Ottawa business leader Kevin Ford, chair of Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers, and Wabano CEO Allison Fisher, two influential champions of Indigenous health and community-building, at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Stars align for Wabano’s sold-out gala celebrating Indigenous culture and connection
As a child growing up on Manitoulin Island, Allison Fisher spent summer evenings on a fishing boat on Lake Huron, listening to her grandmother tell stories beneath a sky full of stars.
“We are stardust,” her grandmother would say, tracing constellations with her hand. “Each one of those stars is our ancestors. We are stars, and stars are us.”
Years later, sitting in a science classroom, Fisher heard something that caught her attention: many of the atoms that make up life on Earth were forged in ancient stars billions of years ago.
In that moment, she realized science had arrived at a truth her grandmother had known all along.
Fisher drew on those childhood memories Thursday as she addressed a sold-out crowd of 620 people at the Starwalkers-themed Igniting the Spirit Gala held in support of Wabano.
Fisher is CEO of Wabano, a community-based Indigenous health centre on Montreal Road in Vanier. She used her brilliant storytelling skills to illustrate a message that would run throughout the evening: we’re all connected.
A sold-out crowd of 620 gathered under a blanket of stars to celebrate Indigenous culture and raise funds for Wabano, a community-based Indigenous health centre located in Ottawa. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Just as stars are linked across the night sky, she said, so too are people connected to families, families to communities, and communities to the land, water and sky.
“You cannot pull one thread without moving the whole web,” she told guests.
That philosophy lies at the heart of Wabano’s work, said Fisher.
The gala, back at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, was held just prior to National Indigenous Peoples Day. Retired CBC broadcaster Shelagh Rogers, one of Canada’s most trusted and recognizable radio voices, welcomed newcomers and familiar faces alike to what she affectionately called a “reunion.”
Certainly, Rogers was reunited with her brother John Rogers, who handled the live auction duties.
A major highlight of the evening was the cultural performance inspired by Anishnaabe astronomy and the stories that have been passed down. It combined traditional Indigenous dance with modern dance and left some spectators — including gala chair Kevin Ford — misty-eyed.
The performance ended with a young dancer standing alone beneath the stars, creating a hopeful image of the next generation carrying ancestral knowledge forward.
A young dancer takes his place in the finale of a cultural performance celebrating the connection between the stars and ancestral teachings. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Throughout her welcome remarks, Fisher offered miigwetch, or thanks, to the Elders and knowledge keepers, families, allies and other guests who filled the room.
She acknowledged the generous sponsors, the gala committee and Kevin Ford, whose leadership she called “a gift” to the community. Ford, who was named CEO of the Year in 2017, recently retired as chief executive of Calian Group.
For nearly three decades, Wabano has provided culturally grounded health services and community-led programs, creating spaces where Indigenous families can heal, reconnect with culture and find belonging.
Fisher said Indigenous health is about far more than the absence of illness. It is about relationships, dignity and community.
“It is the presence of belonging, a community that says to every single person within it: You matter. You are seen. You are part of us.”
Fisher returned to the lessons her grandmother had taught her years ago on those summer nights. “You don’t just look up at the stars and know where you are. You look up and know where you come from.”
The speech earned a standing ovation. “I am a big fan of Allison Fisher,” Ford later told CiTC. “I think she embodies leadership, passion and vision, with impact.”
Ford, who is passionate about arts and culture, said Wabano’s fundraising gala stands out for its celebration of Indigenous culture. “It’s one of the most memorable nights of the year for me,” he said.
From left, Linh Nguyen, Janice Saunders, Wabano board member Jennifer Bouchard, Wabano CEO Allison Fisher, and Howard Fine Jewellers owners Stephanie Appotive and her sister Lindsay Appotive at Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Attendees included such hospital heads as Montfort CEO Dominic Giroux, CHEO’s chief executive, Dr. Vera Etches, Queensway Carleton Hospital CEO Dr. Andrew Falconer, The Royal’s senior medical officer and deputy chief of staff, Dr. Maiko Schneider, and healthcare leader Jo-Anne Poirier, who’s on the board of The Ottawa Hospital.
Also spotted were former Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty, Ottawa Centre MP Yasir Naqvi, Ottawa Centre MPP Catherine McKenney, University of Ottawa’s chancellor, Claudette Commanda, and Waverley House Foundation founder and mental health philanthropist Bruce McKean.
Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs took a police bike for a spin on stage, cycling in circles to give bidders a closer look before it was auctioned off in support of the cause.
Special guests included harmonica virtuoso Mike Stevens, who also delivers musical instruments to remote northern communities. Stevens was there with fellow Order of Canada recipient Michelle Valberg, with whom he’s collaborated on a documentary, Breathe in the World/Breathe Out Music. He got the crowd chanting along to “Spend your money at the Wabano Gala” as he performed.
A video produced by SandBay Entertainment explored themes of healing, belonging and connection, striking an emotional chord with many in the room.
