Felix Walkerfor Chief · Okimahkan
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation · Chief Election

Felix Walker for Chief - Okimahkan

Healing first. A home for every family. And a government that answers to its people - at home and away.

Vote Aug 26 & 27, 2026
Felix Walker wearing the Order of Manitoba medal at the Manitoba Legislative Building
Felix Walker, O.M. - Order of Manitoba, 2025
0+ years
healing our
community
Order of Manitoba, 2025 CEO, Family & Community Wellness Centre (25+ yrs) B.A. Political Science & Sociology Councillor at 25 Built Dev Corp · Mystery Lake Hotel
Tanisi - A little about me

My roots are deep, where three rivers meet.

Tanisi. My name is Felix Walker - a proud Nihithew nâpîw from Nisichawayasihk.

I was raised in Nelson House and I still live here. I’ve been married to Jacqueline for 31 years, and together we’ve been blessed with 4 children and 11 grandchildren. Family is the foundation of everything I believe about leadership.

Since the age of 18, I’ve worked for the betterment of our Nation - helping build the Development Corporation, the Country Foods Program, the Fisheries & Trappers Program, Left Lake Cabins, and the Mystery Lake Hotel. I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology, and most recently leadership studies through the University of Manitoba’s Asper school.

For more than 25 years I helped grow our Family & Community Wellness Centre into a place of healing recognized not only across Canada, but internationally - work my wife and I have been invited to share in Oklahoma and Alaska.

“True leadership is grounded in service, humility, respect, and accountability. A strong leader listens first, speaks with honesty, and stands with the people through both challenges and opportunities.”

If entrusted to lead - tanikanistamiyak - I will serve with professionalism, transparency, and respect. Our people deserve to feel protected, heard, and valued.

Mitho-mâhcihowin - Healing & culture

Raising strong, healthy Nihithew youth.

For more than 25 years, our Family & Community Wellness Centre has built its work around one question: what does a young person raised in our culture - grounded, healthy, and whole - look like? These four directions are that vision.

Intellectual

Knows the language, songs, values and lineage - educated by land, book and water.

As Chief Protect our language and culture, and open land-based learning to every generation.

Emotional

Loved and secure - nurtured by family, confident, compassionate and courageous, free from harm.

As Chief Healing first - real mental-wellness supports and a circle of care for every family.

Physical

Strong and active - hunters, harvesters and paddlers who know the land and care for their bodies.

As Chief Healthy homes, clean water, and opportunities that keep our people well.

Spiritual

Grounded and wise - guided by ceremony, traditional teachings, humility and a higher power.

As Chief Lead by our teachings - service, humility, respect - with traditional teachings at the centre.

Raise a young person in all four directions and you raise someone whole. That’s the same understanding of healing and belonging I’ll carry into leading our Nation.

— Felix Walker
Tipîcikinah - Guiding principles

The teachings I lead by.

Our way is older than any election. These are the values that guide every decision I make for our Nation.

Sâkihitowin
Love
Kistêthihtamowin
Respect
Nitotamâkiwin
Listen · be heard
Kiskêthitamowin
Knowledge
Ewakomitoyâhak
We are all related
Wáhkôtowin
All our relations
Mâmâwi wîcihitowin
We help each other
Kâpawîtân
We stand together
Our path forward

A clear plan for every NCN family.

Eight commitments - starting with healing, because nothing matters more right now.

Our first priority
01

Healing & Mental Wellness

mitho-mâhcihowin

Our Nation declared a state of emergency, and no family should carry this grief alone. I’ve spent 25 years building our Wellness Centre into a place of healing. As Chief, healing comes first: stronger crisis supports, land-based and culture-based wellness, real help for our youth, and a circle of care that reaches every family.

02

A Home for Every Family

wîkiwin

The housing shortage is hurting our people. I’ll push for new homes and serious repairs, a fair and open housing list everyone can see, and action on mold, water, and overcrowding - so families can stop waiting and start living.

03

Off-Reserve Members Belong

wâhkôhtowin

Roughly 2 in 5 of our citizens live away from home - in Thompson, Winnipeg, Brandon, Leaf Rapids and beyond. You are still NCN. I’ll build real resource hubs and services for our members wherever they live, and keep you connected to your Nation.

