Speakers
ASHTON ASHLEY
Tmícw Research Assistant
Qwelmínte Secwépemc
Ashton Ashley is T’exelc from Williams Lake, BC, as well as Choctaw and Cherokee Nation from Oklahoma. Ashton has been an honoured and humbled guest in Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc for the past 10 years. Currently, he is a third-year student at Thompson Rivers University seeking a Bachelor of Science in pre-medical science. Ashton hopes to attend the University of British Columbia to achieve his goal of becoming a physician. Upon completing his studies, he would like to open his own practice within an Indigenous community, providing a space to “Walk on Two Legs,” implementing both Western and Traditional medical practices.
Last year, Ashton started his work in Cumulative Effects as a Tmícw intern at Qwelmínte Secwepemc. He completed his project studying old growth forest within the North Thompson Watershed. Using ALCES Online, three classes of forest (recruitment old growth, old growth, and ancient old growth) were analyzed, whether or not they were inside intact ecosystem forest fragments. Temporal analysis was then done by creating a 50-year pre-European contact range of natural variation (RNV), which was then compared to three individual 50-year forecasted scenarios - base case, no forestry, and Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 (RCP 8.5).
Ashton continues to work at Qwelmínte Secwepemc as a Tmícw Research Assistant. Aside from his studies and professional work, he has a great fondness of the outdoors and wildlife. He enjoys woodworking, fishing, and hunting; even more so when it is with family and friends.
ASHTON ASHLEY
Tmícw Research Assistant
Qwelmínte Secwépemc
KAREY BROOKS
Partner
JFK Law LLP
Karey primarily acts for First Nations and First Nations organizations in court and negotiations with government and industry on matters relating to Aboriginal rights and title, consultation, regulatory matters, including environmental assessments, and general governance matters, including status and membership issues. Karey also has experience in other public law related work, including with respect to Charter rights litigation and public inquiries.
KAREY BROOKS
Partner
JFK Law LLP
ALISSA CARTWRIGHT
Indigenous Rights Research Manager
Kwusen Research & Media
As Research Manager at Kwusen Research & Media, Alissa manages the completion of Indigenous Land Use Studies, Cumulative Effects Assessments, Cultural Heritage Assessments, and other types of research studies. Over the past 5 years, she has worked with Adams Lake Indian Band, Neskonlith Indian Band, Splats’in First Nation, Fort McKay First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Ahousaht First Nation, Upper Nicola Band, K’omoks First Nation, Kitsumkalum First Nation, Saik’uz First Nation, Wahpeton Dakota Nation, Okanagan Indian Band, Tsawout First Nation, and several other communities.
Alissa has led or co-led dozens of oral history interviews and community workshops, supported and trained community researchers in interview methodology, conducted extensive archival and genealogical research, provided archival research methodological training, and produced reports, memo, gap analyses, and grant applications for Indigenous Nations across B.C. and Alberta. She is currently working with Kitsumkalum First Nation and other communities to conduct community-led cumulative effects research.
Alissa holds a B.A. in History (Hons) from the University of Victoria and an M.Phil. in Public History & Cultural Heritage from Trinity College, Dublin. She recently led a panel on Indigenous-led Cumulative Effects Assessments at the International Association of Impact Assessment conference. She has also co-developed and co-taught an upper-level Anthropology course, Applied and Community-Based Anthropology, at the University of Victoria with Towagh Behr.
ALISSA CARTWRIGHT
Indigenous Rights Research Manager
Kwusen Research & Media
MARK CLIFFE-PHILLIPS
Executive Director
Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board
Mark Cliffe-Phillips is the Executive Director of the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board, which is an independent co-management tribunal responsible for the environmental impact assessment process in the Mackenzie Valley of the NWT. Prior to joining the Review Board, he was the Executive Director of the Wek’èezhìı Land and Water Board, which was responsible for the licensing and permitting of Canada’s largest diamond mines. Mark has been working in the resource co-management sector in the Northwest Territories since 2003, when he first joined the staff of the Sahtu Land and Water Board. He was a founding Board member of the Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects, where he is now a member of the Technical Advisory Committee. He frequently participates in various environmental assessment improvement initiatives across the North and the rest of Canada.
MARK CLIFFE-PHILLIPS
Executive Director
Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board
SOPHIE COLLINS
Tmícw Technician
Qwelmínte Secwépemc
Sophie Collins is Secwépemc from Esk’etemc on her mom’s side and from the Woodland Métis Tribe on her dad’s side. Sophie is honoured to be a guest living and working in Tk’emlups te Secwépemc Territory / Kamloops, British Columbia. She recently graduated from Thompson Rivers University with a Bachelor of Science in Spring 2022 where she studied Physics, Mathematics, and Statistics.
During her undergrad, Sophie had the opportunity to be a part of the Qwelmínte Secwépemc Knowledge Builders Program in the summer 2020. Through this, she was introduced to cumulative effects and quickly became inspired by the holistic study. She learned to incorporate the fine balance of Walking on Two Legs: blending her Western knowledge and background with her Indigenous knowledge to enhance her thinking.
