Chief Eugene Hart is the elected leader of the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation, having served in that capacity for nearly a decade. Chief Hart is Innu, born in Labrador and raised in his First Nation community of Sheshatshiu.

Beginning with his early experience in working as a manager at the Charles J. Andrew Healing Centre and as a community service worker with the Department of Children, Youth and Family Services, Chief Hart has pursued and developed a life-long interest in supporting youth. Prior to his first election to the Band Council in 2013, he worked in the education system for 16 years both at the Peenamin McKenzie School and later with the Sheshatshiu Innu School under the Innu-led school board, Mamu Tshishkutamashutau. Chief Hart held a number of key positions in the education system as a Vice-Principal, Community School Liaison and Guidance Counsellor Assistant and with the Innu Nation Board of Directors as a board member and on its Executive Committee.

To support his community activism Chief Hart received a leadership certificate in community management from UPEI’s faculty of Business.

Through his work at the school and his current mandate as Chief, a priority is respecting Innu culture and commitment to seeking opportunities for families and youth to participate in land-based activities as a means for strengthening cultural teachings and family and community relations.

Chief Hart views the Charles J. Andrew Healing Centre as vital to the health and welfare of youth and families it serves throughout Atlantic and northern Canada and fully supports its treatment approach for youth and families that need mental health and addictions intervention.