Ray is an Anishnabe and a member of the Sagamok Anishnabek First Nation. During his youth, Ray lived a traditional lifestyle of hunting, fishing, trapping and living within his homeland territory of Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850. He has worked full time for 43 years including 35 years with the Canadian Federal Public Service joining the Department of Human Resources & Social Development. Ray has worked for various Departments/Regions in the Federal Government the Saskatchewan Government and was the Executive Director of the National Assoication of Aboriginal Friendship Centres. Most recently, Ray was Senior Policy Advisory to the CEO, Sagamok Anishnabek and facilitated the Lessons Learned meeting of the All Parties Table, Federal Government, Churches and Survivors of the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement. Girard Gallery is extrememly grateful and honoured that Raymond has gone to great lengths to teach Melanie and her family more about the Indigenous cultures, and history through travels across Canada and meetings with Indigenous community artists and leaders throuhout Canada in this unique" labour of love" as Ray like to call it.