Mervin Cheechoo, Cree - President
After graduating from Briercrest Bible College, Marvin pastored his home church in Moose Factory for thirteen years. Now residing in Sudbury, ON with his wife Carol Ann and family, he assists in pastoral leadership. He has been on the board of Rising Above since its inception and President since 1996.
 

Larry Wilson, Cree - Board Chair
Larry Wilson, a Cree Indian, was born on the Peguis Indian Reserve in Manitoba and lived there until his conversion experience at age 16. He enrolled in Briercrest Bible College at age 21 and completed a four-year Bachelor’s Degree with a Pastoral Major. Settling in Winnipeg, Larry pastored the First Nations Community Church from 1988 to 2004. He has continued his education and to date has completed half of his Masters of Divinity Degree at Providence Theological Seminary. At present, Larry and his wife Joyce and two teenage children, live in Winnipeg. He is the National Director of the First Nations Alliance Churches of Canada. He is also a member of the National Board of Promise Keepers Canada and a member of the Aboriginal Council for the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. Larry’s passion is to assist the National Native Church to move toward health and stability.
 

Selma Poulin, Cree - Vice-Chair
Selma holds an M.A. in Biblical Couselling from Providence Theological Seminary. She and her husband Dave and family reside in Sioux Lookout, ON. Drawing from her many years of counselling experience she authored a practical manual entitled, How to Counsel a Sexually Abused Person. She is a the Vice President of Rising Above.
 

Daren George, Wet’suwet’en - Board Member
Daren George was born and raised in the small town of Telkwa BC, where he lives today with his wife Marilyn. They have four children and one grandchild. Daren grew up seeing the love of Jesus in his grandparents. He admits he knew Christ in his head, but not his heart. After years of searching and bondage God spared his life and he dramatically changed, committing his life to servicing the Lord. Prior to his conversion his leadership skills led him into native politics, being the vice president of the United Native Nations, a Director on the Board for BC and also part of the Native Council of Canada. Currently he sits on the board of Streetcorners Ministries, UIM Canada, UIM International, the Native Ministry Board of UIM, Unlocking the Doors of Aboriginal Justice and Kyah Bible Fellowship. Additionally, he holds a full-time job in a sawmill. Daren is committed to raising up native leaders through healing and discipleship.
 

Gord Mills, Cree - Board Member
Gord grew up in Moose Factory and now lives in Sudbury, Ontario with his wife Bev. They have two adult children. Presently he is co-pastor of the Sudbury First Nations Church and works full-time as a probation and parole officer. Although he was raised in a home fraught with alcoholism and neglect, he attended church has a child. At age 17 he first heard the Gospel when he went with his brother to a church service because they were serving a meal. What he heard was a testimony of salvation and deliverance. Two weeks later, he surrendered himself to the Lord. Gord brings to the Board a wealth of experience as he has sat on numerous boards and committees. He chose to join the Board because he has a heart for people who are hurting and he strongly believes in what Rising Above is doing.
 

John Beardy, Oji-Cree - Board Member
John grew up in the community of Bearskin Lake First Nation in North Western Ontario. He is very grateful that his parents taught him the ways of God from birth but his personal decision to follow Jesus was made at 15 years old during his time at a Mennonite operated Residential school. Shortly after his conversion he felt the call to ministry and attended a bible school. Since then he has been involved in pastoral ministry. His passion is to strengthen the First Nations church. Currently he and his family live in Thunder Bay where he works full time as a manager for Wasaya Airways.

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