Tony Wawatie

Tony Wawatie is a proud member of the Algonquins of Barriere Lake, located in parts of what is now known as La Verendrye Park. He was born in his traditional territory which is 3 hours north of Ottawa and has always valued all forms of education. Tony attended high school in Kitigan Zibi and graduated from Philemon Wright High School, in Hull, Quebec, now known as the city of Gatineau. He completed his college program in Social Sciences at Heritage College and took courses at Carleton University in their Social Work program and transferred his credits in the Social Work Program at UQAT, located in Val-d’Or, Quebec.

Tony has always worked in many different organizations/communities throughout his career such as with Lac Simon Band Council and the Algonquins of Barriere Lake, he worked for the Val-d’Or Native Friendship Center by contributing to the development of the Social Development Sector. He also served as the President of the Val-d’Or Native Friendship Center for 2 years.

He was a board member at the daycare centre in Val-d’Or under the umbrella of the Native Friendship Center. Tony also worked at the University of Quebec in Abitibi-Temiscamingue as student support counsellor and worked as a lecturer at the Cégep de l’Abitibi-Temiscamingue which was a partnership program between the College and Cree Nation Health and Social services. Tony has worked in the organization known as CAVAC, an organization for victims of criminal acts support centre. He assisted and prepared victims going through the provincial court system, by counselling, referrals and sending out court documents to victims.

Tony has always stayed connected to his community and strongly advocated for the interest and rights of his community. Tony returned to work as an Interim Director General for his community until they transitioned out from Third Party Management. He was voted in as chief  for a two-year mandate where he worked towards rebuilding the community where 50 houses including a new school, and a multifunctional building were in the process of near completion. This included land expansion towards the Trans Canada highway 117 with economic opportunities Tony has three sons and has been a foster parent in the past to 4 children from his community.