Not-for-Profit Corporation 

Mask-wa Transportation Association Inc.

The Missanabie Cree First Nation developed a provincial not-for-profit Corporation—Mask-wa Transportation Association Inc.— to contribute to the operation of the Bear Train.

As of June 2025, the Board of Directors is comprised of:

PRESIDENT

David MacLachlan, Executive Director, Destination Northern Ontario.

VICE-PRESIDENT

Dorothy Macnaughton, Accessible Transportation
Advocate representing People with Disabilities, Chair, Coalition for Algoma Passenger Trains.

SECRETARY

Dr. Linda Savory-Gordon, Associate professor emerita, Algoma University; research associate NORDIK Institute.

TREASURER

Ingrid Atkinson, Business Analyst.

DIRECTORS

Chief Jason Gauthier, Chief of Missanabie Cree First Nation.

Shirley Horn, Elder, Missanabie Cree First Nation, Former Chief Missanabie Cree First Nation, Former Chancellor Algoma University.

Patricia Ann Owl, Land Use Planner/ Community Engagement, Serpent River First Nation, Business Advisor for Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada.

Brad Robinson, CEO/Owner – Thrive Tours Inc., an Indigenous Tourism Business.

Len Piccolo, Chairperson of Mask-wa Residents’ Association.

Theresa Binda

Riley Barsanti, Public Relations & Communications at Social Services.

Howie Wilcox, Retired from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. As of 2024, Howie is on a Leave of Absence from the Board.

Resource person:

Dr. Nadine Robinson, Doctorate in Business Administration, an International MBA, and a Bachelor of Commerce.