04

Open Books, Honest Government

tâpwêwin

Our people deserve to know how every dollar is spent - including the $23M Treaty Land Entitlement advance and Trust funds. I’ll deliver plain-language reporting to members, and bring big decisions back to the community.

05

Jobs & a Stronger Economy

atoskêwin

I’ve helped build our businesses for decades. I’ll protect our Wuskwatim partnership revenues, grow Dev Corp and the Mystery Lake Hotel, and launch a growth opportunity program - training and land-based learning for both our youth and adults - so more of our own people move into real, lasting jobs.

06

Protecting Our Water & Land

nipiy · askiy

Clean, safe drinking water in every home is a right, not a request. I’ll hold Manitoba Hydro and Canada to account for flooding and diversion impacts, honour the Northern Flood Agreement, and protect the lands and waters that sustain us.

07

Language & Culture

Nihithewak

Our language is our identity. I’ll strengthen Cree (Nihithewîwin) in our schools and daily life, support Elders and land-based teaching, and make space for ceremony in the life of our Nation.

08

Youth & Elders

oskâtisak · kihtêyak

Our future and our memory. I’ll invest in youth programs, recreation and education, care for and listen to our Elders, and bring the generations back together - because we are all related.

Voices for Felix

The Nation is standing with Felix.

Support is coming in from every part of our Nation - on-reserve and off, from Nelson House to Thompson, Winnipeg and beyond. Here’s who’s standing with Felix, in their own words.

As Elders, we have watched Felix serve our Nation for many years. Our next Chief must know our people, honour our culture, and lead with compassion. We believe Felix Carson Walker is that leader. We trust his heart, his character, and his leadership.

Tanisi nitotemuk! Tawow!

We’re very pleased that you’ve come today.

We are sorry that we could not be here in person, but we wanted to make sure you heard from us before deciding on who gets the honour of leading our great Nation.

As NCN Elders, the answer is clear.

We stood behind Felix Carson Walker 100% in the 2022 election.

Four years later, we are still here - standing behind him even more strongly, as he runs for Chief in 2026.

Since he was a young man, he has shown his love, compassion, and commitment to our people.

We are grateful to have someone like Felix willing to lead our Nation.

It is not an easy job, but Felix has the right combination of vision, humility and determination to help our people prosper.

Felix speaks both English and Nihithowin fluently.

He has served on Council, worked on many local and outside boards, and led the Family and Community Wellness Centre as Executive Director.

Felix believes in the people of NCN. He has worked hard to create more opportunities for education and training. For Felix, when our people succeed, he is the most proud. He is there always cheering us on and working to make things better for us.

He has helped develop programs and services that our community needs, including healing and land-based activities for people of all ages, such as culture camps, round dances, and holiday events.

Felix is educated, humble, and proud of who he is and where he comes from. He lives a healthy, down-to-earth life. He is a hunter, a good cook, a loving husband, a caring father, and a good person.

He believes the answers to the challenges we face are already here - in our people and our community.

He believes that by working together and following our Nihitho values and way of life, we can build a stronger future for our families, especially for our noosimak, our grandchildren.

He talks about his vision for our Nation with so much passion.

He doesn’t just say words. He feels it deep in his soul.

When we hear Felix share his vision for our people, we are excited - we feel hopeful - we know that there is a bright future ahead - with him as Chief.

Felix is a respected Sundance Chief. He has dedicated his life to helping our people find healing, hope, and a good life.

One of Felix’s greatest strengths is his ability to listen. He thinks carefully, solves problems, and brings people together to find solutions. He is a strong voice for our Nation and speaks with honesty, respect, and courage.

Last year, he received the Order of Manitoba in recognition of his lifetime of service to our people and our communities.

Felix has devoted his life to being the biggest champion for our Nation. He has given so much and never asked for anything in return. He has always been happy to serve.

Now it is our turn to show the same love, compassion, and commitment that Felix has shown to us.

Voting is on August 26 and 27.

We hope you will join us in voting for Felix Carson Walker for Chief, along with six strong and capable Councillors to lead our community.