She currently works for Qwelmínte Secwépemc which is a collective of leadership and technicians from six Secwépemc communities working together with four BC Ministries to move forward via the Qwelmínte Secwépemc Government-to-Government table. Through this collective, they can make sustained, substantive progress towards long-term reconciliation, support Secwépemc to build law and land management capacity, and secure a central role for Secwépemc as partners in the regional economy. Sophie is the Tmícw Technician where she compiles cumulative effects and data analysis reports. Tmícw roughly translates from Secwepemcstín (the Secwépemc language) to land, water, and everything on earth. Tmícw reflects layers of meaning and interrelation to the landforms, places, and beings within Secwepemcúl’ecw (the territory of the Secwépemc People).
Sophie is proud to do this work for the support and protection of the Tmícw to preserve Secwepemcúl’ecw in a state consistent with traditional importance to Secwépemc People; she is honoured to continue working with Secwépemc communities to take action and contribute to the ever-growing Indigenous leadership in cumulative effects.
SOPHIE COLLINS
Tmícw Technician
Qwelmínte Secwépemc
KELSEA DEBLOIS
Impact Assessment Officer
Office of the Chief Scientist, Natural Resources Canada
Kelsea Deblois is an Impact Assessment Officer in the Office of the Chief Scientist at Natural Resources Canada. She has a Masters of Resource and Environmental Management from Dalhousie University. She is thankful to work and live in Halifax/Musquodoboit Harbour area in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq People. She has worked in the area of cumulative effects for two years, having started her career at Environment and Climate Change Canada working on the Open Science and Data Platform (OSDP) in May 2021 before moving to her current position at Natural Resources Canada in July 2022 where she continues to support the OSDP through collaboration, engagement, and outreach.
KELSEA DEBLOIS
Impact Assessment Officer
Office of the Chief Scientist, Natural Resources Canada
Chief Judy Desjarlais
Blueberry River First Nations
Judy Desjarlais is the elected Chief of the Blueberry River First Nations, a Treaty 8 Nation located in Northeast British Columbia, 80 Kms west of Fort St. John. Chief Judy Desjarlais is of Dunne'Za (Beaver) and Nehiyaw (Cree) descent. Raised by her grandparents on the Blueberry River First Nations reserve, which was a valuable time of her life learning the cultural traditional values instilled in her by her grandparents.Judy sits on the Board Of Directors for the Indigenous Resource Network. She is also an advocate for First Nations communities, businesses and employees to prosper in their traditional territories and natural resources while protecting the environment and indigenous way of life through sustainability.Chief Judy Desjarlais is honored to be the elected Chief for the Blueberry River First Nations and looks forward to bringing her nation together in unity and prosperity by establishing a new era of transparency, accountability, and equal opportunity. She is bringing to the table innovation, determination, drive, and ambition to unite the community and plan for a bright, prosperous future for the community and its members now and for future generations.
CHIEF JUDY DESJARLAIS
Blueberry River First Nations
MONIQUE DUBÉ
Executive Director
Canadian Mountain Network
Dr. Monique Dubé is an executive leader and environmental scientist with over 25 years experience in executive management, environmental science, research and education, multi-stakeholder negotiations and collaborations and strategic assessment of environmental issues with specialization in cumulative environmental effects assessment. She has published over 250 contributions and currently serves as Executive Director of the Canadian Mountain Network, a Network Centres of Excellence hosted at the University of Alberta. Previous roles include Executive Director of the Canada-Alberta Oil Sands Monitoring Program, Chief Environmental Scientist at the Alberta Energy Regulator, Canada Research Chair and Associate Professor at the University of Saskatchewan, and Research Scientist at Environment and Climate Change Canada. She has served on many national and international scientific advisory panels and has been recognized for her contributions to science, policy and advocacy.
MONIQUE DUBÉ
Executive Director
Canadian Mountain Network
DELTA FLOOD
Impact Assessment and Cumulative Effects Coordinator
Matachewan First Nation
Delta is an Anishinaabe Kwe from Matachewan First Nation. She currently resides on her First Nation and has been working for them for the past year. One thing she is proud of is using Epicollect5 to create a Land Use Gathering App which allows users to gather information in the field and submit their data when they have access to the internet. Data collected will enhance both the TK values collection and monitor any cumulative effects in her community. She has found a way to use her ‘techie’ skills to help protect her First Nation’s lands.
DELTA FLOOD
Impact Assessment and Cumulative Effects Coordinator
Matachewan First Nation
DAVID FORTIN
Environmental Sciences Lead
File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council
Born in Québec City, David Fortin is a non-Indigenous physical geographer and a registered agrologist. David studied at the University of Montreal and Queen’s University before completing a postdoc at the National Institute for Scientific Research, Water, Earth and Environment Centre in Québec City. Between 2012 and 2017, David held a research associate position at Northern Arizona University, School of Environment and Sustainability, working on environmental monitoring and paleoclimatology.
