Our Directors
Tonya Simeon - Child & Family Services
Tonya Simeon, the Director of Child and Family Services at G4 Stoney Nakoda Tsuut'ina Tribal Council, is a dedicated advocate for the well-being of indigenous families. With a rich background in social work, Tonya has spent over fifteen years committed to supporting vulnerable populations, with a particular focus on child welfare within indigenous communities. Her educational journey, grounded in social sciences and indigenous studies, has equipped her with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and strengths of First Nation families.
Since joining G4, Tonya has been pivotal in developing and implementing programs that not only address immediate family needs but also empower families to thrive. Her work is characterized by a compassionate, holistic approach that respects and incorporates traditional cultural practices into child welfare and family support services. Tonya’s leadership has led to innovative strategies in family reunification, child protection, and community-based support systems, all designed to foster safety, stability, and resilience.
Her vision extends beyond providing services; she aims to build strong, self-reliant communities where children can grow up feeling valued, supported, and connected to their cultural heritage. Tonya Simeon is not just a director; she is a passionate advocate for change, working tirelessly to ensure that every child and family in her community has the opportunity to succeed and flourish.
Marc Scholes - Education
Marc Scholes, serving as the Assistant Director of Education at G4 Stoney Nakoda Tsuut'ina Tribal Council, is a seasoned educator with a deep commitment to fostering educational excellence within indigenous communities. Marc's journey in education spans over two decades, during which he has held various roles from classroom teacher to curriculum developer, all focused on indigenous education. With a Master's in Education, his expertise lies in creating culturally responsive curricula that not only meet academic standards but also nurture the cultural identity and heritage of students.
In his role at G4, Marc has been instrumental in pioneering educational programs that bridge traditional knowledge with modern educational methodologies. His work is guided by the belief that education is a powerful tool for empowerment and should be accessible and relevant to all students, particularly those in indigenous communities. Marc's initiatives have focused on enhancing teacher training, integrating language and culture into everyday learning, and improving student engagement and achievement.
Marc's vision for the future of education within the Stoney Nakoda and Tsuut'ina communities is one where every child has the opportunity to learn in an environment that respects and reflects their cultural heritage, inspires curiosity, and builds the foundation for lifelong learning and success. Marc Scholes is more than an assistant director; he is a beacon of innovation in education, working tirelessly to ensure that the next generation carries forward the rich knowledge and traditions of their ancestors with pride.
Margo Dodginghorse - Health
Margo Dodginghorse, the Director of Health at G4 Stoney Nakoda Tsuut'ina Tribal Council, is an accomplished professional whose career is defined by her dedication to enhancing healthcare services within indigenous communities. Margo has devoted many years to healthcare, focusing on public health policy, indigenous health issues, and community wellness programs.
Since stepping into her role at G4, Margo has been at the forefront of developing and implementing comprehensive health initiatives tailored to meet the unique needs of the Stoney Nakoda and Tsuut'ina peoples. Her leadership has been pivotal in integrating traditional healing practices with contemporary medical approaches, aiming to create a holistic healthcare model that respects and incorporates indigenous knowledge and cultural practices.
Margo’s initiatives have significantly contributed to improving access to healthcare, mental health support, and wellness programs, directly impacting the well-being of her community. Her vision extends to ensuring sustainable health practices and education are deeply rooted within the community, empowering individuals to take charge of their health and well-being.
Margo Dodginghorse is not just a director; she is a guardian of her community's health, tirelessly working to bridge the gap between traditional and modern healthcare to foster a future where health equity is a reality for all members of the Stoney Nakoda and Tsuut'ina nations.
Teddy Manywounds - Justice
Teddy Manywounds, as the Director of Justice at G4 Stoney Nakoda Tsuut'ina Tribal Council, is a trailblazer in indigenous justice, blending traditional practices with contemporary legal frameworks to foster a justice system that is both effective and culturally resonant. With a background in law and a deep-rooted connection to his indigenous heritage, Teddy has dedicated his career to reforming justice practices, emphasizing restorative justice methods that prioritize healing, reconciliation, and community involvement over punitive measures.
Under Teddy's leadership, the Justice Department at G4 has made significant strides in advocating for the rights of indigenous peoples, developing community-based justice programs, and establishing partnerships with local, provincial, and national justice entities to ensure that the legal needs of the Stoney Nakoda and Tsuut'ina communities are met and respected. His work involves a strong focus on youth engagement, aiming to educate and empower the next generation about their legal rights while fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to their cultural identity.
Teddy's vision is one where justice is not just a system but a community value that upholds the dignity, rights, and traditions of all its members. He believes in the power of dialogue, education, and community-led initiatives to address the root causes of conflict and crime, creating a safer, more harmonious society for future generations. Teddy Manywounds is more than a director; he is a cornerstone of his community, tirelessly working to ensure justice is both seen and served through the lens of compassion, tradition, and inclusivity.
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Awards:
2023 Okimaw Award: Human Rights & Advocacy
Commissions & Boards:
TELUS Local Content Community Advisory Board: Calgary
Alberta Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
Public Safety Indigenous Advisory Council (PSIAC)
First Nations Police Governance Council (FNPGC)
First Nations & Inuit Policing Program (FNIPP)
Tsuut’ina Nation Police Commission (TNPC)
Medals:
King Charles III's Coronation Medal
Chantelle Cardinal - Reaching Home
Chantelle Cardinal, the Director of Reaching Home at G4 Stoney Nakoda Tsuut'ina Tribal Council, stands as a beacon of hope and relentless advocacy for the homeless within indigenous communities. With a background in social work and a decade-long career dedicated to community service, Chantelle has been instrumental in addressing homelessness through compassionate, innovative, and culturally sensitive approaches. Her expertise and dedication have been crucial in developing and executing outreach programs that not only provide immediate support to those in need but also aim to tackle the root causes of homelessness among the Stoney Nakoda and Tsuut'ina peoples.
Chantelle's leadership in the Reaching Home program embodies her commitment to creating a world where everyone has access to safe, dignified, and culturally appropriate housing solutions. Under her guidance, the program has expanded its services, offering everything from emergency shelter and transitional housing to long-term support aimed at self-sufficiency and reintegration into the community. She is a firm believer in the power of collaboration, working closely with local organizations, government agencies, and community members to forge partnerships that amplify the impact of her work.
Her vision extends beyond meeting basic needs; Chantelle is dedicated to empowering individuals through education, skill development, and access to health and wellness resources, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery and stability. Chantelle Cardinal is more than a director; she is a tireless advocate and a compassionate leader, striving every day to ensure that no member of her community is left without the support they need to thrive.