New First Nations Appointments to OneNorth and AGG Boards Strengthen Local Governance of Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway
Chief Leroy Constant appointed to OneNorth Board by MKO; OneNorth appoints John R. McKenzie to AGG Board from Opaskwayak Cree Nation
August 7, 2026, Winnipeg, MB – Arctic Gateway Group’s (AGG) ownership group, OneNorth, has announced new appointments to the boards of both OneNorth and AGG, following recent board meetings.
Chief Leroy Constant of York Factory First Nation has joined the OneNorth Board following his nomination by Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) at MKO’s recent General Assembly. He replaces Chief Darryl Wastesicoot following Chief Wastesicoot’s retirement. OneNorth has also appointed John R. McKenzie to the Arctic Gateway Group Board of Directors, who is from Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN), replacing OCN Chief Michael Constant. Chief Michael Constant of OCN remains a Director on the OneNorth Board.
Chief Leroy Constant is a longstanding First Nations leader who brings extensive experience representing the interests of York Factory First Nation and northern communities, especially communities located directly along the Bayline. His appointment will further strengthen the connection between OneNorth’s governance and the First Nations and northern communities that own AGG’s railway and port infrastructure.
“OneNorth’s community ownership model ensures that northern and First Nations voices help guide their future, and I am honoured to represent MKO and contribute to that work.”
“The Hudson Bay Railway and Port of Churchill are essential northern assets that connect our communities and have the potential to create significant new jobs and economic opportunities,” said Chief Leroy Constant, York Factory First Nation. “OneNorth’s community ownership model ensures that northern and First Nations voices help guide their future, and I am honoured to represent MKO and contribute to that work.”
John R. McKenzie brings extensive experience in community infrastructure and public works in Opaskwayak Cree Nation, currently serving as the Executive Director of Infrastructure with OCN. His background includes leadership involving water and wastewater systems, housing, facilities, community services and major infrastructure projects. His practical knowledge of northern infrastructure and community priorities will support AGG’s continued work to strengthen the Hudson Bay Railway and Port of Churchill.
“The continued development of the Hudson Bay Railway and Port of Churchill is a huge opportunity for Northern Manitobans. ”
“The continued development of the Hudson Bay Railway and Port of Churchill is a huge opportunity for Northern Manitobans,” said John R. McKenzie. “I look forward to working with the Board, northerners and AGG’s leadership to ensure this infrastructure continues to support Indigenous and northern communities and creates lasting economic opportunities across the North.”
“These appointments reflect the direct role that OneNorth’s First Nations and community owners play in the governance and future of the Arctic Gateway Group,” said Mike Spence, Chair of OneNorth, on behalf of the Board. “Chief Leroy Constant and John R. McKenzie bring strong community connections, valuable infrastructure and leadership experience, and a clear understanding of the opportunities and responsibilities associated with advancing major infrastructure in the North. On behalf of the Board I also thank Chief Darryl Wastesicoot for his service and dedication, and look forward to continuing to work along side Chief Michael Constant on the OneNorth Board.”
“Chief Leroy Constant and John R. McKenzie bring strong community connections, valuable infrastructure and leadership experience, and a clear understanding of the opportunities and responsibilities associated with advancing major infrastructure in the North. On behalf of the Board I also thank Chief Darryl Wastesicoot for his service and dedication, and look forward to continuing to work along side Chief Michael Constant on the OneNorth Board.”
AGG is an Indigenous- and community-owned company, owned by a partnership of 41 Indigenous and northern Manitoba communities called OneNorth. AGG is further developing key trade-enabling infrastructure in Manitoba’s North to help Canada diversify its trade routes, expand import and export opportunities, strengthen its northern economic and security presence, and advance Indigenous economic reconciliation.
The full Board of Directors of Arctic Gateway Group is as follows:
Okimakan Morris Beardy, Director
Cal Huntley, Director
David Kakuktinniq, Director
Chief Betsy Kennedy, Director
John R. McKenzie, Director
Ovide Mercredi, Director
Gary Rennick, Director
Paul Rivett, Director
Mayor Mike Spence, Board Chair
The full Board of Directors of OneNorth is as follows:
Chief Dr. Stanley Bird (Nominated by Peguis First Nation)
Chief Leroy Constant (Nominated by MKO)
Chief Michael Constant (Nominated by FN Co. representing Bayline communities)
David Daley (Nominated by Town of Churchill)
Arlen Dumas (Nominated by Mathias Colomb Cree Nation)
Alma Hart (Nominated by Mathias Colomb Cree Nation)
Chief Betsy Kennedy (Nominated by FN Co.)
Sheryl Matheson (Nominated by NACC)
Mayor Andre Murphy (Nominated by AMM)
Mayor Mike Spence (Nominated by Town of Churchill)
Vacant (Position held for the Kivalliq Inuit Association)