Since 2017, David has worked with various First Nations, Indigenous and non-Indigenous governments in Saskatchewan, including FHQTC. David accepted a full-time position with the FHQTC-Lands, Resources, Environment & Stewardship Department in 2022, continuing to work on advocacy and protection of Inherent and Treaty rights, including through several collaborations between FHQTC and academia. David is an adjunct professor with the Department of Biology, University of Regina and the Department of Geography and Planning, University of Saskatchewan.
DAVID FORTIN
Environmental Sciences Lead
File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council
MICHELLE FRANCIS-DENNY
Pictou Landing First Nation
Michelle Francis-Denny is Mi’kmaw and comes from Pictou Landing First Nation, a small Mi’kmaq community in Nova Scotia. She considers herself a lifelong learner with a passion for Indigenous rights and environmental justice. She most recently completed her MBA in Indigenous Business Leadership with Simon Fraser University, in British Columbia and is the former Community Liaison for the Boat Harbour Remediation Project. Michelle is passionate about supporting Indigenous communities through inclusive and responsible business relationships and is currently working in the construction industry in the capacity of Indigenous relations in Atlantic Canada.
MICHELLE FRANCIS-DENNY
Pictou Landing First Nation
TRACY L. FRIEDEL
President, Lac Ste. Anne Métis Community Association, Socioeconomic Subcommittee Chair, Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee-Trans Mountain Expansion (IAMC-TMX), and Affiliate Associate Professor, Department of Curriculum and Pedagogy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver
Tracy has spent much of her adult life working in educational contexts, both during and following
completion of a Commerce degree with distinction from the University of Alberta in 1996, and a Masters
and PhD degree in Educational Policy Studies (Indigenous Education), also at the University of Alberta, in
1999 and 2009 respectively.
Tracy has held a tenured Associate Professor position at UBC-Vancouver, and a Canada Research Chair
Tier II position in Indigenous Studies at Mount Royal University. As a Principal applicant on various CIHR
grants, Tracy has led research focused on various topics linked to Indigenous health, education and well-
being.
For the past several years, Tracy has sat as the Alberta Métis Member and Socioeconomic
Subcommittee Chair for the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (the “IAMC Committee”)
for the Trans Mountain Expansion (“TMX”) Project. The IAMC-TMX brings together Indigenous and
senior federal representatives to enhance oversight regarding safety and protection of environmental
and Indigenous interests as this pertains to the TMX Project and existing pipeline, and more generally to
provide advice to regulators.
In late 2022, Tracy was elected President of the Lac Ste. Anne Metis Community Association, the
representative group for her home community of Lac Ste. Anne Métis, or in the Cree language mânitow
sâkahikanihk. Lac Ste. Anne Metis speak for themselves and their collective section 35 Métis rights and
are not affiliated with any other Métis organization. As President, Tracy is deeply invested in leveraging
the formal recognition of her community’s Métis harvesting rights by the Province of Alberta in
September 2022 to further progress organizational development and enhancement of the community’s
political, economic, social and cultural strengths.
TRACY L. FRIEDEL
President, Lac Ste. Anne Métis Community Association, Socioeconomic Subcommittee Chair, Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee-Trans Mountain Expansion (IAMC-TMX), and Affiliate Associate Professor, Department of Curriculum and Pedagogy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver
MATTHEW GENERAL
Special Projects, Lands Environment and Community Development Unit
Duncan’s First Nation
Matt has a background spanning thirty years in Indigenous rights protection and enforcement matters. Matt has worked for Indigenous Nations since 2002 and prior to this, he gained valuable insight and knowledge having worked for the energy industry and the BC Environmental Assessment Office on major project reviews. Matt feels very honoured as having been instructed and taught by Elders, community members and leaders about their perspective on their rights, traditional and natural laws and what constitutes a respectful relationship with the Crown and industry. Matt currently works independently for the Duncan’s First Nation, other Indigenous Governments and as the Manager of Indigenous Consultation and Advisory Services for JFK Law, assisting Indigenous clients in litigation, negotiations, cumulative impact assessment-territorial planning and project specific impact assessment matters. Matt’s identify and culture comes from both his father’s British roots and through his maternal side being, Otahyǫ́:ni: (Wolf Clan) / Gayogo̱hó:nǫ’ (Cayuga Nation) of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
MATTHEW GENERAL
Special Projects, Lands Environment and Community Development Unit
Duncan’s First Nation
Bob Goulais
Conference Emcee
Bob Goulais, an Anishinaabe from Nipissing First Nation, is a well-versed and experienced senior executive and consultant having provided over 25 years of service to government, industry, not-for-profit, and Indigenous organizations.
He is a second-degree member of the Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge, a traditional society of the Anishinaabe (Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatami) people. He is a strong advocate for the retention and proliferation of the Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway language) and Anishinaabe Aadiziwin (Indigenous ways of knowing and being).
He actively leads Indigenous cultural competency training, implementation of Truth and Reconciliation processes, and integration of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) values and concepts in projects across Indigenous territory.
It is our pleasure to have him be part of our first in-person conference as our master of ceremonies.