Thank you.

Gail & Jeromia McDonald NCN Elders
Gail & Jeromia McDonald NCN Elders
As an off-reserve citizen of NCN and our Nation’s first lawyer, I am confident in supporting Felix Walker for our next Chief.

The questions we should all ask ourselves when deciding who to vote for as our next Chief are straightforward, but they matter.

Who will commit to meaningful financial consultation with our people? Who will work tirelessly to reconnect on- and off-reserve members and strengthen our Nation through unity? Who truly believes that our children are our future, and what will they do to ensure every child - especially those in care - are protected, supported, and connected to their family and community? Who has a serious vision for the future of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation?

As an off-reserve citizen of NCN and our Nation’s first lawyer, I am confident in supporting Felix Walker for our next Chief. I believe his leadership has the potential to bring unprecedented financial, social, and economic progress to our people.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Felix. While my family has known of him for many years because of the way he stepped up to help us when we needed it most, this conversation gave me the chance to hear his vision firsthand. After speaking with him and watching how he engages with off-reserve members, it became clear that when Felix says we are one people and that every member matters, he genuinely means it. One of the most important topics we discussed was future settlements and financial distributions. Felix was clear: it is the people’s money, and the people should decide what is done with it. Whether we invest it, distribute it, or pursue other opportunities, every citizen deserves a meaningful voice in decisions involving future settlements, including Cows and Plows. That commitment to transparency, accountability, and consultation is one of the strongest reasons I support him.

We also spoke at length about our children - our greatest asset. Felix shares my belief that it is time for NCN to regain full responsibility and jurisdiction over our children in care (CFS). Our children should remain connected to their families, culture, language, and community - not be separated by harmful government systems. Caring for our children is our responsibility as a Nation. Felix understands that, and he is committed to making it a reality.

Throughout this campaign, Felix has shown that unity is more than an election slogan. He is the only candidate who has made a serious effort to reach out to off-reserve members and ensure they are informed, included, and connected. By organizing meet-and-greets in Winnipeg and Thompson, he recognized what many have ignored for too long - that thousands of NCN members living away from home still want to contribute to our Nation’s future. Felix understands that off-reserve members have so much potential. We only need to be connected and tapped into as a resource. He has taken the time to ensure we are heard, respected, and involved in this important process that affects us all.

Felix also has a forward-looking vision for economic development. We have members in Winnipeg and Thompson who are struggling to make ends meet, while many off-reserve members possess valuable education, professional experience, and skills that can help strengthen NCN. Felix believes we should expand our Nation’s economic footprint in cities like Winnipeg and Thompson through housing, businesses, and strategic property investments. Imagine renting a home in Winnipeg or Thompson, knowing those rental revenues are building wealth for our Nation and creating opportunities for future generations. Incredible! That is the kind of long-term thinking NCN needs.

Leadership is about more than making promises. It is about listening to the people, bringing them together, and building a stronger future for everyone. After speaking with Felix Walker, I am convinced he has both the vision and the character to do exactly that.

For these reasons, I am proud to support Felix Walker for Chief of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.

Zachery Anderson NCN’s first lawyer · Off-reserve citizen
Zachery Anderson NCN’s first lawyer · Off-reserve citizen
Our youth deserve someone who believes in our potential, encourages us to chase our dreams, and works to create opportunities so that we can succeed.

Good day,

For those of you who do not know me, my name is Kurtia Yetman, and I am the proud daughter of Jemima and Curtis Lobster.

Today, I want to share my support for Felix Walker as he runs for Chief of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.

Throughout my entire life, I have always valued commitment, integrity, respect, and compassion. To me, these are the qualities that a strong leader carries. When I think of someone who truly embodies these values every single day, one person immediately comes to mind: Felix Walker.

I have been incredibly fortunate to grow up surrounded by people who have always believed in me, and Felix has been one of those people from the very beginning. As I chased my dream of playing post-secondary hockey, he never stopped encouraging me to believe in myself, work hard, and pursue every opportunity that came my way. His support has meant more to me than words can express, and I know I am only one of many people whose lives he has impacted in such a positive way.

