Walter J. Spence

Walter J. Spence

Board Member
First Nations of Northern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority

Advocate for Indigenous Knowledge and Child Welfare

Walter J. Spence is a dedicated community leader, husband to Marilyn, and a proud father of three daughters. Born in Churchill and raised in the Flats Settlement along the Churchill River, Walter is a member of the Fox Lake Cree Nation. He served as Chief of Fox Lake Cree Nation for seven and a half consecutive years from 2012 to 2019, demonstrating his commitment to leadership and community development.

Walter holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba, launching his career in 1988 in northern Manitoba. He began as a Probation Officer before transitioning to Child Welfare with the Awasis Agency in 1990. During this time, the agency faced significant challenges, including a high number of referrals for babies born with technology dependencies and children with complex health conditions due to federal government policies impacting treaty status babies and children residing on-reserve.

In the mid-1990s, Walter, along with 16 colleagues, pursued a long-distance Master of Arts degree from the University of Victoria. This advanced education enhanced his expertise in advocacy, policy development, research, and community-based First Nations child and family program development, significantly contributing to the growth and effectiveness of the Awasis Agency.

Walter was later recruited by Norway House Cree Nation to lead the transfer of child and family services, leading to the establishment of Kinosao Sipi Minisowin Agency (KSMA). During his tenure, the agency continued to receive referrals from Winnipeg hospitals for treaty status babies born with technology dependencies, including Jordan River Anderson in 1999. His advocacy brought attention to the gaps in governmental responsibility, ultimately leading to national discussions through the Chiefs of MKO and AMC, and the Assembly of First Nations in partnership with the Child Caring Society of Canada.

Walter and his family lived in Norway House for seven years, where he and Marilyn founded the first location of Teekca's Boutique in 1997. During this time, Walter also served as a technical advisor to MKO during the Framework Agreement Initiative and later played a pivotal role in the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry Child Welfare Initiative (2000-2005). His leadership was instrumental in designing, developing, negotiating funding, and implementing the Northern CFS Authority office, where he became the first Interim CEO.

In 2024, Walter was appointed to the Board of the Northern Authority, a position recommended by the Board of Directors of the Awasis Agency and endorsed by the Chiefs of MKO. He continues to dedicate his life to advocacy, leadership, and the well-being of First Nations children and families.

Walter J. Spence's career is marked by his unwavering commitment to social justice, community empowerment, and advocacy for the rights of First Nations children and families. His leadership continues to inspire and drive positive change within the community.

Currently, Theresa is pursuing a PhD in Social Work at the University of Manitoba. Her research focuses on the matotsan, a sacred place where Cree knowledge is stored, learned, understood, and transferred. Through her academic work, Theresa aims to contribute to the preservation and advancement of Indigenous knowledge and practices, ensuring that this wisdom continues to thrive for future generations.

Theresa Yetman's commitment to her community and her culture is unwavering. Through her leadership and scholarship, she strives to create positive change, ensuring that all children and families have access to the support and resources they need. Her work stands as a testament to the power of community, knowledge, and dedication.