BOB GOULAIS
Conference Emcee
MARIE-ANGE GRAVEL
A/Director
Environmental Assessment Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada
Marie-Ange Gravel is an A/Director in the Environmental Assessment Division of Environment and Climate Change Canada. She has a PhD in biology from Carleton University and over her career has specialized in fish biology and species at risk conservation. She is grateful to live and enjoy the outdoors in the Ottawa/Gatineau area, the unceded and unsurrendered Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. She has worked as a species at risk biologist for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and has now been at Environment and Climate Change Canada for over 8 years. She has worked in areas of provincial and federal wildlife permitting, regulation development, policy, environmental assessment and cumulative effects. She has been working on the Open Science and Data Platform since 2020 and has a keen interest in collaboration, bridging knowledge, science and policy and working with diverse partners.
MARIE-ANGE GRAVEL
A/Director
Environmental Assessment Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada
GORDON GREY
Impact Assessment Manager
Wolastoqey First Nation
Gordon Grey is a member of Pilick, the Wolastoqey community of Kingsclear. He has a
western science degree from UBC in earth ocean and atmospheric science. His
Grandfather is Samaqan Wimpie Charles Solomon, a medicine man. He spent most of
his youth on the land, gathering berries, apples, butternuts and other edibles, medicine
picking, and harvesting and preparing ash for basketry, also fishing and hunting. It is for
this reason that Gordon recognizes the importance of protecting Wolastoqey and
Indigenous ways of life and continuing the connection to the land and non-human
relations.
Gordon works for the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick (WNNB) as the Impact
Assessment Manager. He reviews Federal and Provincial Impact Assessments and
translates the implication to environment to potential impacts to Aboriginal and Treaty
rights. He also aids with Indigenous Land Use studies and engages with the
communities that WNNB represents.
GORDON GREY
Impact Assessment Manager
Wolastoqey First Nation
SARAH HOPKINS HERR
Matriarch and Founder
Three Sisters Consulting
Sarah is a seasoned trainer, facilitator, and strategist specializing in Indigenous Engagement. She has worked with multiple levels of government and private sector in capacity building, economic and business development, and engagement and impact. She founded Three Sisters Consulting in 2018 as an organization dedicated to empowering fellow Indigenous peoples by taking feedbacks and turning it into actionable goals. Her core areas of expertise include but are not limited to employment and training, environmental impacts, crisis response in Indigenous communities, and mental health awareness. Sarah’s passion lies in working in connections to and from Indigenous communities through various extra-curricular roles including her current role as a board member for the Canadian Mental Health Association - Lambton Kent. Sarah is Turtle Clan from the Lenape Tribe. Some of the members of Lenape were displaced from their traditional homelands of New York (Manahataan now Manhattan) to present community of Eelŭnaapéewi Lahkéewiit (Delaware Nation) in southwestern Ontario. Coming from a long line of strong Indigenous women, Sarah, a day school survivor, was raised by her mother and grandmother, the latter being a residential school survivor. Sarah’s family lineage also includes her great-grandmother, who spoke only Lenape. These women continue to be her inspiration and source of strength and identity. Sarah’s life is a dedication to amplifying the Indigenous voices, so they are heard and respected in the business world and beyond. Her approach to working is grounded in her commitment to preserving Indigenous culture and promoting sustainable practices.
SARAH HOPKINS HERR
Matriarch and Founder
Three Sisters Consulting
LAWRENCE IGNACE
PhD Student, University of Victoria, Vice Chair, Canadian Mountain Network Board of Directors, and Board Member, ICCE
Lawrence Ignace is Anishinaabe from Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation within Treaty 3 Northwestern Ontario. He holds a Masters in Public Administration with an emphasis on Natural Resources Policy from the University of Alaska Southeast. His relationship with mountains significantly strengthened over a decade ago when he moved to Whitehorse, Yukon. During this time, he has held positions with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Carcross/Tagish First Nation, Arctic Institute of Community-Based Research and Yukon government. He has a passion for advancing the understanding and use of Indigenous Knowledge. As a PhD student at University of Victoria, his research focuses on the intersection of science and Indigenous knowledge and how we can learn from both worlds to shift our understanding. He is active on the Reference Group for the appropriate review of Indigenous research established by the three federal research funding agencies and Protect our Winters Science Alliance.
LAWRENCE IGNACE
PhD Student, University of Victoria, Vice Chair, Canadian Mountain Network Board of Directors, and Board Member, ICCE
JAMIE KATALUK
Water & Marine Environmental Specialist
Kivalliq Inuit Association
Jamie has been working for the Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA) for the past 3 and half years and his duties include water sampling in numerous lakes around the Baker Lake area where scientific and traditional knowledge are combined to obtain results. KIA has been water sampling with Elders from Baker Lake with the help of high school students to ensure that knowledge from Elders continues to be passed on to future generations. It is very humbling and brings much joy to Elders to work with youth and eager students and to see them engaged in their local environment. Elders and students travel long distances to locations to obtain samples from numerous lakes using scientific tools and Elders’ knowledge.
