Don was born and raised in Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation near Fort Frances, Ontario. He was elected chief at 25 years of age and served five terms, as well as, Tribal Chief for three terms for Grand Council Treaty #3. He served for 14 years as Research Director for the (TARR) Treaty and Aboriginal Rights Research Program for the Grand Council Treaty #3 and as an Executive Director at Pwi-Di-Goo-Zing Ne-Yaa-Zhing Advisory Services.
Don was born and raised in Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation near Fort Frances, Ontario and is a proud member of the Lynx clan. His traditional name is Niigaanibines. Niigaanibines is fluent in the Ojibwe language and credits both parents for providing the Anishnabe traditional and cultural teachings that has assisted him throughout his career in maintaining a balance between the native and non-native worlds.
Mr. Jones has over 30 years of professional and practical experience within the political and management arena relating to First Nations and their relationship with the Canadian Government. Don was elected chief at 25 years of age and served five terms, as well as, Tribal Chief for three terms for Grand Council Treaty #3.
He has also served for fourteen years as Research Director for the (TARR) Treaty and Aboriginal Rights Research Program for the Grand Council Treaty #3 and has a solid understanding of legal and historical research matters pertaining to First Nations Lands, Specific Claims and Treaty & Aboriginal Rights issues. Don was also employed as an Executive Director for five years at Pwi-Di-Goo-Zing Ne-Yaa-Zhing Advisory Services, a Tribal Council that provides professional, effective, and responsive services to it’s member First Nations that respect and reflect Anishnabe cultural beliefs, traditions, and practices.
Don’s practical experience in initiating, recommending and implementing new projects and programs in Indian country has lead him to provide training and advice to his First Nations.
Most recently, Niigaanibines, was contracted by Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation to assist in drafting a Leadership Selection Code for leadership and it’s people to explore a new social and political order that reflects the seven Anishnabe teachings to harmonize the community and the surrounding spiritual environment. He is very excited to join the NCFNG to support and assist Ontario First Nations in achieving the attributes of good governance.
Mr. Jones has five children (four daughters and one son) and four grandchildren, and is looking forward to teaching his grandchildren all the traditional values taught to him by his parents.