About Us

Mission Statement

NATOA is a charity organization, and is committed to providing Indigenous Peoples of Canada with the resources and information that will help them efficiently create, manage, and operate trusts as a means to ensure the seven generations yet unborn, can benefit from the goals and dreams of the present generation. NATOA’s goal is to be a highly professional and relevant resource for Indigenous Peoples in becoming self-sustaining and vital economic communities.

Our Mandate

The Board of Directors of NATOA are committed to ensuring that the best possible information on areas relevant to trusts, such as investing, trust structures; accounting, tax, management, administration and legal issues is available through an internet-based research library website and national/regional workshops.

Commitment

NATOA’s commitment to strengthening Indigenous communities and their ability to meet their own member needs and desires through financial opportunities utilizing trust funds and investing principles that are consistent with Indigenous cultural traditions and values generally and those of individual communities specifically. Advancing the goals and opportunities of Indigenous women and youth is vital to the capacity and future success of our trusts and communities.

Our Team

Who We Are
Dr. Lauren Cripps

Director of Education

Dr. Lauren Cripps is a community-engaged scholar with Indigenous roots, raised as a settler with a strong connection to the Millbrook First Nation through her adoptive family. Lauren identifies as a bridge builder, with a unique blended heritage, she emphasizes the importance of integrating both Indigenous and Western perspectives. This commitment fuels her dedication to incorporating physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions into living and learning. The enduring impact of pre-adoption trauma accompanies her on her life’s journey, as does her loyal medical service dog, “Sophie.”

A distinguished public speaker and experienced board member, Lauren is committed to bridging cultural divides and fostering unity in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation. She advocates for “two-eyed seeing,” a concept introduced by Mi’kmaw elder Albert Marshall, which promotes integrating Indigenous and Western perspectives as a means of advancing decolonization.

Lauren serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences at Brock University, known for its multidisciplinary approach to teaching, learning, and research. With over a decade of experience as a community-engaged researcher and post-secondary educator, she prioritizes cultural appropriateness and community-driven approaches. Her interdisciplinary Ph.D., specializing in Trauma, Mental Health, and Positive Identity Formation, provides valuable insights into bridging health perspectives and fostering positive learning environments. Her leadership in curriculum design and accreditation processes with the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities makes her an ideal candidate for the Director of Education role at NATOA.

Lauren’s commitment to teaching and mentorship is highlighted by her advanced credentials in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, Trauma-Informed Pedagogy, Experiential Learning and Community Engagement, Leadership and Inclusion, Inclusive Curricular Design, and Universal Design for Learning. She has taught over 90 courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, supervised numerous thesis students, and continues to contribute to the concurrent education and educational psychology programs at Brock University.

Despite her many professional accomplishments, Lauren regards her family as her greatest achievement, loving and laughing her way through life alongside her spouse, William, and their four children, Nyla, Emma, Willa, and Luca.

Who We Are

Our Goals

  • Opportunities

    Provide opportunities for development of Indigenous trust officers and managers.

  • Education

    Develop an educational program for Indigenous trust officers, NATOA members and others including women and youth through workshops.

  • Advocacy and Engagement

    Provide opportunities for development of Indigenous trust officers and managers.

  • Meet our Board Members