Corinna Depotier, Nishnawabee Kwe from Kebaowek First Nation, was a devoted mother of five, grandmother of six, and a passionate advocate and ally.
Corinna attended Centennial as a mature student, where she quickly found a supportive and inspiring environment within the College. The program, faculty, and overall experience left a lasting impact on her life, shaping not only her education but also her confidence and future. She often spoke of how Centennial empowered her, equipping her with the knowledge and skills that would carry her through her professional journey.
Corinna devoted most of her 24-year career within the public service to the advancement of Indigenous people. Corinna held a variety of roles at the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). Corinna pushed the region forward through many programs, including the Urban Aboriginal Strategy, Community Infrastructure, Treaties, Registration and Emergency Management (GIAGR), Child and Family Services (Jordan’s Principle implementation), Lands and Economic Development (LED), and most recently, Non-Insured Health Benefits (FNIHB) as the Senior Manager of Jordan’s Principle Individual Requests.
Corinna was passionate about her work at Indigenous Services Canada. She took tremendous pride in the relationships that she built, and she used her knowledge and experience to raise Indigenous cultural competency and awareness.
Corinna was equally passionate about Indigenous culture, and ensuring Indigenous people moved forward through recruitment, retention, and advancement. She is fondly remembered for encouraging her Indigenous colleagues to apply for promotional opportunities.
Corinna was the regional liaison for the Dodem Kanonhsa’ cultural centre, and for many years, she was an active member of the Committee for the Advancement of Native Employees (CANE), before becoming an executive member in 2021. Corinna also worked to amplify messages and newsletters shared by the Indigenous Employee Secretariat and encouraged participation in the monthly talking circles.
Corinna fought an incredibly hard battle with cancer for 18 long and hard months. Through it all, she continued to remain kind, positive, and dedicated to helping others. In her words: “I never want people to lose hope.” On July 27, 2024, Corinna made her journey to walk on.
Corinna was an inspiration for everyone who met her. She was passionate about supporting anyone who needed a helping hand and willingly gave her time to plan, host, and attend community events. Corinna never wanted to stop learning and connecting to her culture. She believed strongly in work-life balance and was an avid runner and hiker. Corinna will be remembered through her own work, as well as her children and grandchildren, who will continue the journey and carry her legacy forward.
Awards and Recognition
2005 Recognized for her contribution to the Emergency Response for Kashechewan First Nation
2006 Deputy Minister's Award for the development of a Joint Emergency Management Steering Committee to guide federal and provincial support of emergency evacuations of Ontario First Nations
2006 Appreciation Award for being instrumental in developing a national generic terms of reference for a safe water operations program
2007 Appreciation Award for commitment and dedication as a member of the GCWCC committee
2008 Appreciation Award for unconditional support and devotion to Aboriginal Awareness week events
2009 Appreciation Award for the excellent work accomplished on the 3rd Call for First Nation infrastructure Fund applications and their evaluation within a tight deadline
2017 Excellence in Service Award – reflected positive image of I.N.A.C while serving re-patriation of Kashechewan evacuees.
2010 Deputy Minister's Award for the Aboriginal Workforce Initiative
2012 Nominated for a People's Choice Award for Communication and Congeniality
25 Years of Service with the Federal Government