Meet Our Team

Travis Seymour, a Mohawk from the Mohawk Territory of Akwesasne, is an accomplished professional and trailblazer. As the first-ever First Nation CEO at the First Nations Market Housing Fund (FNMHF), he leads the organization from its headquarters in Akwesasne. Travis, an FCPA, FCGA, brings extensive expertise as Director of Finance and Administration for FNMHF since 2018. His career spans impactful roles with MNP LLP, the First Nations Financial Management Board, Aboriginal Healing Foundation, and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. Travis holds notable designations as a Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager and a Certified Government Audit Professional. Beyond his professional achievements, Travis enjoys outdoor activities like camping and fishing. His accomplishments and dedication make him a respected leader and role model for others in his community and beyond.

Kelly Bitternose is the current Director, Programs & Services – Credit Enhancement and Capacity Building at the First Nations Market Housing Fund, where he is responsible for managing the Credit Enhancement (CE) Program and Capacity Development (CD) activities. Prior to this role, Mr. Bitternose has gained over 30 years’ experience in the banking industry, with the past 24 years serving as Regional Manager for Peace Hills Trust Company in Saskatoon and West Kelowna. He has extensive experience in both commercial and consumer lending with First Nation Communities, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal entities, as well as in managing staff and ensuring the continued growth and profitability of the regional offices. He has also been actively involved in managing, marketing, and controlling all regional office functions while achieving growth objectives and ensuring long-term viability. In addition to his professional career, Mr. Bitternose has contributed greatly to his community through his involvement in various committees and boards, including the North Saskatoon Business Association Economic Development Committee, and the George Gordon First Nation TLE Board and Land Committee. He has also served as a Board Member at George Gordon Developments Ltd., National Aboriginal Capital Corporation for Peace Hills Trust Company, and the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority Board of Directors. Mr. Bitternose holds a Diploma in Business Administration from SIAST Pallister Campus, where he graduated with honours. He has also completed the Indian Business Management Program at the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and holds a Business Management Certificate from the Universal Career College and has completed various seminars and courses to enhance his skills and knowledge. He is a proud native of the George Gordon First Nation and has achieved significant success in his career while also contributing to his community.

Having joined the First Nations Market Housing Fund in 2017, Tae Kim currently serves as the Director, Finance and Administration and oversees all financial and administrative operations, including payroll, budgeting, financial reporting, and government compliance. He has over a decade of experience in financial management, accounting, and administration. His expertise extends to his experience at MNP LLP and McCay Duff, where he facilitated audits, assessed risks, and resolved complex accounting issues. Tae has also served as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, providing financial oversight and budget forecasts. He holds a Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies from the University of Western Ontario and is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario and the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada.

Nancy Pine, Associate Program Director for the Eastern Region at the First Nations Market Housing Fund (FNMHF), is a committed advocate for Indigenous rights, relations, and well-being. In her role, Nancy assesses First Nations’ applications and provides recommendations for participation in the Fund’s programs, focusing on Credit Enhancement and Capacity Development. With an impressive career path spanning Canada’s Truth & Reconciliation Commission, Assembly of First Nations, federal Indigenous Affairs Minister’s team, and experience as a broadcast journalist, as well as serving her own First Nation, Nancy brings invaluable expertise to her work. A proud member of Ketegaunseebee (Ojibways of Garden River) and residing on the ancestral territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg, Nancy not only embraces her cultural heritage but also promotes Indigenous homeownership. As a homeowner herself, she shares insights on accelerated payment plans to empower others in achieving mortgage-free status. Outside of her professional endeavors, Nancy finds solace and fulfillment among family and nature. Her unwavering dedication, diverse background, and genuine passion make her an exceptional asset to FNMHF and an inspirational figure in the communities she serves.

As Associate Program Director for the Western Region with the First Nations Market Housing Fund, Jason Haskett has been making First Nations members homeownership a reality for the past 10 years. Jason’s previous work experience includes Director of Sustainable Economic Development for the Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nation, Director of Economic Development at the Halfway River First Nation, Economic Development Advisor for Treaty 8 Tribal Association, B.C. and as a Community Advisor for the Community Future Corporation in Alberta. Jason is a Certified Professional Aboriginal Economic Developer and past member of the Board of Director for the Economic Development Association of B.C. and has served as the Vice President of the Economic Evergreen Corporation. In his spare time, Jason enjoys spending time with his family, camping, scuba diving, skiing, and travel.

