Charmaine McCraw was born and raised Northern Ontario. She is a proud member of Bigitigong Nishnaabeg and has built her career in Community Economic Development with a focus on building capacity. McCraw demonstrates dedication in her work with First Nation communities, Indigenous job seekers, companies and organizations wanting to advance along the path of reconciliation. McCraw holds a bachelor’s degree from Lakehead University and has over ten years’ experience developing relationships and managing projects. Previously, McCraw was involved in grass-roots driven research on Indigenous participation in the workforce for the Northern Policy Institute. McCraw also managed Nishnawbe Aski Nation’s Economic and Resource Development Unit where her team developed and delivered a Community Development program for Economic Development officers in Ontario’s remote North. McCraw also led a joint community economic development marketing initiative with Nipigon and Red Rock Indian Band. McCraw currently holds a Project Management position with ORIGIN and leads Operation Innovation, a recruitment initiative, focused on engaging Indigenous people and connecting them to employment using the First-People-First process.