Biography

Micheal Cheena

Michael is proud to be First Nation with Cree ancestry from James Bay and he moved to Toronto in 1975. He has held several leading roles in the native community of Toronto that consisted of being Vice-President of AKEC (First Nations School of Toronto) and President of Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre Board of Directors. He has been a research consultant for (NAN) First Nations Band Offices and sat on the Ontario Joint Aboriginal Anti-Racism Committee. He is the former President and Indigenous Representative of the Aboriginal Urban Alliance of Ontario. As a survivor of two residential schools, he has travelled to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Statement Gatherings and hearings to share his residential school experience with non-Indigenous Canadians.

Michael received the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada in recognition of voluntary service in 1993. Michael has worked at Na-Me-Res providing direct relief to persons in crisis. He served as Union Steward and President of Local 3950 while employed at Temple Wire Products Ltd. He is currently a Peer Advocacy Worker for IRSS at the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre. Michael’s studies at Humber College and George Brown College have assisted him on his journey of healing and throughout his many tasks.