Yvonne Thomas was the closest collaborator to and supporter of her late husband, celebrated Cayuga Hereditary Chief and culture-bearing elder Jacob Thomas (Hadajihgré:ta? - Decending Cloud).
     Yvonne worked along side Chief Thomas for over 25 years as he fostered and enriched traditional Haudenoshaunee (Iroquoian) culture. As co-founder and principal administrator for Jake Thomas Learning Centre (JTLC), Yvonne collaborated on the creation and implementation of the JTLC's core projects and programs, which include on and off site language classes, traditional lifestyle/knowledge workshops and a publication roster featuring hundreds of titles. Often working behind the scenes, Yvonne helped record, transcribe, preserve and catalogue much of the JTLC's irreplaceable cultural collection.

     A gifted culture-bearer in her own right, Yvonne has given lectures and demonstrations at institutions like the Iroquois Indian Museum (New York), the Field Museum of Natural History (Chicago) and the McMichael Canadian Collection.

     Amid these immeasurably valuable cultural outreach activities, Yvonne also accepts public speaking engagements and maintains and operates a large mobile display in order to bring the JTLC's work to Native culture conferences, pow-wows and other special events. Yvonne's many other skills and abilities include:
v  Accredited native language teacher with 25 years experience. Yvonne has taught for
     organizations like Mohawk College, Trent University, the Iroquoian Institute and
     Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

v  Able to read, write and speak Mohawk fluently, functionally literate in Cayuga,
     Onondaga and Oneida.

v  Traditional counselor and healer for over 10 years, able to conduct healing circles,
     sweats and other culture specific counseling activities.

v  Qualified cultural consultant with an excellent understanding of Haudenoshaunee
     traditional teachings and ceremonies.

v  Provided professional services to cultural and educational institutions like the
     Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford, the North American Indian Traveling College
     and the Brantford Education District.

v  Extensive hands-on experience with special events organization and coordination.

v  Experienced public speaker.

Yvonne continues to provide leadership and creative direction as she carries on the JTLC's mission to preserve and promote traditional Haudenoshaunee ways. She is the Centre's greatest asset, working tirelessly as executive director, principal administrator, fundraiser and organizer/facilitator of the Centre's core projects and programs.