Billie jo Ratt
up on a small reserve know
(yes, that’s her real name) grew up on a small reserve known as Barrière Lake(Rapid Lake). She worked for the Federal Government while attending college.After graduating, she returned to the reserve and published a community newsletter.The Nation was lucky to get her because she is a funny, reliable and an all aroundexcellent person. She will be taking over Deantha’s duties of helping communitiesplace advertisements in the Nation as well as working on Beesum projects (posters,telephone book etc…) She now lives in the community of Kahnawake with herboyfriend, Watio, of 7 years. They have an adorable 11 month old son, Tristyn Kanenti:io.Watchiya, Billie Jo!
Sylvia Tennisco joins the Beesum team as our new junior graphic designer.From the Algonquin Golden Lake First Nation near Pembroke, Sylvia is an accomplishedpainter and illustrator, known for her Native style art. Her paintings are currentlyon display at Echo Gallery in Pembroke. Sylvia has also trained as a multi-mediaartist and received her graphic design diploma from Saint Lawrence College. We werelucky to convince her to join our team and she relocated all the way from Ottawa for us.She will be creating the beautiful ads in The Nation, as well as working on many ofthe Beesum Design projects.
Deantha Edmunds came to us from
Newfoundland. The first opera singer of Inuit descent, she has won numerous awards, and performed across Canada, appearing twice on the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards. She has worked in sales at The Nation for the past three years, with the Cree communities and organizations. Two years ago she met Darren Gallant, now a teacher in Mistissini, and they are engaged to be married next summer.Then destiny called. Deantha has been asked to perform in the first opera about the Inuit, by renowned composer Wolfgang Bottenberg. She will play the leading female role, and the opera will tour Canada and Austria.
Deantha is a person of great talent and strong character, and she will be successful inanything she undertakes. We wish her well, and will miss her terribly.
Johanne Grenon
The Nation wishes a fond farewell to johanne Grenon, our sales managerfrom Chibougamau. johanne began working for The Nation in 1994, afterhaving spent many years at home raising her children. From her experienceselling ads to merchants in Chibougamau, Johanne got involved in other activities,such as volunteering with the Centre des amitiés interculturels. johanne has decidedto pursue other interests and although she will be missed, we wish her all thebest in the future.
