Meet the Team

Our team is committed to creating safe spaces for Indigenous youth and families, supporting healing, empowerment, and cultural connection. Whether you need youth support, housing assistance, programming opportunities, or mentorship, we are here for you!

Natasha Lariviere

CEO & Founder, Endaayaan Awejaa

Aaniin. Boozhoo. Emski Misgokwe ndizhnikaaz. Nbisiing ndoonjibaa. Waawaashkesh ndoodem. Niizh Manidowaag ndaaw. My name is Natasha Lariviere. Also, my spirit name is Strong Earth Woman. I am from Nbisiing Aka Nipissing First Nation. I am part of the deer clan. I am Two-Spirit, and my pronouns are she/her. I have been passionate about working with youth since I was a teenager. Growing up, I was always a part of the youth group at the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre. I then started attending high school at Nbisiing Secondary. They helped me learn about my culture and passion for helping others. After graduating there, I participated at the Indigenous Wellness Addiction Prevention program in 2011. I then graduated from Canadore College in 2015, receiving my Office Administration diploma. I graduated from the Social Service Worker program at George Brown College. I am working towards my Bachelor's Degree in Equity Diversity and Human Rights with a minor in Land-Based Anishnaabemowin Immerson.. I am the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Endaayaan Awejaa. I started this organization in memory of all my ancestors and loved ones who have passed on and for future generations. I also wanted to help our younger generation have a chance at a good life. Life isn't always easy, and there can be a lot of obstacles. Growing up in North Bay and Nipissing First Nation, I have met a lot of youth who have relocated for their education. Many of them were young and lived with family or alone. I felt that sometimes, our youth got overlooked when it came to housing support and mental health issues. We hope to open a youth home for those who may need a home, want support to start living independently and learn more about their gifts and culture. I love meeting new people and learning their stories. Through our organization, I hope to meet more of our younger generation and start helping them work towards their dreams. - Natasha Lariviere

Aliyah Diamond

Indigenous Outreach Manager

Wâciye misiwe! Aliyah Diamond nitišinihkâson. Mosoniy nitohcîn. Hello everyone! My name is Aliyah Diamond. I am from Moosonee. My spirit name is White Lily, and I'm bear clan. I am Swampy Cree (Omushkego & Eeyou) from Moose Cree First Nation and the Cree Nation of Waskaganish. I am 2Spirit, queer, neurodivergent, and in recovery. My pronouns are they/she. Reconnecting with my community and culture has been a deeply healing journey. I serve as the Indigenous Outreach Manager at Endaayaan Awejaa, where I’ve been involved since 2021—first as a member of the inaugural Youth Wellness Council, then as a volunteer, and later completing my fourth-year placement while earning my Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work from Laurentian University. Drawing from my lived experience and professional background, I provide youth support services, outreach, and build community partnerships, helping Indigenous youth navigate systems for resources and support.

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Simon McKerral

Indigenous Programming Manager

Tân’si, My name is Simon Mckerral, I use He/Him pronouns and I am a queer Métis writer/director based in North Bay, Ontario. I was born in 1999 and moved to North Bay in 2017 to begin my study at Canadore College. I have been with the Bay ever since! I began my journey to reconnect with Indigenous culture and my ancestors in the summer of 2020 when I began to study genealogical research at the OGS here in North Bay. Additionally, I began to involve myself with Indigenous-run and centred activities through Canadore College and Nipissing University where I have been able to connect with other Indigenous youth. I have always wanted to be a part of something bigger and to help support other Indigenous and/or queer youth and families, and thanks to Endaayaan Aweja - I am able to make that dream a reality. Being the Indigenous Programming Manager for EA, I spend my time managing our social media pages and promoting events and workshops. I am able to connect with our clients and supporters as well as help set up and participate in our monthly workshops. Allowing me to always learn something new about our culture and meet new people, I hope to continue my work in aiding youth in their reconnecting journey. Marrsî kâ wîtapmiyin - Thank you for your time! - Simon

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AJ Jasper

Indigenous Office Manager

Aaniin, my name is AJ. I am a Metis woman, who’s pronouns are she/her. I am a dedicated mother of 3 adult boys and 2 fur-babies. I am originally from a small French hamlet called Lafontaine (Georgian Bay area) and moved to the North Bay area in 2022. I graduated from the Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention program at Canadore College in 2024. Currently, I am fast-tracking my diploma in Recreation and Leisure at Canadore, hoping to add this knowledge to my tool kit. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and am happy to be a contributing member of the team at Endaayaan Awejaa.

Ray Hookimaw

Shkabewis - Indigenous Youth Housing Navigator

I am strong two-spirit indigenous person who is trying to navigate both paths in modern society. I am trying to learn the traditional ways and bring them back to life in today's society.

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Nikki Jo Mattinas

Youth Social Enterprise Consultant

Wachey! My name is Nikki Jo Mattinas, I am Cree from Constance Lake First Nation. I am an artist and I have a small-business that I am proud of to display my artwork on products that are available for people to purchase. I am a graduate of the Office Administration program at Canadore College and I enjoy spending my time in ceremony and on the land with my family in the community. I am a mother of two beautiful girls and I walk the Red Road in recovery by living the “good life” by using my bundle and the sacred medicines to guide me. I am happy to be a part of the Maamwi Bmosedaa Youth Social Enterprise helping youth to learn how to manage and be self-sustaining in their business endeavors.

Gianni Chaput

Grant Funding & Marketing Intern

North Bay has been my home since 2007, where originally I lived in Winnipeg and Colorado Springs. My passions include fitness and nutrition, anything outdoors, and quality time with my friends and family.