CHIEF
& COUNCIL

Chief Mushquash was born in 1953 in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and grew up in Rossport with his parents and five siblings. Although he moved away from the community when he was young, he continued visiting to spend time with his family that were still residing there.

After completing school in Rossport and Terrace Bay, jobs were at an all-time low. Peter moved to Sioux Lookout for a summer job in 1973, and started a position at the sawmill in Hudson where he worked for nearly two years. During this time he met a young woman, Toni Maskerine, who decided he should stick around for a while longer.  Her dad encouraged him to apply for a job with the Canadian National Railway as there was more security there.  In 1975 he trained for and became a Brakeman with CN and in 1980 returned to training and qualified as a locomotive Engineer.  This career lasted 36 years.

Toni and Peter were married in 1977 and their first born arrived in 1979 (Christopher John).  Their daughter followed in 1983 (Christine Ann Marie) and in 1987 another son (Clifford Adam) arrived.  His family remained active in the community and life became somewhat hectic. Both Toni and him worked full time while raising their children. Peter curled, and played mens fastball throughout these years (20 years too long). He also ran long distance, training for and running 10 marathons. During the running years he would seek sponsors to support his fund-raising for various causes within the community – Association for Community Living, the Bill George Long Term Care Facility, and the Jaws for Life.

When their children entered elementary school, Peter took an interest in the administration of the education system and ran for and was elected a trustee on the Catholic School Board, a position he held for nine years before moving on to the Public School Board.  This is where the “political bug” bit him.

After retiring for four years, he got a call from his cousin, Jacqueline Goodchild.  She wanted him to attend a meeting at the Pays Plat Community Hall.  She said they “needed help”.  He honoured her request and walked right into a nomination meeting.  She wanted him to stand for the “Chief”.  After a quick conversation with his wife, he let his name stand but lost the election.  Two years later he ran again and was successful.  He is presently into his second term as Chief and devotes most of his time to the hands-on operation of the reserve.  It makes him proud to fulfill Jacquie’s wish and he knows she would be proud.

Peter is proud of the accomplishments they have seen on reserve but at the same time frustrated with the lack of progress on others. Peter continues to work hard, operating through the various levels of government in order to accomplish the goals of the community.

Portfolio Responsibility: Chief Mushquash maintains both the Political Advisor and Finance portfolios.

Real Bouchard, an esteemed member of the Pawgwasheeng community, proudly carries the totem of the Kingfisher. Alongside his loving family, including his wife Paula Bouchard, son Riel Bouchard (born 1987), daughter Olivia Steele (born 1992), as well as their wonderful partners Dani Pelletier and Matt Steele, respectively, he has been an active member of our community for decades. Real was elected to the Pays Plat First Nation Council in 1976 and most recently in 2023. His passion for preserving heritage also led him to serve as the Pays Plat Traditional Archers Program Coordinator since 2019.

Since graduating from Lakehead University’s Business Administration Program, Real has held pivotal roles such as Executive Director of the Ojibway 1850 Treaty Council (1989-1992), Northwest District Manager for the Ministry of Citizenship’s Native Community Branch (1993-1996), Manager of Inherent Right Negotiations (1997-2004) and Emergency Response Coordinator (2004-2007) at Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Aboriginal Relations and Community Advocacy Lecturer at Confederation College (2007-2009), Regional Director for the Ontario Trillium Foundation (2009-2012), and Indigenous Relations Advisor at MNDM and MTO (2012-2021).

His life’s work embodies a legacy of service, leadership, and advocacy, a testament to his enduring commitment to his community and heritage.

Bio forthcoming.