Friends United Board of Directors

The Friends United Board of Directors brings together people with experience in Indigenous leadership, public service, education, the arts and community development. Together, they provide guidance and support for the Friends United Foundation and the continued development of the Friends United initiative.

Hereditary Chief Stephen J. Augustine

Stephen Augustine (CM, DLitt, Alguimou) is a Hereditary Chief and Keptin of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council and the Associate Vice-President of Indigenous Affairs and Unama’ki College at Cape Breton University. He has been working for a long time with the Friends United Initiative as a friend and consultant and joined the Friends United board in 2020. Mr. Augustine was the Curator of Ethnology for Eastern Maritimes in the Ethnology Services Division of the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau/Ottawa. He holds a Masters in Canadian Studies from Carleton University and a BA in Anthropology and Political Science from St. Thomas University. Mr. Augustine has shared his expertise in research and traditional knowledge with many organizations, including government departments, the Assembly of First nations, and various Aboriginal communities across Canada. He has been Elder Advisor to the Federal Court of Canada Judges, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Human Rights Commission of Canada. In his role as Hereditary Chief of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council and by Elders’ training since an early age, he has a thorough command of traditional practices, his language and the history of his people as well as many other North American indigenous peoples. As Mr. Augustine’s family lived in Europe for 6 years he spent much of his childhood and teenage years in Unna, Germany which allowed him early on to gain valuable insight into international relations. In view of this he is also working on various Mi’kmaq / European projects with the Friends United Initiative and he has been paramount in reviving the 500-year-old friendship between the Mi’kmaq and Basque people.

In September 2020, Hereditary Chief Stephen J. Augustine formally accepted an invitation to join the Friends United board.

Read Stephen J. Augustine’s Board Acceptance Letter

Honourable Leona Aglukkaq

Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, PC is a dedicated public servant with extensive experience in community, territorial, and national leadership. Before entering politics, she served as the Deputy Minister for the Department of Culture, Language, Elders, and Youth for the Government of Nunavut, where she collaborated with remarkable individuals to preserve and promote Inuit culture, traditional knowledge, language, and art.

In 2004, Leona ran for the Territorial election representing the Nattilik riding, where she was elected and appointed as Minister of Finance and House Leader, later serving as Minister of Health and Social Services and Minister for the Status of Women. Her commitment to public service led her to the Federal riding of Nunavut in 2008, where she made history as the first Inuk appointed as a Federal Minister. In this role, she served as Minister of Health, overseeing the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Institute of Health Research, and as Regional Minister for the North.

In 2011, Leona was reassigned to several key portfolios, including Minister of Environment (Parks Canada), Minister for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Regional Minister for the North, and Minister of the Arctic Council. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exceptional determination and passion for addressing the challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples and creating opportunities for all Canadians.

Currently, Leona contributes her expertise by serving on various boards in the private sector, continuing her commitment to making a positive impact on her community and beyond.

Jasyn Bighetty Lucas

Tansi! My name is Jasyn Bighetty Lucas. I am a proud member of the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation from Pukatawagan in Treaty Six territory.

I want to formally thank you for inviting me onto the Friends United Board of Directors! I look forward to offering my time in the spirit of reconciliation, community and friendship!

Friends United has provided many training opportunities for Indigenous artists and groups to benefit from the celebration of our Indigenous ways of knowing through art expression and story-telling. The unique collection of original Indigenous Canadian art and stories has inspired the public to utilize and promote the space as a center for healing, friendship, creation and collaboration. As a 60s scoop survivor, I have learned to thrive in the delicate areas of cross-cultural relationship building and understanding. I look forward to providing advice in areas for growth and feedback all in the spirit of reconciliation and friendship!

Ekosi! Ekosanni

Sincerely
Jasyn Lucas

Explore More:
Explore Jasyn Lucas’s artwork at Friends United
Read Jasyn Lucas’s Artist Statement about Friends United

Honourable Rodney MacDonald

Hon. Rodney MacDonald worked as a teacher in the First Nation community of Potlotek (Chapel Island) before entering politics and serving as Premier of Nova Scotia from 2006-2009. As Premier and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs he initiated yearly meetings between his Cabinet and Nova Scotia’s provincial chiefs. Mr. MacDonald, presently the CEO of the Gaelic College, is also well known for his musical talents and for his efforts to preserve the Gaelic language and culture. He is also a very important proponent of the “Friends United” initiative as he was able to witness first hand how much of a positive impact the initiative has had and continues to have on the life of many First Nations peoples.

Rolf Bouman

Rolf Bouman, founder of the “Friends United” initiative, left his native Germany in 1986 and made Cape Breton his new home. A passionate advocate and supporter of First Nation’s culture and art, Rolf funds all activities through his Canadian Corporate Group. With over 25 years of international business experience, Rolf’s goal is to help First Nations artists become self-sufficient entrepreneurs who are embraced as cultural ambassadors for their communities and country.

The Role of the Friends United Board

The Friends United Board of Directors, in consultation with its artists, oversees and discusses all significant aspects of the Friends United initiative. All board members bring their passion for First Nations art and culture to the table and serve without remuneration.