Mary McDonald, Human Resources Manager
“Boozhoo my English name is Mary McDonald, I am the Human Resources Manager here at Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig.
My Ojibway name is Peetwanamok (I was named by my grandfather), Makwa dotem. I am a member of Washagamis Bay First Nation, where I grew up and still live. As a child I fondly remember going out with my family to set up camp for rice and blueberry picking in the summer months. My grandparents, mom, aunties and uncles would fish, hunt and trap for sustenance. As a youth, my cousin and I would spend hours on the lake fishing and out on the land hunting for partridge. We would also spend hours playing team sports, baseball, sticks and tag. I am a mother, grandmother, wife, sister, auntie, cousin. I enjoy kayaking, gardening, walks, spending time and sharing good stories and laughs with family and friends.”
Mary has worked for WNHAC since 2010, but her work career includes 30+ years working in different settings, such as Child Welfare, FN management, and more recently Healthcare. She has a variety of work experience that includes accounting, payroll, group benefit and pension management, recruitment, retention, compensation management, onboarding, orientation, policy development, research, complying with labour laws and regulations, occupational health and safety, labour management, collective bargaining, arbitrations, and supervision. Mary’s education is in Aboriginal Economic and Financial Management, along with many years’ professional development certificates.
“When I entered the workforce, I wanted to make a difference and work for an organization that helped people. I found my work fulfillment here, I enjoy being part of the WNHAC journey, and fully support our mission, vision and values.”