Annie E. Johnson is familiar to everyone who reads the UINR Marten…she’s our resident cartoonist! What you might not know is that Annie has other, more serious responsibilities at UINR.
Currently, Annie oversees UINR’s operations and is filling Lisa Young’s position as Director of Administration while Lisa is on maternity leave. “I started at UINR as a summer student and I’ve been with the organization for over three years. In that time, I have been Administrative Assistant, Assistant to the Administrative Assistant, Finance Assistant, Finance Officer, and most recently, Director of Administration.”
A graduate of Eskasoni High School Class of 2000, Annie completed her Bachelor of Arts Community Studies degree AND a Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in May 2007. She has taken courses to attain a Certified Aboriginal Finance Manager designation with the Aboriginal Finance Officers Association of Canada, but as that designation is a combination of courses and experience, she has put the courses on hold while gaining more practical experience.
Before joining UINR, Annie worked for several years with Eskasoni Economic Development’s entrepreneurship summer camps for youth all over Nova Scotia. She also worked as a substitute teacher aide in Eskasoni Middle School. Annie is currently involved with the Eskasoni Parents Against Drugs initiative and helps organize the annual Acho Man Disco Dance in memory of her uncle.
When not volunteering or working, Annie spends as much time as possible with her dog Kalypso. Staff members say she bought her current vehicle (a small SUV) because she needed it to lug Kalypso around with her!
An avid reader, Annie spends a good chunk of the her time reading, Lately, she’s into mysteries and vampires.
“When you love your job, going to work and doing your work is not difficult, and with a team like the one we have at UINR, it’s easy to love your work.Our staff is one of the most productive I know of. I’m proud to be part of this team, and to have people like Elder Albert Marshall and Chief Charlie Dennis as my mentors. I learn and undertake new things all the time when I’m here, and I truly appreciate that.”
annie@uinr.ca
From UINR Marten – Vol.4. Issue.4 – Winter 2008
