Angela Saunders

Angela Saunders

Associate Chief Executive Officer
First Nations of Northern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority

Angela Saunders is the Associate Chief Executive Officer of the First Nations of Northern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority. A member of Norway House Cree Nation, Angela was raised with a deep connection to the land and waterways, grounding her commitment to community-led care and solutions. Angela began her career in child welfare in 2006 with Kinosao Sipi Minisowin Agency (KSMA), where she served for 14 years in various roles across both the Norway House Cree Nation Head Office and the Winnipeg Sub-Office. Building on this experience, Angela joined the Northern Authority in 2021 as a Senior Policy Analyst. In this role, she brought a strong understanding of social issues, best practices, policy barriers, and the complexities of the child welfare system. She has played a key role in advancing initiatives, strengthening systems, and supporting approaches that promote positive outcomes across the child and family services sector. In July 2024, Angela assumed the role of Associate Chief Executive Officer, where she continues to advocate for the rights, well-being, and self-determination of First Nations children, youth, families, and communities through inclusive, community-driven services.

Angela's academic journey reflects her dedication to lifelong learning. Her early studies at a training and technical institute provided the foundation for her entry into the child welfare field. Building on that experience, she earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba with a focus in the social sciences; later completed a Bachelor of Social Work degree at the University of Manitoba, adding to the knowledge and experience that continue to guide her work. She has also completed a number of certificate programs and specialized training opportunities, including formal mediation training and other role-specific professional development opportunities, to support her growth as a leader and strengthen her capacity to serve others with compassion, respect, and integrity.

Throughout her career, Angela has remained committed to a grassroots approach, ensuring that the voices, experiences, and realities of children, youth, families, and communities are reflected in the decisions and discussions that affect their lives and well-being. She is a strong advocate for the unique needs and priorities of First Nations communities in Northern Manitoba and has been a dedicated voice for the agencies mandated by the Northern Authority. Her commitment extends beyond her professional responsibilities and is reflected in her ongoing advocacy for inclusive, responsive, and accessible supports. She is dedicated to fostering greater understanding of diverse needs and promoting approaches that strengthen belonging, well-being, and equitable access to services. Guided by First Nations values and teachings, she remains steadfast in upholding the inherent rights and responsibilities given by the Creator to protect and care for children, ensuring their voices, needs, and best interests remain at the forefront of service delivery, decision-making, and advocacy.