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Indspire appoints Jocelyn Formsma new CEO and president Current president will serve until early 2026
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Indspire’s new president and CEO, Jocelyn Formsma, has more than 20 years of experience in Indigenous advocacy. Announced in August, Formsma’s appointment brings a proven track record in engagement at local, regional, provincial, national and international levels to Indspire. The organization's CEO is a member of the Moose Cree First Nation and a laureate of Indspire. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in Public Administration and a JD from the University of Ottawa. After being called to the Bar of Ontario, she worked as a lawyer with the First Nations-owned law firm Nahwegahbow Corbiere. Indspire is an Indigenous national charity that celebrates Indigenous excellence and invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. With the support of its funding partners, Indspire provides financial awards, deliv-
Formsma comes to Indspire from the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC), where she served as the CEO for the SUBMITTED last seven years.
ers programs and shares resources so that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students will achieve their highest potential. Formsma comes to Indspire from the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC), where she served as the CEO for the last seven years. “Her recent tenure
reflects many years of commitment to the organization, overseeing growth and continually emphasizing the importance of this crucial support network for Indigenous Peoples in Canada, especially in urban settings,” reads an August 19 press release. Before her time at NAFC, she worked at the
First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada (FNCFCSC). She became the youngest-ever Chairperson at the Aboriginal People’s Television Network (APTN). She was chosen to join the Deputy Prime Minister’s Task Force on Women and the Economy, serving as a strong voice for Indigenous women and Indigenous Peoples. “As an Indspire Laureate, Jocelyn knows firsthand the importance of our organization’s mandate and of the many ways we support Indigenous excellence and Indigenous learners,” said Chair of Indspire’s Board of Directors Donald Worme. “Her decades of experience as a strong advocate for Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous issues in multiple venues will ensure that Indspire continues to be a significant force for positive change across Turtle Island.” Formsma gives her time to numerous organizations, including serving as a trustee with the Canadian Museum of Human Rights and previously as a board member with the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) and the Indigenous Bar Association. She served on the Nishnawbe Aski
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Nation Youth Council and the Chiefs of Ontario Youth Council. Selected by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2021 to join the Young Global Leaders network, an international community of exceptional young leaders, Formsma has also participated and spoken at international venues such as the United Nations and the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples. “I am looking forward to joining Indspire as its next President and CEO. Indspire is an organization that I have long admired, and being a Public Service Award alumna, this role will have special meaning for me. My passion for youth leadership development and celebrating the successes of Indigenous Peoples translates to my commitment to take Indspire to the next level,” said Formsma. Until Formsma begins her new role in January 2026, current President and CEO Mike DeGagné will continue to serve in this capacity. In 2024 to 2025, Indspire provided more than $31.6 million through more than 8,800 bursaries and scholarships to First Nations, Inuit and Métis students across Canada.
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