Biographical note – Lea Nicholas-MacKenzie

Lea Nicholas-MacKenzie is a member of the Wəlastəkwey nation (Maliseet First Nation). She holds a BA in French Language and Linguistics from the University of New Brunswick and an MA in Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University.

Ms. Nicholas-MacKenzie has served in a variety of public and private sector capacities. Most recently, she was chief of staff to the minister of justice. Previously, she served as the chief of protocol and director of aboriginal outreach and participation for the Four Host First Nations during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. She has occupied several positions at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, and she has held different roles at the Assembly of First Nations, including chief of staff to the national chief. Ms. Nicholas-MacKenzie has also consulted extensively on domestic and international Indigenous issues.

Ms. Nicholas-MacKenzie has previously volunteered as the North American representative on the Steering Committee of the International Indigenous Women’s Forum, as treasurer of the international Indigenous Women’s Fund and as a member of the President’s Advisory Committee on Aboriginal Affairs at the University of British Columbia.