What has always inspired me most about Felix is that he leads by example. Beyond the support he has shown me, I have always admired the life he has built. His dedication to his education, his career, and most importantly, to our people has inspired me from a young age. He has shown me that success isn’t measured by what you achieve for yourself, but by how much you give back to others. He leads with humility, kindness, and respect, and those are qualities that cannot be taught - they come from the kind of person you are.

As a young person from our community, I know how important it is to have leaders who genuinely care about the next generation. Our youth deserve someone who believes in our potential, encourages us to chase our dreams, and works to create opportunities so that we can succeed, whether that’s through education, sports, careers, or any path we choose. I truly believe Felix is that leader.

We would be incredibly fortunate to have someone who not only talks about investing in our future but has spent years demonstrating that commitment through his actions. He understands the importance of empowering our youth because he knows that when we invest in young people today, we build a stronger Nation for tomorrow.

I have watched Felix dedicate himself to helping others, and I have seen firsthand the respect he has earned through his honesty, compassion, and commitment to our community. I have no doubt that he will continue to lead with those same values as Chief.

Because of leaders like Felix, I have always been proud of who I am and where I come from. No matter where hockey or education has taken me, I have never forgotten my roots. I carry Nisichawayasihk with me everywhere I go, and I am proud to represent our community. Every opportunity I have been given has reminded me how important it is to have people back home who believe in our youth, encourage us to dream big, and remind us that our community will always be something to be proud of.

I could not be more proud to stand behind Felix Walker and wholeheartedly endorse him for Chief of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.

I ask that you join me in supporting a leader who is committed to our people, our youth, and the future of our Nation.

Ekosi.

Kurtia Yetman NCN youth · Post-secondary hockey player
Kurtia Yetman NCN youth · Post-secondary hockey player
He’s a good listener, treats people right, and isn’t afraid to put in the work. I know he’ll lead with honesty and put the community first.

Felix Walker is someone who has consistently shown up for our community. I’ve seen firsthand how much he cares about the people of NCN and how hard he works to support us.

Being a student athlete at Brandon University has taught me a lot about leadership, hard work, and respect. I see those same qualities in Felix. That’s why I’m backing his campaign for Chief.

He’s someone who genuinely wants what’s best for our Nation. He’s a good listener, treats people right, and isn’t afraid to put in the work. I know he’ll lead with honesty and put the community first.

I’m supporting Felix Walker for Chief of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, and I hope you’ll consider doing the same.

Keaston Brooker NCN youth · Brandon University athlete
Keaston Brooker NCN youth · Brandon University athlete
What stands out most to me is his humility - he stays grounded and shows up with respect, meeting people where they are in their individual journeys.

I am writing to offer my strong endorsement and support to Felix Walker for Chief of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. I support Felix, and I encourage voting citizens, on and off reserve, to vote for him. A proud member of NCN myself, I will be attending Winnipeg voting stations at the end of the month.

Felix’s passionate commitment to our community and our people never rests, as he believes we deserve to feel protected, heard, and valued. What stands out most to me is his humility - he stays grounded and shows up with respect, meeting people where they are in their individual journeys. His compassion doesn’t just recognize pain; it seeks ways to help heal and elevate. Felix also believes that a well-rounded individual is guided in four directions: intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual. I agree with Felix’s approach to learning, loving, healing, growing, and reconnecting with our traditional teachings.

Like many of us, I’ve spent time working to grow in more than one area of life, and I’ve found that true balance requires that we honor all four aspects - mind, heart, body, and spirit. Throughout my journey, I have tried my best to grow physically, emotionally, and intellectually, while also working to heal from generational trauma. I excelled in my career and advanced to the rank of Sergeant in the Canadian Armed Forces, proudly representing NCN. However, even with success and achievement, I realized something important was still missing: the spiritual part.

When I returned home to begin Sundance, I was met with open arms by Felix Walker and his wife, Jackie. Their values - grounded in humility, love, and traditional teachings - have helped anchor me and support me in finding a renewed balance in my own medicine wheel. Reconnecting with ceremony and traditional teachings has brought me the healing I was seeking, but my best healing came from them and Sundance. I am proud to say I have completed my fourth year of Sundance, and the experience helped me grow deeply; it has profoundly shaped my healing journey. I could not have done it without the selfless and tireless work of Felix, his family, our community members, and volunteers. Thank you all.

