Leadership Team

Stephanie Scott is the Executive Director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and the Associate Vice President (Indigenous) Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba. In this role, she oversees the Centre’s comprehensive efforts to honour the experiences of residential school Survivors, continue the legacy of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), and foster reconciliation through education and understanding. Stephanie oversees all aspects of the NCTR’s work and collaborates closely with the Governing Circle and Survivors Circle to provide strategic direction and build strong partnerships with stakeholders. With a career spanning over 30 years, including past roles as a journalist and film producer and as Manager of Statement Gathering at the TRC, Stephanie brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to truth and reconciliation. An intergenerational Survivor and Sixties Scoop Survivor, she is deeply passionate about revealing the truth about residential schools. Stephanie was born and raised in Winnipeg and her maternal family hails from Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation, Treaty One Territory.

Chandra Erlendson is a Red River Métis woman from Winnipeg and the Associate Executive Director (AED) of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR). With over 20 years of experience, she’s a transformational leader in Indigenous engagement and education. Previously, she served as Director of Indigenous Relations at the Canadia Museum of Human Rights, where she developed groundbreaking programs fostering healing and dialogue. Chandra holds extensive expertise in Indigenous-led programming, community engagement, and strategic partnerships, setting national benchmarks for inclusivity. She upholds Indigenous sovereignty in research and education and has been recognized with awards from the Canadian Museums Association and Indigenous Services Canada. As the AED of the NCTR, she is committed to strengthening truth-telling, Survivor-led processes, and advancing reconciliation, while empowering Indigenous communities and fostering understanding of residential school legacies. 

Carmen is the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director at the NCTR.

Cecilia Baker, also known as Papeytak Weekis Wusku Iskwew, is an intergenerational thriver from O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation (South Indian Lake, Manitoba). Raised on Treaty Five Territory, she carries forward ancestral teachings of harmony and respect. As a single mother and grandmother, she instills these values in her family. With over 20 years in liaison, consultation, and community engagement, Cecilia builds strong relationships through policy and project management. A dedicated volunteer, she’s a level four boxing official, recognized by Boxing Canada. A lifelong learner, she holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies & Science, a Civil Technician certification, and training in Trauma-Oriented Therapy. Grounded in humility, she attributes her strength and purpose to the Creator’s guidance.

Emmanuel Modozie, a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA) and Bachelor of Commerce graduate, is the Finance/Contract Manager at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR). His career spans the banking, automobile, and retail sectors, where he developed expertise in accounting, finance, and financial analysis. At the NCTR, he stewards sound financial management, focusing on supporting and educating the university community on guidelines and functions related to fund management. Emmanuel has deep understanding and empathy for the Indigenous Peoples of Canada experience.

Lisa Thompson has over 15 years of diverse administrative experience, spanning reception, human resources, customer service, and purchasing. An Anishinaabe woman from Manitoba’s Interlake region, she is a Sixties Scoop and intergenerational Survivor. This lived experience fosters deep empathy and respect for fellow Survivors who share their stories with dignity and honour. Lisa is actively engaged in reconnecting with her culture and community.

Shasta Chartrand is a Métis woman born in Thompson Manitoba and raised in Winnipeg on Treaty One Territory. A graduate of Red River College’s Creative Communications program, she brings over 20 years of public sector communications leadership to the NCTR, including extensive experience in leading and managing the development, coordination, and implementation of both external and internal communication activities. Her work has spanned diverse announcements and events, taking her to nearly every province and territory. Shasta is honoured to be a member of the NCTR team and contribute to the ongoing and historic work that is led by the Centre, which is essential to bridge the knowledge gap that non-Indigenous people have in their understanding of colonialism and the residential school system. On a personal note, Shasta enjoys traveling, concerts, and cheering for the Winnipeg Jets.

Pat Robertson, a Certified Fundraising Executive with more than 20 years of experience in Winnipeg’s philanthropic sector, has been in the role of Senior Director, Major Gifts at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) since May 2023. Prior to this, she served as Vice-President of Development for the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation and also worked with the University of Manitoba Donor Relations team, where she carried several major gift portfolios including the Taché Arts Project, Indigenous Achievement and the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. Throughout her career Pat has demonstrated a strategic and thoughtful approach to building exceptional donor relationships. She is a board member for the Association of Fundraising Professionals Manitoba Chapter where she co-chairs the Membership Committee.

Janell Melenchuk is a Métis intergenerational Survivor born in Saskatchewan and raised in the northern communities of Creighton and Flin Flon. She is a Red River Polytechnic graduate in Aboriginal Self Governance with diverse experience in Indigenous engagement and reconciliation. Janell’s previous experience includes embedding Indigenous partnerships in the work of the Department of Housing, Addictions and Homeless, and to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) Calls to Action, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Prior to that, she spent seven years in health care working for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, with a focus on equity and better outcomes for Indigenous Peoples. Janell’s diverse experience includes coordinating national TRC events and the Manito Ahbee Festival’s inaugural gala. She also brings extensive fund development expertise gained through work with organizations like the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Lung Association of Manitoba, the International Institute of Sustainable Development, and Oxfam Ireland.

As the Director of Education, Outreach and Public Programming, Kaila Johnston oversees matters related to the support of educators, development of resources, establishment of outreach initiatives, as well as public engagement on residential schools and their legacy. Prior to joining the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR), Kaila worked with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) as a statement gatherer and coordinator. She holds a BA (Hons.) in Criminal Justice from the University of Winnipeg and a MSc in International Crimes and Criminology from Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam.

As Head of Archives at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) since 2016, Raymond Frogner is responsible for honouring, safeguarding, and facilitating responsible access to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) records and additional materials of enduring value to Indigenous Peoples. Born in Port Alberni, British Columbia Raymond received his Master of Arts in Labour History from the University of Victoria and a Master of Archival Studies from the University of British Columbia. His graduate work focused on archives and Indigenous identity. He continues to research and publish on archival issues with a focus on Indigenous societies, identity and memory.

With a personal and professional commitment to truth and reconciliation, Jay Nadeau serves as IT Project Manager at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR). He leverages his project management expertise to advance the NCTR’s strategic objectives. Before joining the NCTR in 2017, Jay managed IT and communication technology projects at Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. Jay earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Manitoba in 2005.

Judy Dandurand brings more than 18 years of access and privacy expertise to her role at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR). Starting her career as a Privacy Analyst with the Province of Manitoba in 2007, she gained significant experience across various departments before spending over a decade with the Manitoba Ombudsman. A University of Manitoba (UM) graduate, she returned to the UM as the Privacy Officer in 2021, where she started her work with the NCTR. Judy now ensures Survivors and their families have access to their records while maintaining their privacy and dignity. Judy considers her work with the NCTR a privilege and is honoured to contribute.