Céline Auclair Ph.D.
- Director
Executive Director
Dr. Céline Auclair is the co-founder and Executive Director of the First Peoples Innovation Centre. She has a Ph.D. in International Relations from the Geneva Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies and a master’s degree in regional development from Université Laval. Her areas of expertise are governance structures, human rights and First Peoples history. Since 2006, Céline has been a commissioner for the First Nations Tax Commission of Canada. Céline speaks English, French, and Spanish.
Viviane Michel
Director, Relations with First Nations and Inuit
Originally from Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, region on the North Shore of the Saint Lawrence, Viviane Michel, a woman from the Innu nation, has held various positions within her community. She worked as Director of the Innu Nation from 2004 to 2010. Viviane also served as Vice-President from 2010 to 2012 and President from 2012 to 2021 for Quebec Native Women. An advocate against violence against women by training, Viviane held the position of community worker at the Maison Communautaire Missinak with ex-residents, victims of violence in urban areas in Quebec City. Currently employed at the FPIC, Viviane is Director, Relations with First Nations and Inuit. Her role is to establish contacts with communities in order to facilitate access to the training offered within the indigenous FabLabs. Indeed, She works in close collaboration with various government departments, local and provincial elected officials and First Nations communities. In addition to her professional experiences, Viviane received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Quebec in Outaouais. Viviane speaks Innu and French.
Mark Tivnan
Director of Technical Services and Business Development
Mark Tivnan has a diverse background that includes studies in Technology, Administration and Project Management. Mark is a certified PMP, ITIL Expert and Auditor of Quality Management, Service Management and Information Security Management systems with over 25 years of combined work experience in Band Administration and Public Safety. His IT project management and ISO management system background help achieve project success in a systematic and process-driven approach. Mark speaks English and is learning French.
Brenda McGregor
Indigenous FabLabs Senior Manager
Brenda McGregor is Algonquin and a proud member of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg in Quebec. Brenda has 30 years of experience working with First Nations in Canada. During her professional career, she has supported Indigenous organizations to promote individual well-being, First Nations governance, economy and culture. Brenda is proud to contribute to the Centre’s mission where diversity, equity, inclusion, innovation are celebrated and explored. She sees Indigenous FabLabs as an opportunity to bring Indigenous youth together in these inclusive spaces, to help them learn innovative technology, create products of inspired originality to expand career potential and opportunities of these students. Brenda speaks French and English.
Euloge Placca
Director, Corporate Services
Euloge Placca is a PhD student in financial engineering and has a master’s degree in business administration and management and another master’s degree in accounting. He has worked as an accountant and Project Manager in Togo and China. Euloge speaks English, French, Mandarin and Mina.
Rabiatou Samna Ph.D.
Senior Analyst Program Development and Planning
Doctor in Economic Sciences from the University of Lyon 2 in France, Rabiatou has more than 8 years of experience as a university professor where she teaches statistics, economic policies, public economics, exploitation and analysis data, transport economics and project development. Dr. Rabiatou has extensive experience in the research and program development. She is an expert in project monitoring and evaluation. Since 2019, Dr. Samna has used her skills as an economist to respond to calls for projects from various donors, synchronize the activities of the organization and ensure the follow-up of all FPIC projects in progress.
- Instructors
Sean Bouthiette
Instructor, Nomad and feminine FabLab Technical Manager
Graduated in Police Foundations from Algonquin College, Sean Bouthiette is Saulteaux First Nation from Tootinaowaziibeeng in the Manitoba region. Eager to help in the Indigenous community he worked as a housing worker at a Indigenous homeless shelter. It was there he would learn about FPIC and Onaki FabLab. Having a passion for technology and helping others, he immediately changed paths and joined the third cohort. Since then, he has been working as an Instructor and is now helping with the Nomad and Feminine FabLabs projects.
Christopher Howard
Instructor
Originally from Red Sucker Lake, Manitoba, Christopher Howard was part of the second cohort of Indigenous youth at FabLab Onaki. He followed this up with an accelerated assistant instructor program, and now helps young students use machines at FabLab Onaki. He speaks English.
Arthur Defrain
Instructor, Onaki FabLab Technical Manager
Arthur Defrain is a French general engineer. He did all his studies through apprenticeship. Always interested in DIY, his engineering studies allowed him to discover the world of Fab Labs and digital tools. Having always wanted to work in a FabLab after his studies, he tried his chance when he arrived on Canadian soil with the Onaki FabLab as an instructor. Since August 2023, Arthur has acted as Technical Manager at FabLab Onaki. He speaks French and English.
