Our Governance

Grand Chief Grand Council Treaty #3

Francis Kavanaugh was re-elected as Grand Chief “Ogichidaa” of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3 by a Traditional Selection Process on October 3, 2023. This is the first time a Grand Chief was selected for a fourth term to serve the citizens of Grand Council Treaty #3. Ogichidaa Kavanaugh from Naotkamegwanning First Nation is currently serving his third consecutive term and his fourth term all together.

Ogichidaa Kavanaugh was honoured by the traditional selection process, and acknowledges the trust and responsibility placed on him by the leadership of Treaty #3. Ogichidaa Kavanaugh has been involved with Grand Council Treaty #3 for over 45 years, and previously served as Grand Chief of Grand Council Treaty #3 from 1997-1999 during which time he was instrumental in the Treaty #3 Governance Initiative.

Throughout his career, Francis has held a variety of positions within the Nation including, Executive Director at Grand Council Treaty #3, Ojibway Tribal Family Services and a few terms on Council in his home community of Naotkamegwanning.

Ogichidaa Kavanaugh commits to working with the administration and the leadership of Grand Council Treaty #3 to address current challenges of mental health and addiction, housing, policing, child welfare and educational inequities facing member First Nation communities, while honouring our sacred responsibilities to the land and the water.

Ogichidaa Kavanaugh is from the Sturgeon clan of Naotkamegwanning First Nation where he resides with his wife of 53+ years, Betty, along with his four children, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Ogichidaa Kavanaugh can be reached by contacting his Political Executive Assistant, Melissa Fiddler at (807) 464-4770.

Deputy Grand Chief Grand Council Treaty #3

Cheyenne Vandermeer, from Couchiching First Nation, made history as the first-ever Gaakinawataagizod, Deputy Grand Chief of Treaty #3 Anishinaabe Nation, through the Traditional Selection process at Manitou Mounds Roundhouse on May 7, 2024.

A dedicated healthcare professional, Cheyenne earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lakehead University in 2014 and later completed a Master of Nursing and Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner certificate from Queen’s University in 2021. She has worked in hospital and community health settings, serving First Nations through Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre, Giishkaandago’Ikwe Health Services and Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre. Her experiences in healthcare leadership and advocacy have shaped her commitment to closing gaps in access, improving collaboration among healthcare organizations, and supporting Indigenous professionals in the field.

Beyond healthcare, Cheyenne is passionate about mentorship, education, and cultural revitalization. She recognizes the importance of investing in youth leadership opportunities, ensuring students have the necessary support to pursue education, and fostering cultural and land-based programming to strengthen Anishinaabe identity.

Her leadership experience includes serving as a Couchiching First Nation Councillor (2022- 2024) and Board Chair of Giishkaandago’Ikwe Health Services, where she represented her community at Grand Council Treaty #3 and Assembly of First Nations assemblies.

As Gaakinawataagizod, Cheyenne is committed to building a healthier, more connected Treaty #3 Nation, advocating for equitable support systems, and fostering positive working relationships across communities. With a deep dedication to service, advocacy, and Anishinaabe values, she looks forward to working alongside leadership and community members to create lasting change.

Gaakinawataagizod Vandermeer can be reached by contacting her Political Executive Assistant, Melissa Fiddler at (807) 464-4770.