Founder
Ningwakwe (Priscilla) George
Ningwakwe George is the founder and namesake for Ningwakwe Learning Press.
She is Anishnawbe from the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation in Southern Ontario. Her Anishnawbe spirit name is Ningwakwe, which means Rainbow Woman. Ningwakwe firmly believes in the holistic approach to literacy and to life – balancing our spirit, heart, mind and body.
She has been involved in the education field for 35 years. Ningwakwe started in Native literacy in 1987 when she developed the literacy program at the Native Women’s Resource Centre in Toronto. She has been extremely instrumental in all avenues of cultural literacy development at the policy level for over 20 years in Canada.
She has been invited to all parts of Canada and the world – including Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Cuba, Spain and the U.S. (Hawaii and Georgia) to share her in depth knowledge of Indigenous literacy issues.
Board of Directors
Ningwakwe Learning Press has a diverse voluntary Board of Directors from all over Ontario. Anyone interested in putting their name forward for membership or a Board position should contact the NLP.
- President, Theresa Sims
- Vice President, Joanne Boyer
- Treasurer, Ronat John
- Secretary, Tina Tabobondung
- Director, Stewart Bennett
- Director, Chico Ralf
- Director, Arlene Chegahno
Key Staff
Bob Rice (on the right) accepting, on behalf of Ningwakwe Learning Press, the Cultural Heritage Award at the prestigious Owen Sound Cultural Awards 2009.
Bob Rice is an Anishinaabe and member of the Wasauksing First Nation (located near Parry Sound, Ontario).
Bob has been the Executive Director of Ningwakwe Learning Press (NLP) since 2001. As the Executive Director, his primary responsibility has been to provide leadership and management to NLP in the development, promotion and distribution of culture-based Aboriginal learning materials. He has been instrumental in the distribution of over 100 NLP’s published materials throughout Canada, the USA and other international locations.
Bob is a former track and field athlete who competed in the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland. The same dedication he gave to running, he now gives to improving literacy in Aboriginal communities through NLP.
Bob studied Physical Education at the University of Ottawa and Native Studies at Laurentian University.
Bob currently resides in Owen Sound raising his 12-year-old daughter Genebugh-Rose and 8-year-old son Owen. When he isn’t working, he enjoys spending his spare time running, hiking and writing.
Publishing Manager, Maria Morrison
Maria Morrison is a member of the Big Grassy River First Nation in north-western Ontario. She has been employed by Ningwakwe Learning Press in Owen Sound since it began in 1996.
As Publishing Manager, Maria is responsible for collecting ideas for new materials at the grassroots level. She writes proposals and works with the authors, editors and illustrators throughout the development phase to not only ensure cultural inclusion and accuracy but to combine this with current literacy standards and LBS levels.
Finally, Maria makes sure that the raw text manuscripts turn into visually unique books available for distribution throughout Ontario and across Canada.
“I really enjoy working with so many talented, creative, inspiring individuals from across Canada. All the artists, writers and editors that I have had the pleasure to work with over the years have taught me so much. The Elders, mentors and literacy coordinators have provided me with the support and knowledge necessary to fulfill my role within this organization. Chi Miigwetch.” Maria
