Unified Incident Commander

Mike Charles is the Unified Incident Commander for Maskwa’s Indigenous Emergency Operations Center.

Mike is a member of Ginoogaming First Nation and continues to remain engaged in his community.  He currently sits as the Chair person for the Gingoogaming First Nation Timber Claims Trust. Mike is very familiar with First Nation issues, and carries a strong belief in indigenous teachings.

He has an extensive background in policing where he was employed by the Ontario Provincial Police and retired as a Staff Sergeant after 31 years of service. Mike has effectively led front line and support unit teams developing strong major incident, investigative and human resource management skills. He has held leadership assignments with the OPP’s Indigenous Policing Bureau and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service.  Mike spent several years leading and managing one of the five Provincial Communications Centers focusing on public safety and community wellness strategies.