Gail Cyr - Some information about me and my long history in the NWT

Gail Cyr - I have spent over 40 happy years living in the Northwest Territories in a variety of roles from leadership in government, the community, arts and array of other activities that have made me a proud resident of the NWT who knows our communities well. Here is more formal look at my professional, community and non-profit contributions.

Leading march in honour of Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Photo Credit and Read Edge Article here

Experience

Executive Director Native Women’s Association of the NWT

April 2015 – Present

-Manage day-to-day operations of the Association

-Native Women’s took the lead to assure an event held in Yellowknife for the conclusion of the investigative work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission into Residential Schools of Canada – a successful event.

-Ensured the attendance of the Vice-President to the P/T Aboriginal Affairs Ministers in Yellowknife

-Held a workshop on finance with NWAC staff member

Previous Employment

Women’s Advisory – Executive and DAAIR - GNWT July 2007 – Retirement Oct 2014

-Women’s Advisory Office – manage Contribution Agreements with the Status of   Women Council of the WNT and the Native Women’s Association

-Administers a fund for Women’s Initiatives Grants for small projects

-Senior Territorial Official for the NWT representing the NWT

-Hosted the Status of Women’s Ministers Meeting in Dettah in June 14

-Hosted the 2nd Native Aboriginal Women’s Summit in Yellowknife 2008

-Represents DAAIR on National Human Trafficking Group under Public Services

-Participates in the planning and executive of events for the Status of Women and the Native Women’s Association – Family Violence Awareness Week, Dec 6th Vigil and Sisters in Spirit, Victims Services events

NWT Elections

Jan 2007 – June 2007

Deputy Chief Electoral Officer 

-Preparations for the 2007 Territorial Election, including revising new electoral divisions and electors into new district boundaries

Municipal and Community Affairs

1995 - 2006

Legislation and Political Development Officer

-Bylaw review and associated approvals after 2nd readings

-Change of corporate status

-Municipal Inspector Appointment

-Legislative reviews

-Advice for Minister on governance issues

-Training of community governments

 -As Chief Municipal Electoral Officer, Assisted and trained community government Returning Officers

-Legislative and technical election assistance – on situational election issues

-Conducted first Election for the Tlicho Community Governments

-Community assistance for Federal Election Officials  

City of Yellowknife Alderman 1984-1994

-Elected five terms to the City of Yellowknife Council

-Appointed assistant Deputy Mayor and Acting Mayor

-Chaired all Standing Committees

-Member of the NWT Association of Municipalities and the Federal of Canadian Municipalities.

Native Women’s Association

1983 - 1985

Training program

-Head for Pre-Employment, Pre-Trades and Starting a Business

-Successful placements of all pre-trades students

-Successful business program with business operators fulfilling teaching roles in retail, manufacturing and hospitality industries.

Native Court Workers

1975 - 1982

Legal Services Program for Aboriginal People in the Criminal Justice System and Civil Legal Areas to ensure their legal rights and responsibilities were understood in order to provide a defence to charges.

Previous Work

1971 - 1987

Denendeh Papal Office – Finance Officer 1984, 1987
Indian Brotherhood NWT – Administration and Logistics 1974 for First joint Dene Metis Assembly
Travel Agent – Marlin Travel
Manitoba Indian Brotherhood – Textbook Evaluator

Boards and Tribunals

Labour Standards Board – Member and Chair 1976 – 1992

-Conducted hearings for labour complaints and wrote decisions

Victim’s Assistance Committee – Member and Chair 1996-2002

-Approve project applications.

-NWT Law Foundation – project applications

-NWT Family Counselling Services – Board and Chair

-St. John Ambulance – early 1990s and from mid-2000s to present

Community Volunteer

-Medical First Responder – St. John Ambulance provides Advanced First Aid for ---Community Events, including the H1N1 Aftercare Clinic and 2011 Royal Visit

-MC’d Final NWT Diamond Jubilee Presentations

-Casualty Simulator- Make-up for illness and injury for First Responders and training “casualties” how to act according to their

-Arctic Winter Games2008 – Merchandizing Coordinator

-MC Events, including Victims’ Services Week 2015, Aboriginal Women’s Day, NorthWords Writer’s Festival and events for the Status of Women and Native Women’s Events.

-Chair of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Annual Meeting of 2007

-Costumes and Props for Ptarmigan Theatrics, Kitz and Sync & Burlesque

Awards

-Chairman’s Recognition – Long Service in St. John (Ambulance)

-2013 – Indspire Award for Public Service

-2012 – Diamond Jubilee Medal presented by the Governor General of Canada

Arts

-Director/Producer – The Rez Sisters 2001

-Singer/Actor – the Rocky Horror Picture Show, Marvin’s room, Finding franklin -Vagina Monologues, One Act Theatre Festival, play writing for Senior’s Conference on Elder Safety, Erotica Readings for NorthWords