I know Felix can help and heal others who cross his path - when they are ready and willing. Voting Felix Walker for Chief will help our community find balance again, and support working with every generation. Because everyone deserves the chance to heal, grow, thrive, and be supported - today and for the future.

I ask you to vote for Felix for Chief.

Thank you / Ekosani / Ekosi

Linda Lobster Sergeant, Canadian Armed Forces · Proud NCN member
Linda Lobster Sergeant, Canadian Armed Forces · Proud NCN member
He works tirelessly to better his community and heal the people he serves in the kindest and most honest way he knows.

VOTE FELIX WALKER FOR CHIEF!!

I have the privilege of knowing Mr. Felix Walker for approximately 35 years, and during that time Felix has always had his community, elders, youth, and people in his prayers.

He works tirelessly to better his community and heal the people he serves in the kindest and most honest way he knows. He has shown commitment, vision, dedication, and humility in working towards his goals of a brighter and better future while holding firm on the principles and traditional knowledges that connect the people to the history, culture, language and ASKI…

I wholly endorse Mr. Felix Walker on his decision to put his name forward for Chief…

Wilfred “The Star Guy” Buck Cree knowledge keeper & educator
Wilfred “The Star Guy” Buck Cree knowledge keeper & educator
He leads by example and has shown what it means to serve others with honesty and commitment.

I am proud to endorse Felix Walker for Chief of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.

Felix has consistently demonstrated his commitment to our community through his leadership, generosity, and genuine dedication to helping others. He has always been someone who is willing to support people in pursuing their goals and dreams, and he leads with integrity and compassion.

As a student-athlete, I have learned the importance of leadership, discipline, respect, independence, and a strong work ethic. These are the same qualities I have consistently seen in Felix over the years. He leads by example and has shown what it means to serve others with honesty and commitment.

I have known Felix since I was a young girl, and throughout my hockey journey, he has always been there to offer encouragement and support whenever I needed it. His belief in me has made a meaningful difference, and I know many others in our community have experienced that same kindness and dedication.

I believe Felix is committed to creating opportunities for our people and working toward a stronger future for Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. His vision, character, and willingness to serve make him a strong leader for our Nation.

For these reasons, I am proud to support Felix Walker for Chief of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, and I encourage others to consider supporting him as well.

Haley Braun NCN youth · Student-athlete
Haley Braun NCN youth · Student-athlete
I admire Felix’s deep connection to cultural knowledge and the compassion he shows when listening to our community’s concerns.

Last week, I had the pleasure of welcoming Felix Walker and his wife to visit my husband and me at our campsite. Relatives from South Indian Lake - O-Pipon-Na-Piwin were also visiting. Together, we shared stories and experiences in the spirit of mâmâwi kiyokâtotan, just as we did in the past, while enjoying fresh moose meat stew and bannock.

We talked about important teachings, including kipsiwatchikiwin and otchimo, which speak to the importance of parents supporting and defending their children and youth while first seeking to understand the full facts.

We all shared the responsibility of nurturing and raising our children and grandchildren in a good and healthy way - Opikanasowin. I admire Felix’s deep connection to cultural knowledge and the compassion he shows when listening to our community’s concerns.

I had the opportunity to share many of my concerns for our community; however, I mainly spoke about the need for a family treatment program, and the need for involving Elders, language, land-based knowledge and culture in all programming in our community.

His commitment to fairness, equality and respect for all people strengthens this vision for a caring and supportive community.

For these reasons, I support Felix Walker for Chief of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. I believe he will be a strong and thoughtful leader for our community.

Lloyd & Bella Flett NCN community members
Lloyd & Bella Flett NCN community members

More endorsements from across the Nation are on the way.

How to vote · Aug 26 & 27, 2026

Your vote decides this.

NCN elections are won by just a few hundred votes - and every member can vote, no matter where you live. Here’s how to make sure your voice counts.

Living away from home?

