Chief & Council
Deputy Chief Jeffrey Jacobs (Aanike Ogimaa)
Jeffrey is a proud Curve Laker serving his fourth term as a member of CLFN Council. His traditional name is Little Thunder Man and is from the Bear Clan. Sharing his gifts to help our Nation and People is his motivation. His education and experience in business, finance, nation building and governance has sustained his career as a Business Management Consultant for almost 20 years. Jeffrey has had the pleasure of exploring Turtle Island, while assisting indigenous entrepreneurs, First Nation Councils, Administrations and Organizations undertake results driven projects important to them and the citizens they serve. Our teachings, culture and language have always been and will remain a part of his life journey. Family and Community are everything. He and his wife Patsy have been married for 17 years and together have three children, Carter, Quinn and Sierra Kwe. Jeffrey exercises his inherent right to hunt and fish, enjoys playing music and coach sports teams on and off territory. Giving back to his community is something his grandfather instilled in him at a young age.
Councillor Deborah Jacobs (Ggigdokwewag)
Deborah Jacobs is a proud Nishinawbaa kwe from Curve Lake First Nation. She is a nookmis kobda momma wife! Ndi kchinadem miinwa chinookiwyan miinwa. She loves our community and only wants the best and will work hard to accomplish Council mandates. Deborah was raised in Curve Lake all her life, worked at the daycare for many years and enjoys the time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Feel free to get in touch with her to arrange a visit and have a conversation. Miigwetch miinwa!!
Councillor Arnold Taylor (Giigdokwe ninwag)
Arnold was born on May 8th, 1951 to Stanley and Greta Taylor. Arnold was at the Mohawk Residential School in the fifties. He was later in one of the Children’s Aid from 1962 to 1968 and a sixties scoop survivor. He worked in the construction trade, is a devout baseball player and has served Curve Lake First Nation as a Councillor for many years. He has one daughter, Nichole, and two granddaughters, Taylor and Maddy. He considers the whole community membership as his family and will stand by his family values for all.
Councillor Laurie Hockaday (Ggigdokwewag)
As a member of the Otter Clan, Laurie is very proud to have roots in the large and beautiful family started by her grandparents Donald and Claypole Taylor. She and her siblings were raised with values based on the appreciation of family, especially in terms of the care we must have for one another. Laurie has been married for 23 years to her husband Dan who have three wonderful children Brandy, Danny and Collin and two beautiful grandchildren Stanley and Kaleb. As a member of Curve Lake First Nation, she has been employed on the Reserve for 32 years, 28 of which were with Curve Lake First Nation Government Services. Laurie brings with her experience and understanding of various aspects of First Nation Governance and Administration. Moving forward in Leadership, she will continue to strive and follow all the seven Grandfather Teachings as we prepare for our future generations to keep our First Nation strong.
Councillor Nodin Knott (Giigdokwe ninwag)
Nodin Knott is the son of Edward and Marilyn Knott. He was raised in Curve Lake and attended Lakefield District Secondary School and graduated in the 90s. He lived on Vancouver Island for 12 years, working as an Operations Manager for two major retailers: Sears Canada and PetSmart. In the summer of 2016, he and his family decided it was time to move back to Curve Lake. Nodin also worked part-time for the United Churches of Canada. He is currently living in Curve Lake with his partner Jenn and their six year old daughter Leita. He works part-time for Parks Canada. When asked the question, what does community mean to you, Nodin simply responded, “Community is a place that all members feel included, welcomed and safe.”
Councillor Steve Toms
Steve is a Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg of the martin clan from Oshkiigmong (Curve Lake First Nation). Steve grew up in the Peterborough area on and off reserve and now lives in Norwood, Ontario, with his partner and two dogs.
Steve’s experience growing up in the Peterborough area has given him a strong sense of community, which is something he brings to life in everything he is a part of. Steve is a Registered Social Services Worker and obtained a Social Service Worker Diploma from the First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI) in partnership with Canadore College. Steve continues his education at Trent University and is completing his final year of a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies. Steve has 10+ years of experience delivering programs at the community and provincial level across various topics centred around health education and promotion.
Most recently, Steve held the Community Health Representative (CHR) position for his home community of Curve Lake for almost 7 years before being elected as a Councillor for Chief and Council. Steve's love and passion for community health and well-being have transformed the lives of those around him and set an inspiring example for others to follow. His tireless efforts remind us that positive change is possible and that working together can create healthier, happier, and more vibrant communities for everyone.
Steve is currently serving his first term on Council.
Councillor Sean Conway (Giigdokwe ninwag)
Sean Conway is a proud Michi Saagig Nishnaabeg from Curve Lake First Nation. As a musician, politician, small business manager and arts administrator, Sean has travelled across Turtle Island working with countless creatives, entrepreneurs, government agencies and not-for-profits, demonstrated a high proficiency in policy, finance, public relations and cultural awareness. Respect for ancestors and future generations drive Sean to always have the best interests of all at the heart of every decision. He lives on territory with his partner Aggie, twin daughters Frances and Ruby and very mischievous cat, Louise.
Councillor Ken Jacobs
Ken Jacobs is Ojibway born and raised in Curve Lake First Nation near Peterborough, Ontario, and graduated from the Business Administration program at Sir Sandford Fleming College. He has spent the last 40+ years working at different levels of management in government services with First Nations, Aboriginal Organizations and the Federal Government. Ken has an extensive background in managing of personnel and managing programs.
Ken’s present position is with the elected Council of Curve Lake First Nation holding portfolios in Housing, Capital & Infrastructure and Finance. He is also the Co-Founder and Board member of Indigenous Housing Solutions Inc. (IHousing) and Ken also chaired the Housing as a Business Initiative (HaaB). IHousing and HaaB promote housing as the economic driver to support business and training for First Nation communities that are interested in pursuing private home ownership and finding solutions to financial issues to support housing.