Gary is a second-generation Canadian settler whose parents came from Friesland, which is in the north/west region of the Netherlands. He lives in Orono, Ontario and enjoys reading, painting, hiking wooded trails and paddling secluded rivers. He had given little thought to the original inhabitants of Canada until about 20 years ago when he had the pleasure of discussing cultural issues with an Indigenous co-worker. This co-worker helped him realize that they had much more in common than they had differences. Those discussions sparked his interest in Indigenous issues and ultimately led him to complete a BA in Indigenous Studies at Trent University. Gary looks forward to working with the Canadian Indigenous Ministry Committee to improve relationships with our Indigenous neighbors.