You don’t have to be in Nelson House to vote. Request a mail-in ballot now - it must be received by Aug 25, 2026 - or vote in person on Aug 26–27 at the Winnipeg poll (Holiday Inn, 1740 Ellice Ave), Thompson or Leaf Rapids. Don’t wait - you must register before you can request a ballot, so start early.

Where do you vote from?

1

Register & check the list

Confirm your name and current mailing address are on the NCN voters list. You must register in advance with the Electoral Officer before you can request a mail-in ballot.

Electoral Officer: Annette Swanson
P.O. Box 37, 103 Selkirk Avenue,
Thompson, MB  R8N 1N4
204-679-2960 · annetterswanson@gmail.com
Deputy Electoral Officer: Shawn Lounsbury · 204-307-2338

2

Request your mail-in ballot

Ask the Electoral Officer in writing (or by email) to mail you a ballot package. You’ll need a copy of your photo ID and a witness who is 18+. Mark it, seal it in the secrecy envelopes provided, and mail it back so it’s received by Aug 25, 2026. Late ballots are not counted.

Must be received by Aug 25, 2026 Add the Aug 25 deadline
3

Or vote in person

Polls are open Aug 26 & 27, 2026, 9 AM–8 PM. Vote in person at any of these locations:

Nelson House – Norman Linklater Memorial Multi-Plex
Thompson – St. Joseph’s Hall, 340 Juniper Drive
Winnipeg – Holiday Inn, 1740 Ellice Avenue
Leaf Rapids – Town Centre
Travelling poll – Nelson House (Aug 26) & Thompson (Aug 27)

Need a ride from Brandon or elsewhere? We’ll help coordinate transportation.

Aug 26 & 27 · 9 AM–8 PM Add the Aug 26–27 vote days

Need help getting your ballot?

Send us your name and mailing address and our team will walk you through requesting your mail-in ballot - step by step. We’ll make sure your vote is counted.

Get help with my ballot
Mâmawi kiyokâtotân - Meet & Connect

Let’s sit down together.

Come meet Felix, share what matters to your family, and ask your questions - over good food and good company. Everyone is welcome. All times are local.

Members of the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers in regalia.
Special guests · Thompson

The Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers will perform at our Meet & Connect in Thompson on Monday, July 28.

Everyone is welcome - come for the food, the dancing, and good company.

Jul253:00 PM
Assiniboine Park - Lyric Pavilion55 Pavilion Cres., Winnipeg, MB
HostsFelix & Jackie Walker
Jul285:00 PM
St. Lawrence HallThompson, MBDinner & DanceLive performance
HostJoyce Yetman
Jul305:00 PM
John James & Lorna’s Residence1 Hillside, Nelson House
HostsFelix & Jackie Walker
Aug35:00 PM
Barb & Ronnie Moore’s ResidenceBay Road, Nelson House, MB
HostsBarb & Ronnie Moore
Aug45:00 PM
Clara Moody’s ResidenceBay Road, Nelson House, MB
HostsFelix & Jackie Walker
Aug55:00 PM
Leta Walker’s ResidenceNew Area, Nelson House
HostLeta Walker
Aug65:00 PM
Hilda & Mathew Spence’s ResidenceDog Point, Nelson House
HostsHilda & Mathew Spence
Aug95:00 PM
Farrah Spence ResidenceMoody Drive - 68 High School Road, Nelson House
HostsFelix & Jackie Walker
Aug105:00 PM
R.C. Point ParkNelson House
HostsFelix & Jackie Walker
Aug115:00 PM
Metis HallNelson House
HostsBill & Shannon Yetman
Aug145:00 PM
Uncle Jerry & Gail Gossfeld-McDonald’sNelson HouseAnniversary Dinner
WithFamily
Stand with Felix

Help bring us together.

However you can help - a lawn sign, an hour of your time, or simply making your own plan to vote - it all adds up to a stronger Nation.

Get help with my ballot

We’ll guide you through requesting your mail-in ballot.

Full name
Phone or email
City / community

Request a lawn sign

Show your support in your yard or window.

Full name
Where should we drop your sign?
Phone or email

Volunteer

Knock doors, make calls, drive voters, or help at an event.

Full name
Phone or email
How you'd like to help

Get help with my ballot →