About Us
White Buffalo Road Healing Lodge Inc. is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 2005 and is the vision of Vince Pawis Sr. the founder and Executive Director.
Vince received the Minister’s Award for Exceptional Achievement in Corrections, was appointed to the Order of Ontario for his contributions to law and culture, and was awarded the Governor General of Canada Meritorious Service Medal for restoring pride and self-confidence in the community by promoting positive lifestyle changes of its members through connection with cultural heritage.
Our Location
The White Buffalo Road Healing Lodge is located alongside Shawanaga First Nation, approximately 30 kilometres north of Parry Sound, Ontario.
The Lodges consist of one main lodge for ceremonies, counselling, meetings and feasts with a full kitchen, and additional lodges currently under redevelopment for all our programs and services, guests, and clients.
Board of Directors
Vince Pawis Sr., O.O., M.S.M.
Executive Director
Vince is the Founder and Executive Director of White Buffalo Road Healing Lodge. He established the Lodge in 2005 while working in Ontario’s correctional system as a Native Inmate Liaison Officer. Vince was awarded the Minister’s Award for Exceptional Achievements in Corrections, appointed to the Order of Ontario for his contributions to law and culture, and the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal for restoring pride and self-confidence in the community.
Dawn Wemigwans
Founding Director | Past President & Chair
Dawn Wemigwans is an educator, school principal, and a longtime leader in inclusive, community-based education. She has served as Indigenous Lead for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board and as principal at St. David’s School. Her work centres on strengthening cultural identity, pride, and belonging – preventative pathways to healing and learning.
Vivian Recollet
Founding Director
Vivian Recollet is an Anishinaabe nurse, Knowledge Keeper, and founding Director of White Buffalo Road Healing Lodge. Turtle Clan from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, she has devoted her life to Indigenous health, cultural continuity, and community wellness. Guided by the belief that culture is central to healing, Vivian brings lived wisdom, clinical experience, and Elder-led teachings to the Lodge’s work.
Stavros C. Stavrides
President & Chair
Stavros Stavrides is an award-winning filmmaker and documentarian by trade. His career includes international, multi-partner projects focused on social justice, culture, and human experience. At the Lodge, he brings expertise in governance, project-based management, media training and storytelling skills that help articulate impact, strengthen partnerships, and support long-term vision.
Raymond Trudeau
Director
Raymond Trudeau brings experience in training, project management, and community collaboration to the Board of Directors. He has worked closely with Anishinabek Elders and leaders on education, resource development, and capacity-building initiatives. With a background spanning industry, education, and Indigenous relations, Raymond contributes practical oversight and systems-based thinking to the Lodge’s governance.
Anna Martin
Director
Anna Martin brings experience in public health leadership, environmental health, and community advocacy to the White Buffalo’s Board. She is Associate Health Director at Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre of Cowichan Tribes, contributing an evidence-informed perspective to prevention, accountability, and long-term community wellbeing. Her contributions support the Lodge’s commitment to prevention, transparency, and long-term community health.
Dr. Joey-Lynn Wabie
Director Nominee
Joey-Lynn Wabie is an Algonquin Anicinabe ikwe from Mahingan Sagahigan (Wolf Lake) First Nation and Associate Professor of Indigenous Social Work at Laurentian University, School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. Joey’s work centres on community-based practice, land-based learning, and Indigenous youth wellness through scholarship, ceremony, and grassroots engagement, bringing Indigenous-led knowledge systems and relational accountability that align with the Lodge’s values.
Team Members
- Executive Director, Vince Pawis Sr.
- President, Stavros C. Stavrides
- Treasurer, Barry Conroy
- Jake Ago Neh, Anishinabe Traditional Medicine, Spiritual Health & Mental Health Elder. Indigenous Circle Hearings
- Donna Longlade, Indigenous Circle Hearings
- Miles General, Indigenous Circle Hearings, Native Inmate Liaison Office, Six Nations
- Kerry McLaughlin, Indigenous Circle Hearings, Thunder Bay
- Brent Kelly Curly, Indigenous Circle Hearings, Six Nations
- Jenny Boots, Indigenous Circle Hearings, Akwesasne
A REGISTERED CANADIAN CHARITY
P.O. BOX 165
Nobel Ontario. P0G 1G0
705-690-3310
whitebuffaloroadhl@gmail.com
