Welcome to ORIGIN
We are a passionate team of innovators, collaborators and connectors who are driven to engage and inspire our future workforce. At ORIGIN, we innovate the way people connect to career and culture. Our approach is to design, develop and deliver leading-edge technology solutions that improve access to employment and culture opportunities across diverse industries and sectors.
A major focus of our work is with Indigenous people and communities, in a spirit of economic reconciliation, as well as to celebrate the rich Indigenous culture of this land.
Great teachings open people’s eyes, minds, and hearts to new pathways. Our goal is to provide immersive & inspiring learning and development experiences using the power of technology!
Mission
By creating tech-forward, immersive and inspiring learning experiences which improve Indigenous Peoples connection to their cultural traditions and career aspirations by facilitating meaningful relations with Indigenous communities and corporate Canada.
Vision
To advance economic reconciliation (meaningful partnerships and mutually beneficial opportunities based on a holistic value-driven approach to attaining community economic prosperity) for the Indigenous Peoples of Canada.
Our Team
Our team at ORIGIN is made of innovators and creative individuals that are all passionate about working towards our mission of connecting people to careers and increasing Indigenous participation in the workforce. Learn more about us below!
Melissa Hardy-Giles
Melissa Hardy-Giles, the owner of ORIGIN was a member of the Red Rock Indian Band, raised on Lake Helen Reserve. Her formal education is in Executive Office Administration and Human Resource Management.
Paul Giles
Paul Giles is a Director at ORIGIN and is a graduate of the Master’s in Management program from Lakehead University, with a Degree in Sociology, an Honors Degree in Social Work and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business.
David Abbott
David Abbott, an Anishinaabe from Pawgwasheeng, is the Vice President and Strategic Initiatives at ORIGIN. He is a seasoned management professional, which includes over 25 years of experience in the areas of Indigenous relations, operations, product marketing, marketing communications, business development and client service.
He has held leadership roles at the Bruce Power, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, CIBC Mellon, State Street Canada, RBC Dexia as well as SS&C Technologies (formerly Financial Models Company, Inc.). He has served on several community boards including the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto and Skills Ontario.
David received his MBA from the Edinburgh School of Business, Heriot Watt University.
Charmaine McCraw
Charmaine McCraw was born and raised in Caramat, ON and now calls Thunder Bay, home. She is a proud member of Bigitigong Nishnaabeg, situated along the northern shores of Lake Superior and has built her career in Community Economic Development with a focus on building capacity.
Randy Moore
Randy Moore was born and raised in Thunder Bay Ontario. He is married and enjoys camping and the outdoors with his wife and family. He has been a part of Age Friendly Thunder Bay since its inception in 2009 and currently serves as its Vice Chair. He has also been a long-time musician having performed at the Canadian Country Music Awards in 2006 and closed out the Red Rock Folk Festival in 2008.
Colette Hele
Boozhoo, my name is Colette Hele. I am a Community Outreach Liaison here at ORIGIN. I’m a mom of two young adults and one teenager. I am originally from the Fort Frances/Rainy River district. I moved to Thunder Bay as a youth and currently live in beautiful Kakabeka Falls, Ontario.
Nicholas Giles
Hello! My name is Nicholas Giles-Pelletier. I am born and raised in Thunder Bay and the surrounding area. I have traveled NWO extensively and have a love for this part of the country. I enjoy hiking and enjoy being around (and in) the many local lakes.
Andy Wigwas
Andrew Wigwas is a First Nation member of Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek, which is two hours north of the city of Thunder Bay. Andrew works on writing custom code in various frameworks and languages to bridge the gap between database and VR technology to deliver innovative solutions in the VR training industry. Our technology is designed from the ground up to support new and growing training applications.
Kody Holm
Kody is an Interactive Media Development graduate with a passion for programming and VR technology. Born and raised in Thunder Bay he developed a passion for problem-solving and through his experience working in the food industry he has developed an ability to analyze situations and create solutions on the fly.
Breanna Stephney
Breanna is a Commerce graduate from Carleton University. With her background in marketing and creative nature, she supports all marketing and communications at ORIGIN.