Prior to working with the KIA, Jamie worked as a senior environmental technician for several years. This work required him to do water sampling around mine sites and along all weather access roads, and he also did wildlife monitoring to protect wildlife around mines. Jamie often reflects on how beautiful our environment is and the abundance of wildlife in areas which enabled him to do a better job of protecting our environment to help ensure that future generations can enjoy lakes and their environment.
JAMIE KATALUK
Water & Marine Environmental Specialist
Kivalliq Inuit Association
BECKY KOSTKA
Lands and Resources Manager
Smith's Landing First Nation
Becky is currently the Lands and Resources Manager for the Smith’s Landing First Nation. She of mixed European Ancestry, from Celtic, Norse, Rani, and Reindeer herding tribes, but was born and raised in a small farming community in Treaty 7, Southern Alberta. Becky moved to Treaty 8, Fort Smith to take on the role of Project Director with the Slave River Coalition, where her major achievement was coordinating the Tu Beta Ts’ena (Water is Life) Gathering with Smith’s Landing First Nation and Keepers of the Water. She later accepted the role of Lands & Resources Manager with Smith’s Landing First Nation in September 2017. Prior to moving to Fort Smith, Becky worked as an Indigenous Knowledge Researcher, largely working on impact to Rights assessments for First Nations in Alberta. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies from the University of Calgary, with a specialization in Conservation, Development, and Environmental Education.
BECKY KOSTKA
Lands and Resources Manager
Smith's Landing First Nation
CRYSTAL LAMEMAN
Government Relations Advisor and Treaty Coordinator
Beaver Lake Cree Nation
Crystal Lameman is a mother of two and a proud member of the ᐊᒥᐢᑯᓵᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐃᐧ ᐯᔭᑰᐢᑳᐣ ᐅᐢᑌᓯᒫᐅᐧᔭᓯᐁᐧᐃᐧᐣ ᓂᑯᑖᐧᓯᐠ amiskosâkahikan nêhiyaw peyakôskân, ostêsimâwoyasiwêwin nikotwâsik Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Treaty No. 6, where she currently holds the position of Government Relations Advisor and Treaty Coordinator. As part of these positions, Crystal manages her Nations Comprehensive Treaty Claim against Canada and Alberta. She is a researcher, policy analyst and passionate Indigenous rights, Treaty, and environment defender with a graduate degree in Indigenous Peoples Education. She is currently completing a graduate degree in Counselling Psychology (June 2023). Crystal is a co-author of The End of This World: Climate Justice in So-Called Canada.
Centered on nêhiyaw worldview, practices, and ways of being. It is this way of knowing that is integral to her practice of diversity, inclusivity, and the building of antiracism within her chosen fields. Social and Environmental Justice principles, and objectives frame her personal and professional views on dignity, equality, ethics, access to services, equity, human and Indigenous rights. Her life’s work is centred on the advancement of Indigenous economic, energy, food sovereignty, and the realization of holistic wellness through her nêhiyaw ways of knowing and meaningful land-based practices.
CRYSTAL LAMEMAN
Government Relations Advisor and Treaty Coordinator
Beaver Lake Cree Nation
LEEA LITZGUS
Executive Director
Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects
Ms. Litzgus is the Executive Director for the Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects (ICCE). She joined the Centre in June 2020 to lead ICCE in its mandate to build and enhance the technical and scientific capacity of Indigenous communities in the area of cumulative effects assessment based on the values of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities. She has a keen interest in sustainable community development to ensure a healthy environment for generations to come.
Ms. Litzgus held the position of Associate Regional Director General for the Ontario Region of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) from 2011-2020. She was responsible for guiding the region to an Indigenous community-centered approach to support 133 First Nations in Ontario.
Ms. Litzgus played a key role in developing positive relationships between First Nations and all levels of government to encourage strong, self-sufficient First Nation communities.
Prior to working with the federal public service, Ms. Litzgus worked as an environmental consultant in the private sector, where she carried out Impact Assessment Studies on large-scale infrastructure and remediation projects as well as land use planning.
Ms. Litzgus has a Master’s in Urban and Rural Planning from Dalhousie University, as well as a Bachelor of Science from Brock University, specializing in biology and environmental science. She also holds a Certificate in Public Sector Leadership and Governance from the University of Ottawa. She is Algonquin from Ontario.
LEEA LITZGUS
Executive Director
Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects
NICOLA MACDONALD
Acting Chief Executive Officer
Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust
Nicola (of Ngāti Rehua, Ngāti Wai, Te Rarawa, Te Atiawa, and Ngāti Maru ki Taranaki), is a current member of a number of governance bodies, including the Hauraki Gulf Forum, Aotea Conservation Park Advisory Committee, and the Māori Women’s Welfare League. She has experience in leading environmental programmes such as the Restore Rakitū and Bring Back Kōkako projects.
NICOLA MACDONALD
Acting Chief Executive Officer
Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust
MATT MCDOUGALL
Co-Founder
Prairie Scientific Inc.