Savan Vachhani
Instructor, Project Manager
Savan Vachhani graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ottawa and has a master’s degree in business Analytics from iNeuron. During his period of university studies, he worked as a Researcher (Co-op student) at National Research Council of Canada, which led him to take a keen interest in emerging technologies like 3D printing, CNC machining, etc. He was so interested in the projects and the research work that he wanted to continue his career in this line by joining the Onaki FabLab as an instructor. He brings new ideas and innovation into the FabLab with the use of recent technology. He wants to implement one of the programming languages known as ‘Python’ in this program. His role as an instructor was to collaborate with lead instructors to develop and enhance workshops. He is interested in developing new projects by implementing indigenous art with technology. In the future, he would like to bring creative projects in the field of 3D printing, CNC, and Laser Technology.
Yash Lakhani
Instructor, Logistics Officer
Yash Lakhani has a master’s in mechanical engineering from the University of Ottawa. He has multidisciplinary engineering experience in different fields such as manufacturing and manufacturing, design, process management, production, 3D modeling and prototyping. With his knowledge of printing, 3D designs, CNC, laser and automation, Yash joined the Onaki FabLabs an instructor and logistics officer with the aim of contributing to the teaching and education of young Indigenous people. Yash speaks English, Hindi, Gujarati and Sindhi.
Pouya Khorsandi
Instructor
Pouya Khorsandi holds a master’s degree from the Queen’s School of Computing. His thesis focused on digital manufacturing, user experience design (UXD) and physical prototyping. Pouya has experience in the use and management of different machines namely laser cutting (ULS), 3D printing (Ultimaker S5 and Formlab Form 3), digital embroidery (Janome) specifically for the manufacture of sensors based on textiles using e-textiles and Arduino microcontrollers. In addition to his skills in digital fabrication, he has also gained experience in facilitating group and workshops focusing on raising awareness and designing technologies in a more user-friendly and empowering setting. Pouya joined Onaki FabLab as an instructor. Pouya speaks English, Farsi and Azeri.
Niharika Rane
Instructor
Niharika Rane is an avid Masters student in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ottawa. She has a keen interest in design and coding. As a mechanical engineering student, Niharika learned a wide range of skills, including computer-aided design, simulation, and proficiency with analysis tools such as Solidworks, Fusion 360, MATLAB, and ANSYS. She has also developed practical experience in product design and manufacturing during her academic and professional career. With a solid foundation in mechanical engineering, it aims to bridge the gap between traditional engineering and modern techniques. Niharika acts as an instructor at the CIPP.
Naömie Perrier
Instructor
Born and raised in Ottawa, Naömie Perrier-Francoeur is a first nation Algonquin that is well versed in multimedia arts and crafts. Because of her talent for the arts, her enthusiasm as well as her dedication to learn, she secured a position as an assistant instructor with the Onaki Fablab as well as the Feminin Fablab after participating in the fourth Onaki cohort. She is fluent in both French and English.
- Assistants instructors
Josh Picard
Assistant Instructor
Young Indigenous from Pessamit First Nation in Quebec, Josh Picard followed the training of the nomad FabLab. Curious about new technology and eager to learn new skills to transfer to new participants, Josh joined the CIPP team as an assistant instructor. Josh speaks French, English and his traditional Innu language.
Ty Aupaluktuq-Doxtator
Assistant Instructor
Ty Aupaluktuq-Doxtator is an Inuk and Oneida youth originally from London, Ontario. He was part of the second cohort of Indigenous youth at FabLab ONAKI, after which he took an accelerated assistant instructor program. Ty helps young students use machines as an assistant instructor. He speaks English.
Jeremy Napash
Assistant Instructor
Jeremy Napash is a Cree youth originally from Chisasibi, Quebec. He was part of the fifth cohort of Indigenous youth at Onaki FabLab and is now part of the accelerated assistant instructor program. Jeremy now helps young students use machines at Onaki FabLab. He speaks Cree, English, and he is learning French.
Cessa Badger-Brittain
Assistant Instructor
From the Cree community, Cessa Badger-Brittain joined the CIPP team as an assistant instructor after completing the Onaki FabLab training. Cessa loves his job because it allows him to help young Indigenous people find their creative and artistic side. The Onaki FabLab has allowed Cessa to find himself as an individual and he hopes to help others do the same.
Aronhiawakhon Curotte
Assistant Instructor
Aronhiawakhon Sean Curotte is from the community of Kahnawake on the south shore of Montreal. All his life, he has had a keen interest in technology, and he is endowed with boundless creativity. He was first a student of the Onaki FabLab before being hired at the end of his program as an assistant instructor. For Aronhiawakhon, working at the Onaki FabLab Onaki is a great opportunity to pass on his passion, his knowledge acquired at the FabLab and his experiences to young Indigenous in order to help them generate their success. Aronhiawakhon speaks English.
Danasco Chakasum
Assistant Instructor
Originally from the Mushkegowuk Cree Nation of James Bay, Ontario, Danasco Chakasum joined Cohort 5 of Onaki FabLab during the COVID 19 pandemic, but health restrictions did not allow her to continue the program. In 2022, she moved to the Gatineau/Ottawa region to join Cohort 8 of the Onaki FabLab. At the end of her program Danasco was hired as an assistant instructor in the fall of 2022, and as a cultural program assistant in early 2023. In her role as an assistant instructor, Danasco supports the teachings of the Indigenous FabLabs and the participants in their projects by in addition to promoting the program in various remote Indigenous communities. As an assistant instructor, Danasco intends to find strategies that can help her improve her teaching skills in order to motivate and support young Indigenous in their projects. Danasco speaks Cree and English.
