Okimakan & Council

Okimakan Morris Beardy

Okimakan Morris Beardy was elected on September 30, 2020. Okimakan Beardy was born and raised in Bird, and currently lives in Gillam. Okimakan Beardy is an electrician by trade and has worked on various hydro projects, starting at Limestone Dam over 30 years ago.

Councillor Sophie Lockhart

Councillor Sophie Lockhart was elected on March 29, 2017. Councillor Lockhart was born at Whitefish Lake (fish camp) and raised in Shamattawa. In 1974, she transferred to Fox Lake Cree Nation, where she currently resides on the Fox Lake urban reserve in Gillam. Councillor Lockhart has a 2-year diploma in Community Human & Health Services from Yellowquill College and a Counselling Certificate from the University of Manitoba. She has proudly been alcohol-free since October 13, 1985. Councillor Lockhart is very active in both the community of Fox Lake and Gillam.

Portfolio:

Councillor Michael Lawrenchuk

Councillor Michael Lawrenchuk was elected in April 2024. He is driven by a deep desire to see justice from Manitoba Hydro and all levels of government for decades of development on Fox Lake’s territory – development that has greatly impacted the lives and rights of all community members, with little to show in terms of benefits.

Together with Okimakan and Council, Michael also focuses on improving housing for Fox Lake members, enhancing education, ensuring community safety, supporting local families, creating jobs and boosting the local economy. He believes in the importance of land-based education and cultural teachings and is committed to making a positive impact in Fox Lake Cree Nation for generations to come.

Michael has a diverse background in the construction industry. He worked as a Red Seal Journeyman Carpenter and has been involved in various construction projects and consulting roles. His extensive experience in construction and project management has equipped him with valuable skills and insights that he brings to his role as a councillor.

Born and raised on Kettle Crescent, Michael lived with his granny Gladys Moose, sister, and his cousins. His dad was a Chief in the late ’90s, Michael Lawrenchuk, and saw through the first self-governance framework in Manitoba, which taught Michael a lot about Fox Lake’s history and governance. He moved to Winnipeg at the age of five to take care of their granny’s health, and he pursued his training and early career in Edmonton, moving back to Gillam in 2017 to be involved with Fox Lake Construction and other projects.

In his free time, Michael enjoys staying active with activities like Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu, working out, running, and yoga. He has taken quantum computing courses through MIT and IBM to further his interest in communications and technology.

Shared Portfolios:

Harmonized Gillam Development

Adverse Effects Program

Caring Committee