Matt completed his PhD at the University of Manitoba, in Winnipeg, Canada, after which he worked as the Director of the eDNA facility at the Centre for Oil and Gas Research and Development. His work has focussed on protein function, the design of passive sample devices, and eDNA metabarcoding in the Arctic. Matt has worked closely with industry, government, and Inuit organizations in Canada’s north, has presented work at international conferences, and published in high impact academic journals. Matt is always ready to take on a challenging project, where he brings to the table his technical skills, many years of experience with field work in the north, and expertise in data analysis and reporting.
MATT MCDOUGALL
Co-Founder
Prairie Scientific Inc.
JULIE MCKAY
Director of Lands and Resources
Mattagami First Nation
Julie is a member of Mattagami First Nation and is currently the Director of Lands and Resources and has been in the position for over one year. She has a strong 20+ year background in First Nation Health Administration and Addictions and enjoys working with membership. Julie is a people person that loves to volunteer so you can count on seeing her at most surrounding community events!
JULIE MCKAY
Director of Lands and Resources
Mattagami First Nation
PEPITA ELENA MCKEE
Chief Executive Officer and Founder
Impact Resolutions Ltd.
Pepita Elena McKee. MA and BA (Sociology and Anthropology), AA (Aboriginal Studies); CEO; Senior Cumulative, Socio-economic, Gender, and Health Impact Assessment Expert. 20+ years’ experience in intersectional qualitative and quantitative research and analyses; impactful engagement; social strategy and policy development; collaborative negotiating framework development; conflict resolution; gender, health, and cumulative effects assessments; impact benefit agreements and their execution; capacity building; and social management.
Many compounding factors in today’s world undermine our collective trust,
cross-cultural dialogue, and community. Pepita will help you discover resolutions to problems with fresh eyes and informed by international experience, but also transform your human environment by fostering long-lasting cross-cultural connections, participatory dialogue, and constructively critical thinking across multiple disciplines and moving towards common goals.
Hands-on experience and an extensive network of contacts helped her think carefully about her company culture at Impact Resolutions Ltd. (IR) to curate a diverse, passionate, and experienced team with the combined experience to work together and focus on common goals to tackle a multitude of challenges. IR is a Buginese-Canadian, woman-owned-and-inclusively-operated business practicing a unique synthesis of engagement and data collection for ESG strategies and certifications, impact assessments, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging interventions.
IR offers a diverse, multicultural, and multidisciplinary team and applies an Indigenous lens for audiences of various professional and cultural backgrounds in Canada, United States, Lebanon, Pakistan, Turkey, and Indonesia. Since 2016, IR has supported the public and private sectors, Indigenous governments, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions in diverse projects ranging from water supply to Indigenous eco-cultural tourism development, socio-economic and labour market strategies, and anti-racism youth-led national programming.
Drawing on IR’s intersectional qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, Pepita and her team co-create cumulative effects information that can inform policies, practices, and programs to promote equity, inclusion, and belonging.
PEPITA ELENA MCKEE
Chief Executive Officer and Founder
Impact Resolutions Ltd.
PATRICIA MITCHELL
Executive Director
The Manitoba USKE
Our organization is part of the National Aboriginal Land Management Association.
We provide direct support, training, networking, and collaboration on all lands related activities
pertaining to First Nations within our Region.
Education background includes a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Winnipeg, and Certification in
Land Management from the University of Saskatchewan. The most important training, education and
knowledge has been gained from working directly with First Nations Community Members, Resource
users, Knowledge holders, etc., who have a wealth on infinite knowledge and expertise that has yet to
be captured in any book. It is the grassroots people that provide the most wholistic teachings about the
world around Us.
PATRICIA MITCHELL
Executive Director
The Manitoba USKE
CHIEF ANDREA PAUL
Pictou Landing First Nation
Chief Andrea was born in New Glasgow, NS and lived all her life in Pictou Landing First Nation.
She is a descendant of a survivor of the Shubenacadie Residential School. Her father, Gun and
her mother, Teresa were also from Pictou Landing First Nation and her father attended the
school. Andrea is married to Darcy MacInnis and they have two children, Lindsey and Selena.
Andrea has a Bachelor of Education from St. Francis Xavier University (St FX)and is currently in
a Masters of Education in Leadership and Administration at St FX.
Andrea was re-elected for her 6th term as Chief of her community. She holds the Health and
Environment portfolios for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Chiefs and sits on numerous Boards
and Committees. One of Chief Paul’s notable political achievements is the closure of Boat
Harbour as a dumping site for pulp and paper effluent. Chief Paul has also been instrumental in
supporting the growth of the community of Pictou Landing First Nation, with initiatives such as a
new administration building, a new fire hall, a new school, pavement of the highway, the
installation of a sidewalk, housing, gaming, treaty defender, and financial accountability. As part
of her work on Chief’s committees, there are new developments such as the Atlantic First
Nation Water Authority and Mi’kmaw Health and Wellness Authority.
Apart from her professional work, Andrea loves to keep busy now that her girls are grown and
have moved out. Andrea and Darcy have recently closed their pub Shenanigans in New
Glasgow which was operational for over 7 years. They are now focussing on a new take-out
called Auntie Saun’s Take-Out in the community of Pictou Landing First Nation. Andrea also
opened a beading online shop called Wasawek Beading which provides beading supplies and
beadwork.