Crystal Penosway
Assistant Instructor
Crystal Wabigoni Penosway nidijinakazinin is Anicinabe from Kakinwawigak (Long Point First Nation), Kitcisakik and Mitchikinabikok Inik (Barriere Lake). Born in Val-d’or, Crystal moved to Gatineau and completed the Onaki FabLab program in 2022. As an Assistant Instructor, Crystal travels to communities to teach digital in Indigenous FabLabs. Crystal speaks English and French.
Samuel Pinette Jourdain
Assistant Instructor
Originally from the community of Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, Samuel Jourdain Pinette is an assistant instructor at Onaki FabLab. He is passionate about new technologies and does his best to introduce Innu cultural aspects into his creations. Samuel is fluent in Innu, French and English.
Lukas Chewanish
Assistant Instructor
Originally from the Cree Nation of Chisasibi, Lukas Chewanish participated in the Onaki FabLab program and was hired as an assistant instructor in 2022. As a member of the CIPP team, he works with young Indigenous to help them use modern technology, such as 3D printing, laser engraving, CNC, etc. Part of his job is to guide them in opening up their inner creativity, innovative ideas and understanding the opportunities that technology can provide for their future. As a musician, it is always nice for Lukas to see young Indigenous use their artistic creativity to its fullest potential. Meeting people from different nations and cultures, although familiar, is a source of motivation for him. Lukas speaks Cree and English.
Pénélope Sénécal
Assistant Instructor
Pénélope Sénécal is a bachelor’s student in psychoeducation at the University of Quebec in Outaouais. She completed the Onaki FabLab training in 2022 and joined the FPIC team as an assistant instructor. Dedicated to her work and passionate about education, Pénélope supports the lessons of the Onaki FabLab and the participants in their projects. Penelope is fluent in French and English.
Kimberly Trebus
Assistant Instructor
Born in the Netherland but raised in France, Kimberly graduated with a master in Earth Sciences at University of Lorraine (France). She moved to Canada to start her PhD in Earth Sciences in September 2021 at Carleton University (Ottawa). She is also a teaching assistant in Earth Sciences for Bachelor students at Carleton University. Passionate about learning new skills and cultures, she joined the Onaki FabLab as a part-time assistant instructor in September 2023. Kimberly speaks French, English, Dutch and a bit of German.
- Cultural facilitators
Rhonda Doxtator
Cultural Coordinator
Kawisaha Rhonda Doxtator is a member of the Turtle clan from the Oneida Nation of The Thames. Her name Kawisaha means She Is Carrying Ice. Although by education, Rhonda is trained within the social work field, she uses her education and cultural background to encourage healing through arts and culture. Keeping the youth connected through culture is something Rhonda feels is important, and tries to offer back to communities, and to those who wish to learn.
- Administration
Chantal Lapratte
Human and Social Relations Manager
Acting as Manager of Human and Social Relations at the FPIC, Chantal Lapratte has several years of experience working with Indigenous youth. Chantal specializes in a holistic approach to helping young people maintain mental, physical, emotional and cultural well-being. Chantal completed a bachelor’s degree in counseling program at St Paul’s University in 2018 and is registered with the OTSTTSO.
Guy Savard
Accounting Manager
Guy Savard studied accounting at Université de Québec à Hull (now the Université du Québec en Outaouais) and worked for over 10 years as a controller at Alliance autochtone du Québec and for over 25 years at a construction company. He has served as treasurer for a sports organization and was vice-president of a foundation dedicated to the well-being of seniors. Guy works for the First Peoples Innovation Centre as an accounting manager. Guy speaks French and is learning English.
Xavier Ferrand
Chef Research and Training
Chef Research and Training at the CIPP, Xavier Ferrand has managed educational projects in several Cree and Inuit communities since 2012. He has also managed various international cooperation projects in Morocco, Mali and Haiti, among others. Holder of a master’s degree in political science from the University of Montreal, Xavier today uses social science approaches to develop knowledge to improve organizational practices. Xavier also teaches political science and methodology in human sciences at Cégep Édouard Montpetit. Xavier speaks French and English.
Hajar Haddouch
Coordinator Feminine FabLab and expansion
Holder of a master’s degree in industrial and logistics engineering and a PhD in Supply Chain Management, Hajar has worked as a lead manufacturing engineer and project manager in the field of vocational training and the automotive and aeronautical manufacturing industry in Morocco. Passionate about technology and the world of FabLabs, Hajar joined the CIPP as Coordinator of Feminine FabLab and expansion. Hajar speaks French, English and Arabic.