Having joined the team in January 2023, Jennifer Martin brings a wealth of experience from having worked with the Fund during her tenure in the community of Membertou. Jennifer is a proud Mi’kmaq woman from Membertou in Nova Scotia, having served her community for 20 years. Learning about the Fund in 2008, Jennifer’s community built its first Fund-backed home in 2011. She became passionate about housing after becoming a homeowner herself, leading her to encourage and assist others in her community to achieve homeownership as Chair of Membertou’s Housing Advisory Committee from 2010 to 2023. Jennifer was instrumental in the implementation of the Fiscal Management Act and executing the Financial Management Systems (FMS) Certification in Membertou. She was also a key member of Membertou’s Governance Committee which was responsible for developing Membertou’s Family Homes Law, 2016 and Land Code, 2019. She has training in various areas of land management, holding the Additions to Reserve file for Membertou from 2018 to 2023. Jennifer holds a Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator (CAPA) designation from AFOA Canada and a First Nation Housing Professional (FNHP) designation from the First Nations Housing Professionals Association. She also serves on the Board of Directors for AFOA Atlantic and the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association.

Christopher Angeconeb is Ojibwe and is a member of the Lac Seul First Nation. He joined the Fund in August 2023 as Senior Program Officer. With a legal background and experience working closely with Aboriginal communities, he brings valuable insights to the Fund’s mission of promoting housing market growth and self-sufficiency among First Nations. Christopher’s background also equips him to navigate legal frameworks, address complex issues within the Fund’s initiatives and advocate for equitable solutions in housing transactions. As a Senior Advisor for various government departments, Christopher gained valuable policy development and implementation experience. His established rapport and communication skills with First Nation communities will facilitate successful engagement and promotion of the Fund’s programs. His dedication to community economic development will also contribute to the Fund’s goal of fostering economic prosperity in Indigenous communities.

Erika van der Grinten’s diverse experience in First Nation Lands management, real estate, and credit underwriting makes her a perfect fit as Senior Program Officer role at the Fund. Her expertise in developing financing programs, credit analysis, and underwriting is crucial in promoting housing market growth and self-sufficiency within Indigenous communities. Additionally, her background in securing Land Access Agreements on First Nation lands facilitates smooth housing project implementations in compliance with regulations. With her well-rounded skillset and commitment to serving First Nations, Erika brings a positive impact on empowering Indigenous communities in achieving their housing goals.

Having gained over 29 years of experience in the financial industry, Anthony Eneas, a member of the Okanagan Nation, joins our team as a Homeownership Navigator. Known for his exceptional problem-solving skills and a track record of customer satisfaction, Anthony is poised to leverage his experience, communication skills, and commitment to customer service to assist First Nations in achieving their homeownership dreams. Prior to joining the Fund, Anthony was Senior Account Manager at Peace Hills Trust for several years, and more recently held the role of Regional Manager at TD Bank. These roles have equipped him with a deep understanding of financial systems and a keen insight into customer needs. In addition, Anthony is a graduate with a Business Administration Diploma from the Native Education Centre and has contributed his time and expertise to various boards and volunteer initiatives, including serving as Vice President at Penticton Indian Band Development Corporation and Vice President at the K’UL Group. His volunteer work at the Central Okanagan Community Food Bank and his coordination efforts for the Kelowna Toy Run exemplify his passion for making a positive impact beyond the workplace.

Melinda Martin is a seasoned policy analyst and project manager with over two decades of experience serving First Nations communities. In her role as Senior Program Officer for Quebec, she supports housing initiatives through her expertise in governance, economic development, and social policy. Most recently, Melinda served as External Affairs Coordinator for the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, advising on governance matters and managing key negotiations. She also coordinated the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Governance Symposium, a significant event that brought together Indigenous leaders and experts. Melinda spent nearly a decade with the Cree Nation Government as Regional Economic Resources Advisor, overseeing aspects of the Impact and Benefit Agreements and managing the Social Economy file. She has also consulted for the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay, developing regional pre-hospital services plans, and worked with the Assembly of First Nations on Indigenous language preservation. Melinda holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), and a Licentiate of Laws (LL.L.). Her extensive experience and dedication to advancing First Nations interests make her a valuable asset to the Fund’s work.