Andrea is also a volunteer in her community and helps out as much as she can, whether it is
hands on or fundraising efforts.
Andrea has no problems with public speaking and has participated in countless events as a
keynote speaker at conferences such as, Women Empowerment, Women in Business,
Environmental conferences, and presenting to university classes, etc.
Andrea definitely makes the most out of everyday because tomorrow is not guaranteed.
CHIEF ANDREA PAUL
Pictou Landing First Nation
IRA PROVOST
Manager, Piikani Consultation & Piikani Traditional Knowledge Services
Piikani First Nation
Ira Provost is an Indigenous man from the Piikani First Nation, a member of the Blackfoot Confederacy, in Southern Alberta, Canada. Ira is the Manager of Piikani Nation Consultation representing the Piikani First Nation in external government relations as intermediary between external proponents representing industry and provincial and federal governments and the Nation. As manager of the department, Ira facilitates and conducts engagement opportunities with his community to ensure that the nation is aware and of impacts to their Aboriginal and Treaty rights to lands and are adequately addressed through Piikani worldview and perspective. Through the development of innovative programs and technologies for his nation in Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) assessment, Ira seeks to implement meaningful relationships for environmental stewardship. Ira is actively researching, developing biocultural protocols for his community to actualize their collective responsivity and custodianship to their ancestral lands. As a Traditional Knowledge Keeper for the Piikani Nation and Blackfoot Confederacy actively involved in ceremony and Indigenous knowledge stewardship, Ira works to ensure Piikani’s people and their knowledge is protected from harm. Ira has a master’s degree in Indigenous Studies at the University of Lethbridge in Southern Alberta with a focus on the Consultation industry as it relates to the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Ira is also a musician who writes and records music that highlights his Piikani Blackfoot ancestry.
IRA PROVOST
Manager, Piikani Consultation & Piikani Traditional Knowledge Services
Piikani First Nation
PATRICK RAGAZ
General Manager of Field Science
Environment Protection Office, Mohawk Council of Kanawà:ke
Patrick is the General Manager of Field Science for the Kahnawà:ke Environment Protection Office (KEPO) and has been an employee of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) since 2013. He has a background in Water Resources Engineering and Wildlife Biology and has been working as an ally to the community to advance restoration projects, rehabilitate contaminated sites, lead inspection activities and is also a member of the MCK Consultation Committee.
PATRICK RAGAZ
General Manager of Field Science
Environment Protection Office, Mohawk Council of Kanawà:ke
NIVI ROSING
Student, Board Member of the Arctic Youth Network and Alumni
Students on Ice Foundation
Nivi Rosing is a 20-year-old Inuk from Nuuk Greenland.
Nivi is currently studying Inuit Studies in Ottawa Canada which she will finish in May of 2023.
Nivi is a board member of Arctic youth Network, and she is very passionate about cross-border knowledge sharing in the Pan-Arctic and she has now spent 3 years in Canada exploring the similarities between colonialism in Canada and Greenland.
Nivi advocates for implementing Indigenous knowledge within climate action and wildlife management.
Alongside these roles, Nivi is a fellow of the Arctic Resilient Communities Fellowship.
NIVI ROSING
Student, Board Member of the Arctic Youth Network and Alumni
Students on Ice Foundation
AURELIA THEVENOT
Senior Health in Impact Assessment Specialist
Impact Assessment Division, Health Canada
Aurelia has 16 years of private sector and federal government experience in Environmental, Health and Social Impact Assessments and supporting studies for the energy, mining, and infrastructure sectors. A water quality scientist by training, her interest in impact assessment comes from a desire to achieve the best outcomes possible by seeking a locally informed, balanced, and holistic view of project benefits and impacts. In her current role, she supports Health Canada's meaningful and collaborative participation in federal reviews of environmental and impact assessments and leads the Department's work on cumulative effects in impact assessment, as they relate to human health. She also actively champions cultural competency, equity and inclusivity principles in her work and interactions.
AURELIA THEVENOT
Senior Health in Impact Assessment Specialist
Impact Assessment Division, Health Canada
DANTE TORIO
Marine Biologist/Spatial Ecologist
Chisasibi Eeyou Resource and Research Institute, Cree Nation of Chisasibi
Dr. Torio joined the Chisasibi Eeyou Resource and Research Institute (CERRI) in 2019 after working for many summers along the eastern coast of James Bay during his post-doctorate. As a lead scientist at CERRI, Dr. Torio develops and leads research programs that braid Western scientific methods with traditional ecological knowledge. He is responsible for research on coastal ecology and focuses on ecosystems that support waterfowl and fish habitats. Dante works with land users to develop tools and indicators to monitor environmental change and gather baseline data on the territory. In addition, Dante mentors young Eeyous on scientific methods. Dr. Torio specializes in ecological threat assessment, geospatial intelligence, data analysis, and cartography, with pertinent experience in tropical and temperate environments.