Canadian harmonica player Mike Stevens contributed to the main cultural performance at Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers, held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips
John Rogers helped as live auctioneer while his famous sister Shelagh Rogers emceed Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers, held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala’s cultural performance was inspired by Anishnaabe astronomy and the stories that have been passed down. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Dr. Maiko Schneider (The Royal), Adam Joiner (BGC Ottawa), strategic facilitator and leadership coach Maureen Cunningham, Stephen Beckta (Beckta and Gezellig restaurants), Bruce McKean (Waverley House Foundation), Adrienne Vienneau (Christie Lake Kids) and Chris Ide (The Royal’s charitable foundation) at Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Ottawa business leader Kevin Ford, chair of Wabano Gala, and Jacqueline Belsito, president of the Senators Community Foundation, at Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers, held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs took the donated police bike for a spin on stage during the live auction portion of Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala’s cultural performance was inspired by Anishnaabe astronomy and the stories that have been passed down. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Montfort Hospital board member Mathieu Fleury, University of Ottawa Chancellor Claudette Commanda and former Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty at Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Allison Fisher, CEO of Wabano, enthusiastically waved her glowing bid wand during harmonica player Mike Stevens’ performance, inspiring support for the cause. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Pheroz Austin, regional associate vice president for the Indigenous Banking Group at TD Bank; Jett Lafantaisie, regional manager of the Indigenous Banking Group at TD, and Terry Copenace, senior regional manager of the Indigenous Banking Group at TD, at Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Roxanne Harper (First Nations Housing Professionals Association) and Wabano’s board chair, Louise Logue, at the organization’s Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers, held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre. Photo by Caroline Phillips
This original acrylic on canvas, Akaagokaan (Starworld), by Leland Bell (valued at $8,000) was one of several artworks sold off during the live auction at Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Sawsan Al-Refaei, director of the I-IDEAS Office at CHEO, with the pediatric health and research centre’s CEO, Dr. Vera Etches, at Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers, held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Retired CBC broadcast journalist Shelagh Rogers welcomed a sold-out crowd of 620 to this year’s Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers, which returned to the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Montfort Hospital CEO Dominic Giroux alongside Jo-Anne Poirier, a board member with The Ottawa Hospital, and Queensway Carleton Hospital CEO Dr. Andrew Falconer at Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Cynthia Desjardins, commercial account manager at RBC, and Yasser Ghazi, vice president of commercial financial services at RBC, at Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Nimkii Osawamick was part of the cultural performances at Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers, held at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Kristina Logue, chief financial officer at Payments Canada, with daughter Sloan, 11, and husband Shaun Logue, a board member with Wabano, at its Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Organizers were expecting to top last year’s $200,000 total. The event featured its largest silent auction yet, with 240 items, including Indigenous art, jewelry and accessories. Jacqueline Belsito, president of the Senators Community Foundation, walked away with perhaps the biggest haul: 25 pounds of lobster.
A hand-painted paddle signed by Prime Minister Mark Carney fetched $2,000. That’s exactly the same amount it brought in last year, proving at least one thing in Canada hasn’t gotten more expensive. It was bought by Mark Dokis from the National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association.
Other items included a trip for two, via Canadian North, to the Inuit-owned Aqsarniit Hotel in Iqaluit; a dinner for eight at the historic residence of the Hungarian ambassador; an Ottawa restaurant, hotel and spa package worth $4,500; a Porter Airlines getaway; a VIP Bluesfest package for seven to see the Lumineers; an Ottawa Senators VIP game night for 16 donated by Calian.
A contribution from Howard Fine Jewellers was especially fitting, bringing a little extra sparkle to an evening inspired by the stars.
Attendees were also given small magnets made by Wabano’s children, youth, parents and grandparents, along with a booklet of traditional star teachings. “Our hope is that this gift helps you feel the connection you have to the universe around you, including the Wabano community,” said Fisher.
From left, Calian team members Ben Ouellette, Sylvie Timm, Sue Ivay and Vickie Fortin-Miron alongside Calian’s retired CEO Kevin Ford, who was back to chair Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Mark Dokis from the National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association was top bidder at $2,000 on a hand-painted paddle, signed by Prime Minister Mark Carney at Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Bob McDonald and his wife Sandy McDonald, client executives at Bell, are loyal attendees of Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala, which this year featured a Starwalkers theme. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Miv Fournier, owner of Miv Photography, Canadian Geographic photographer-in-residence and wildlife photographer Michelle Valberg, Canadian harmonica player Mike Stevens and his wife Jane Stevens at Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Brilliant colours and powerful movement brought ancestral stories to life during a performance inspired by Indigenous understandings of the night sky during Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers, held Thursday, June 18, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Sarah Fodey, founding partner, producer, director and writer at SandBay Entertainment, Erin Moore, SandBay producer Amanda Barakat and Catherine Mensour of the philanthropic Mensour Foundation at Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers. Photo by Caroline Phillips
NDP MPP Catherine McKenney (Ottawa Centre) in conversation during Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Igniting the Spirit Gala committee volunteers Nicole Loreto, left, and Melissa Hammell at this year’s fundraising gala, which featured a Starwalkers theme. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala’s cultural performance was inspired by Anishnaabe astronomy and the stories that have been passed down. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Shelagh Rogers, longtime emcee of Wabano’s fundraising gala, with loyal volunteer committee member Carlie Chase, who formerly worked at Wabano for 12 years. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Ottawa criminal defence lawyer Ewan Lyttle (Lyttle McGarry Del Greco LLP), Wabano CEO Allison Fisher and Brett McGarry (Lyttle McGarry Del Greco LLP) at Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala: Starwalkers. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Gala chair Kevin Ford came to the rescue with his iPhone flashlight, helping emcee Shelagh Rogers see the raffle tickets during a draw for an Ottawa Senators suite donated by the Senators Community Foundation. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit Gala’s cultural performance was inspired by Anishnaabe astronomy and the stories that have been passed down. Photo by Caroline Phillips
This article is made possible through sponsorship from Star Motors, WEALTH (WCPD), Syntax Strategic, RBC, Marilyn Wilson Dream Properties, ExecHealth, Altis Recruitment, Bell Canada, First Avenue Investment Counsel, Welch LLP, Brazeau Seller Law and Prime Benefits Group.
hello@carolineinthecapital.ca
SHARE THIS STORY
Stay in the know
Get stories + event highlights from the capital delivered to your inbox.
