focused on the planning and development of NAWN’s future Cultural Healing and Wellness Centre (CHWC). Presently, I am the Capacity Project Coordinator, with a focus on strengthening NAWN’s sustainability through continued work on the CHWC, social enterprise development and housing support. I am passionate about Indigenous ways of knowing, being and healing, Ceremony, community and connection, and seeking and gathering cultural knowledge. Other things I am passionate about include my two dogs – Duke and Scooby, my small hobby farm, and the colour purple.
Email: chwc.nawn@gmail.com
Phone: (709) 643-4563
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Hi, my name is Audrey Lucas and I work for the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network (NAWN). I was hired in January, 2023, and I am totally invested in what NAWN stands for. Being the manager for the Indigenous Justice program is a rewarding job and I enjoy it immensely. NAWN is a wonderful organization to work for because they are invested in improving lives, so our communities can be a better place to live. They are also invested with ensuring staff has a balance in their work and home life.I enjoy sewing and I am appointed the office “go to” when it comes to anything to do with sewing.
Email: audreyl.nawn@gmail.com
Phone: 902 643 4563
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My name is Kimberlee Golder. I like to spend my time with my family soaking up all of the precious moments and memories made with my babies. I started working at the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network in July 2023 as the Elders and Youth; Breaking the Silence on Mental Health Program Assistant. What I love about my job are the opportunities to help in connecting our youth with the Elders and learning about the Culture, traditions, ceremonies, teachings, ways of living off the land, and feeling connectedness together in hopes that these ways will be carried on for future generations. Working for this Organization is an honor and I love the supportive work atmosphere and safe space it provides for staff, members of NAWN, as well as the community.
Email: youth.nawn@gmail.com
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My name is Jaleesa Swyers. I’ve lived in Stephenville Crossing for the majority of my life. I also spent a few years away after completing high school in 2009, but after some time away I realized Newfoundland is where my heart is and probably always will be. Outside of work, my husband and I like to get outside with our very energetic dog who likes to be active and outdoors as much as we do! I have a passion and a love for anything that gets me outside. Walking on trails, hiking, berry picking, swimming at the beach/rivers in the summer, travelling and hunting in the fall are some of my favorite things to do.
I am new to NAWN, only being here two weeks as I am writing this, but I am looking forward to the days, weeks and months to come. It has been an amazing experience so far and I know it will be very fulfilling for me on an intellectual, cultural, and spiritual level. My position here at NAWN is the Technical Lead for the Reconciliation Council, providing assistance to the council members. The women here at NAWN are all so friendly, helpful and inspiring. I am excited to be a part of this wonderful organization, and all of the incredible things they are doing for women and our community as a whole.
Email: rctl.nawn@gmail.com
Phone: 709 643 4563
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Hi, I'm Morgan LaCosta, and I recently joined NAWN’s Indigenous Justice Program as the Gladue Aftercare Worker. In this role, I provide support and services to individuals who are currently going through the Gladue process or who have already had a Gladue Report completed. I strive to offer support in a holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally safe manner each and every day.
This position has already been incredibly rewarding and truly aligns with my passion for helping others. Being able to learn more about my culture while working in a field I deeply care about has been such a blessing.
I find peace through connecting with the land and nature. You can usually find me camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, or sitting around a fire. Being out in nature is where I feel most at "home."
I look forward to all of the meaningful experiences and connections that come with being part of NAWN, and the Indigenous Justice Program.
Email: gladueaftercareworker@gmail.com
Phone: 709-649-4222
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Holly Muise is a traditional Mi’kmaq woman from St. George’s, Newfoundland. A devoted mother of two boys, Holly is passionate about the outdoors—spending her time gardening, camping, and connecting with nature.
She is an active community leader, serving on the council of Qalipu First Nation and sitting on the Board of Directors for the Aboriginal Sports and Recreation Circle of Newfoundland and Labrador. A traditional drum and song carrier since the age of five, Holly holds these cultural responsibilities close to her heart, honoring and sharing Mi’kmaq traditions wherever she goes.
Through her leadership, volunteerism, and cultural work, Holly continues to support and uplift Indigenous voices and connections across generations.
Email: hollymuise.nawn@gmail.com
Phone: 709 643 4563
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I am a mother of three beautiful children and they are the reason I work so hard every day to provide them with the best life I can. I was a recent honors graduate of the Office Administration Program in early 2025, where I then became the Gender Based Violence Community Advocacy Coordinator here at NAWN, I was apart of this project from March 2025 to March 2026. During that time we facilitated multiple initiatives towards ending GBV within NL by engaging community members on the impact of multiple issues that effect Indigenous women and their families.
I am currently the Office Support Worker at NAWN and I assist the President in arranging and facilitating workshops related to gender-based violence prevention and advocacy, attend meetings that align with NAWN’s mission and mandate, support the planning and facilitation of community events, and support the development and delivery of a workshop on Financial Preparedness aimed at preventing gender-based violence. I love being a part of this wonderful organization that helps so many individuals, especially women and is striving towards making meaningful changes. Email: advocate.nawn@gmail.com
Phone: (709) 643-4563
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I am the MMIWG2S+ Community Worker. I was the Gender-Based Violence Prevention Coordinator. I started working at NAWN in November 2023. Through this 42 month project, NAWN will increase its ability to prevent and address Gender-Based Violence against Indigenous women, girls or 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in Newfoundland and Labrador. This will be achieved by identifying advocacy challenges and opportunities, creating a GBV Advocacy Strategy and a communication plan increasing the organization's capacity to communicate community needs and GBV prevention, building relationships with 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations and like minded organizations and by developing a GBV support and prevention plan. By the end of the project, NAWN will have strengthened their capacity to prevent and address GBV against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in Newfoundland and Labrador.
I love everything about my work. I love that the purpose of my job is to help others and I enjoy working in the community. The women that I work with are amazing and I love learning about my culture. NAWN is a wonderful place to work. NAWN does so much to help the community. It is a beautiful work environment every single day and I love participating in all cultural activities and events. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful women after being hired at NAWN.
Email: gbv.nawn@gmail.com
Phone: 709 643 4563