DANTE TORIO
Marine Biologist/Spatial Ecologist
Chisasibi Eeyou Resource and Research Institute, Cree Nation of Chisasibi
DEBORAH KIGJUGALIK WEBSTER
Heritage Researcher and Writer
Deborah Kigjugalik Webster grew up with a love for her Inuit culture and heritage and knew early on what she wanted to pursue for a career. Her childhood was spent in Qamani’tuaq, Baker Lake, in what is now the Nunavut Territory and because there was no high school in the hamlet, her family moved to Ottawa, Ontario where she and her four siblings received their education. After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology at Carleton University, Deborah worked as an Arctic archaeologist with Parks Canada, and for 20 years was based at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. She was the first President of the Inuit Heritage Trust established under the Nunavut Final Agreement. Her interest shifted to focusing on Elders’ knowledge and oral history research and writing and she is currently working on a book about Nunavut’s unsung heroes- Inuit RCMP special constables.
Based in Ottawa, Deborah was Curator of Heritage Collections with the Government of Nunavut until recently when she returned to heritage consulting to work on her research and writing projects.
DEBORAH KIGJUGALIK WEBSTER
Heritage Researcher and Writer
CHIEF DYLAN WHITEDUCK
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg
Chief Whiteduck is the former Economic Development Officer for Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, and he is proud to be a part of the success and achievements of the economic development portfolio. He was elected Chief of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg in August of 2020. As Chief, he advocates for our unceded lands and territory and acts in the best interest for his community and the members that he serves. Chief Whiteduck has a strong desire to promote and develop clean energy projects and has a keen interest in the field of leadership, change management, and First Nations governance. He enjoys exercising his First Nations' inherent rights of hunting and fishing. He is an avid golfer and enjoys traditional powwows with his wife and daughter.
CHIEF DYLAN WHITEDUCK
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg
CAROL WILDCAT
Consultation Director
Ermineskin Cree First Nation
Carol’s Cree name is Askew Kahpista and her English name is Carol Wildcat and she is from the Ermineskin Cree Nation in Central Alberta. Carol is a great grandmother, grandmother and mother and she is one of the direct descendants of Chief Kosiksowayano (Ermineskin).
Carol attended the University of Calgary and studied Anthropology. She was instrumental in the development of Ermineskin Treaty Office in 1989 and she sat on Ermineskin Council for one term. With her team, they have developed the Ermineskin Industrial Relations Office, which houses Consultation, Economic Community Development, Ermineskin Resource Development, Neyaskweyak Employment and Skills Training as well as other special projects.
Carol always endeavours to create a space and place for future generations. She works for the children who are not yet part of this earth and believes that it is our responsibility to ensure that the history and knowledge of our peoples remains intact. She also believes that we must ensure that our history, stories and archeological places endure and that our children know this is their land and history and that we need to be the authors of our own stories.
CAROL WILDCAT
Consultation Director
Ermineskin Cree First Nation
BARRY J WILSON
RPF, Founder of the RavenWater Learning Circle™, Systems Ecologist, Paraglider Pilot, CEO, CE Analytic Ltd. and Member of the Technical Advisory Committee, ICCE
Barry Wilson is a third generation Canadian whose ancestors immigrated from Scotland to Turtle Island in the countries now known as Canada and the United States. He has focused his career on the discipline of cumulative effects for the past 23 years. Drawing upon over 3 decades of professional practice, Barry works closely with Indigenous communities and has led several precedent-setting Indigenous-led holistic cumulative effects assessments for major infrastructure projects.
As the Founder of the RavenWater Learning Circle™, Barry is focused on increasing the skills and self-sustaining capacity of Indigenous organizations to lead cumulative effects assessment, planning, monitoring and decision-making in their lands, waters, and communities. Barry seeks to use two ways of knowing; Indigenous Knowledge and western contemporary science, in applying and teaching holistic cumulative effects assessment. He works with teams to bring clarity to complex conversations about the cumulative effects of multiple human land uses, natural disturbance, and climate change.
Barry and his wife Karen are grateful for the privilege of living and operating CE Analytic’s head office within Secwepemcúl’ecw, the unceded Traditional Territory of the Secwépemc Nation, where they raised their daughter and son in the city of Salmon Arm BC. Adding to his experience in western Canada, Barry’s work has taken him north to the Sahtu Region of the NWT, east to the Maritimes region of Mi’kma’ki, and south to the US pacific northwest. Barry is serving his 3rd year on the Indigenous Center for Cumulative Effects Technical Advisory Committee and is co-founder and President of the registered Charity BC Tomorrow helping students learn about sustainability in their own watersheds.
You can learn more about the RavenWater Learning Circle™ here: www.ravenwater.ca and explore holistic cumulative effects with Barry further on the web: www.barryjwilson.com, on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/barryjwilson, or on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryjwilson/
BARRY J WILSON
RPF, Founder of the RavenWater Learning Circle™, Systems Ecologist, Paraglider Pilot, CEO, CE Analytic Ltd. and Member of the Technical Advisory Committee, ICCE