Allison Fisher

Allison Fisher is a visionary leader, social justice advocate, and Executive Director of the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health in Ottawa. Since joining Wabano in 1999, she has transformed it from a small clinic into a nationally recognized centre serving over 18,000 First Nation, Inuit, and Métis people annually. Under her leadership, Wabano grew to 110 staff and 450 volunteers, with over 45 funders supporting a wide range of culturally based health and wellness programs. She led an $18-million expansion of the Centre, designed by architect Douglas Cardinal, turning it into a symbol of Indigenous identity in Ottawa. Allison also co-founded the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition and has worked extensively to build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. A proud member of the Wikwemikong First Nation, she holds a Master’s in Counselling Psychology and has received numerous honours, including the Order of Ontario and the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal.