My name is Natalie Dueck and I’m from Gordons First Nation. I started my career within the Public Service at Indigenous Services twenty years ago. At present I’m acting as the Regional Senior Program Officer in Lands and Economic Development Services in the SK Region. Prior to this, I worked for eight years as a Lands Officer with numerous First Nation communities in the South regions of the province supporting Chiefs & Councils and Lands department with all aspects of land and resource management and development on reserve. The Land Operations team administers the department's national land management regimes under the Indian Act and First Nations Land Management Act, respectively; the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program (RLEMP) and First Nations Land Management (FNLM). These regimes aim to promote responsible land and environment stewardship inherent to Indigenous people by providing resources, training and tools. By investing in community readiness, First Nations are better equipped to assume greater control over their lands to ensure they are well positioned to succeed in their various economic development ventures.

For the past two years, Emilie Garnier has been an Economic Development Officer with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) in Regina. She manages all the Leasing contracts of Saskatchewan First Nations for ISC. The creation of the Leases provides the First Nations proper land tenure that enables them to secure financing for their economic opportunities as well as achieve sustainable environmental management of their lands. She is also participating in the update of the Lands Management Manual as a policy expert on leasing.

She has worked for Industry Canada for the previous 15 years in Québec, Ottawa, Halifax and Montréal. She has extensive experience in International Trade as well as Insolvency and Business Restructuring. She is also a certified mediator. Her education includes a B.A. in Architecture and an MBA in International Management, both from Laval University. She completed a semester of her MBA in Lima, Peru.

I began my career at Indigenous Services Canada 10 years ago, working in Corporate Services and Financial Services. In 2011, I started in the Additions to Reserve Unit as an Implementation Officer and became a Project Manager in 2016. I’ve worked on a variety of complex reserve creation projects such as oil and gas development, gas bar, office tower and the First Nations University of Canada.

Andrew Beynon has for over thirty years worked on First Nations self government with a particular focus on lands, environment and economic development. He is currently employed by the First Nation Land Management Resource Centre as a senior advisor on legal, environmental and enforcement issues.

Andrew is married with two adult children, is constantly renovating his house, restoring vintage JBL speakers and plays golf rarely...but always badly.

Tonii is committed to First Nations community planning and development. Her range of knowledge and experience includes developing community plans, economic development strategies, land use planning, policy development, and community engagement initiatives. Her collaborative approach supports an integrative community outreach methodology to assist clients with long range sustainable strategies that resonate with communities. Tonii brings an innovative approach to her work in navigating the regulatory and legislative processes of her clients.

Andrew Beynon has for over thirty years worked on First Nations self government with a particular focus on lands, environment and economic development. He is currently employed by the First Nation Land Management Resource Centre as a senior advisor on legal, environmental and enforcement issues.

Andrew is married with two adult children, is constantly renovating his house, restoring vintage JBL speakers and plays golf rarely...but always badly.

Member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation. Land Manager of all 8 communities and 44 Reserves. Worked for PBCN since 2012. Attended SIAST 25 years ago in Meadow Lake taking Integrated Resource Management (IRM). Most recently attended U of S Indigenous People's Resource Management Program in 2015 (Now called Kanawayihetaytan Askiy) and the Professional Lands Management Certification Program (PLMCP) in 2016.

Melissa Arcand is a soil biogeochemist with research interests focused on understanding biological indicators of soil health in agricultural and natural ecosystems. She received her PhD in Soil Science from the University of Saskatchewan. Melissa grew up on a farm on the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation in central Saskatchewan. She teaches and is the academic advisor for students in the Kanawayihetaytan Askiy program, designed to train Indigenous students to work in resource management and land governance in First Nations communities across Canada.

Mr. Derocher has worked for First Nations since 1981 at the age of 15. Having started with Meadow Lake Tribal Council in its first year in 1981 as a summer student; Mr. Derocher has always wanted to work with Aboriginal organizations. He has worked with FSIN, MLTC, Sask Tel and ACTC in various capacities. He has spent the last 20 years working with his home community Flying Dust First Nation as their Economic Development Advisor. Overseeing 8 of the FDB Holdings Ltd. business entities keeps Mr. Derocher busy managing the growth of the organization. Mr. Derocher presently serves as a Director on numerous Boards which are Beaver River Community Futures, First Nations Power Authority, Muskoday Economic Development and Boreal Forest Recreation Committee.

Robert Fincati has been a Director of Sakâw Askiy Management Inc. for the past six years; currently serving as the President and Chairman. Mr. Fincati is a Registered Professional Forester and serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Montreal Lake Business Ventures LP and the Corporate Executive Officer of Wahpeton Dakota Developments LP

Mr. Fincati previously served as the Woodlands Manager for L & M Wood Products as well as the CEO of Thunderchild First Nations Enterprises. Robert has developed effective corporate First Nation governance and investment practices that enhance the success of wealth creation. Robert was adopted into a Turtle Lake Nakota Family and has many meaningful relationships with Indigenous People.

Mr. Guy Lonechild, (Golden Eagle) is a member of the White Bear First Nations in southeast Saskatchewan and is proud to be of Saulteaux, Cree and Assiniboine ancestry. In 1999, Guy was elected as Second Vice-Chief to the FSIN. Having served three terms, he contributed to significant growth in new business and employment partnerships. Vice-Chief Lonechild navigated the FSIN’s 25-year Economic Development Strategy, with an emphasis in business in agriculture, retail, oil & gas and tourism.

As Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations along with Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall, he launched the First Nations Power Authority, the Saskatchewan First Nations Education and Employment Taskforce and Saskatchewan First Nations Health and Wellness 10 year Plan. Bringing with him his wealth of knowledge and experience, Guy Lonechild became the Chief Executive Officer of First Nations Power Authority in early 2018. Mr. Lonechild also runs a private consulting firm Lonechild and Associates which serves First Nations governments, business organizations while building government relationships. He holds an Associate Degree in Business Management from San Diego, California and a Masters of Business Administration from Cape Breton University, Sydney, NS.

Wayne began his professional career with Touchwood File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council and spent 5 years working in community planning and capital management. In 1997 he moved on to work with Nekaneet First Nation for 13 years as General Manager of New Horizon First Nations Administration where he oversaw third party and co-management services and successfully managed over $500 million. Wayne went to work for SaskPower in 2009 and has led their Indigenous Relations group for 9 years where he is now a Senior Business Advisor in Corporate and Regulatory Affairs.

Wayne holds a degree and Urban and Regional Planning from Ryerson University and a degree in Economics from the University of Regina.

Deanne Belisle joined Western Economic Diversification Canada in February 2001 to work on federal-provincial/territorial infrastructure funding agreements. Over the course of her career, she has enjoyed numerous roles as an agronomist, educator, manager, and public servant with the governments of Saskatchewan, Canada, and England. Recently she represented WD on the single-window pilot initiative known as the Economic Pathways Partnership. Mrs. Belisle is a collaborative leader who incorporates the principles of inclusion and diversity in her management style.

Mr. Doug Zolinsky was appointed Director General for Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) in 2011. Prior to this appointment, he served in WD for three years as Director of Policy, Planning, and External Relations. Doug has also held senior executive positions in the Government of Saskatchewan and in the private sector. He currently serves on the board of directors of Word on the Street
Saskatoon, the Saskatoon SPCA and the Association of Professional Executives of the Public Service of Canada (APEX). Doug earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Saskatchewan.

Lili Zwart has a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Regina and has worked for the Government of Canada since 1999. The first three years were spent at Veteran Affairs Canada. Lili joined Indigenous Services Canada in 2002 and worked for 13 years in Social Programs, including a four year stint in headquarters. For the past three years, Lili has worked in the Economic Development program as a Regional Program Advisor.

I have been involved with Aboriginal Economic Development for the past 19 years in different capacities from business plan assistance, Loans officer to Development officer.

At present I am a Development Officer with (INAC) Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada for the Community Opportunities program assisting with implementation of the Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP), Lands and Economic Development Services Program (LEDSP) and Community Opportunity Readiness Program Prioritization Framework (CORP PF) which is the major projects program.

Doug is an award winning Trainer, Coach and Consultant in the areas of Project Management; Communications; Contract Management and Organizational Effectiveness. His background includes training and consulting work with many private corporations in the U.S.A. and Canada; municipal, regional and provincial governments as well as many Aboriginal organizations and First Nations. He has extensive experience in Construction projects; Community Development projects; Business Development projects; Power Generation Plant Turnaround projects; Oil and Gas Industry; Real Estate Development. Currently, Doug is collaborating with Peter Ballantyne Group of Companies, (PBGOC), on developing introductory Project Management training workshops for First Nations in Saskatchewan; as well as offering consulting, coaching and advisory services in Project Management.

Derek McKay, BComm. MCPM; has been employed as a Manager with Peter Ballantyne Group of Companies for over 15 years. Dealing with all areas of the business spectrum, Derek has allocated much of his time involved with the many projects; including the business analysis and business planning role for start-ups, acquisitions, partnerships and renovation projects in his time with PBGOC. In a more detailed role, it has also included requirements gathering, due diligence process, documentation examinations, operational management roles, administrative roles and functions, ISO Quality Coordinator and Representative, Board representative, governance development and most recently has focussed on initiating a formal and documented Project Management process. Derek attended the University of Saskatchewan and convocated with a Bachelor of Commerce with a Major in Human Resources. Derek also completed The Masters Certificate in Project Management and is working on completing his Project Management Professional Certification (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Wayne is Plains Cree from Treaty 6, Moosomin First Nation, the founding President of International Inter-tribal Trade Organization, Senior Lawyer and Principal Director of the law firm Garwill Law Professional Corporation specializing in Tribal Trade and Economic Development, as well as member and past Chair of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Appeal Tribunal. He is a board member of the International Council of the Great Lakes Region a board member of Capacity Canada and a board member of Three Feather Corporation. He is also the 2018 Research Fellow specializing in International Comparative Indigenous law at the University of Oklahoma, College of Law. He is appointed by Order in Council as a member to the NAFTA Chapter 19 Trade Remedies roster. He is also a legal commentator providing Indigenous law insight and commentary for the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network.

Cree Cheechoo is a member of the Moose Cree First Nation in Ontario. She started at the Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation (SIEF) in March 2016. She is a Business Development Officer for the SIEF Contribution Program (SCP). Her role as a Business Development Officer is to assist First Nations Entrepreneurs throughout Saskatchewan to either start up or expand their businesses through the grant program.

Shaun Soonias is a member of the Red Pheasant Cree Nation in Saskatchewan and board member with Red Pheasant`s Economic Development Corporation.

Shaun is the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network (SFNEDN) which worked with SEDA to have May 7, 2018 proclaimed Indigenous Business Development Day in Saskatchewan. Shaun has over 24 years of experience in social and economic development roles, having held senior positions with the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority, Saskatchewan’s Advocate for Children & Youth, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, University of Saskatchewan and Department of Justice.

Verona has provided management, marketing and business development services to the not-for profit sector in Saskatchewan for over twenty years. Committed to building and maintaining resilient and vibrant communities, Verona has a proven record in capacity building and opportunity identification, and has worked with inner city as well as rural interests.

Verona views economic development as an inclusive process that embraces all aspects of community as well as participation in the global marketplace. Brokering partnerships and maintaining vital linkages between people, communities and sectors is her passion.

DonnaLyn Thorsteinson is the Director of Programs and Operations for the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA). She joined the SREDA team in 2014 to set up and manage Square One, the entrepreneur centre for Saskatchewan. Since that time, her role has expanded to include Indigenous Affairs and management of overall operations for SREDA.

DonnaLyn feels blessed every day to live, work and raise her family in Saskatchewan – the province she has always called home. Her education in agriculture, experience running business focussed not for profits, and time serving on various boards has led to her believing in partnerships, communication and teamwork as essential components to success.

As the current Chief Executive Officer and President of the Saskatchewan First Nation Natural Resource Center of Excellence, it is my role to lead and support 74 First Nations in developing sound decisions regarding the sustainable natural resource development of our First Nation lands. My leadership confidence in this position is based on previous governance and management experience as well as negotiations of the Alberta Clipper Project as well as extensive involvement in the Saskatchewan/Federal Government Duty to Consult processes. As the leader of this organization, I am consistently managing, negotiating and consulting to advance the interests of Saskatchewan First Nations across a broad scope of natural resources including petroleum (oil and gas), uranium, potash, forestry, diamond mining etc.

Nicholas Huber joined Waubetek in August 2017. After graduating from the aquaculture program at Sir Sandford Fleming College Nicholas spent the following 11 years growing Atlantic Salmon in British Columbia and Scotland UK. He served as a Senior Manager in Scotland as the Seawater Regional Manager overseeing operations and production throughout the Orkney and Shetland Isles for his company. Since his return back to Ontario he has worked as a consultant working within the Ontario aquaculture and renewable energy industry. His efforts at Waubetek will be focused on supporting growth in the aquaculture industry within the First Nation communities throughout Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Jessica Nixon is the Project Director of Economic Development for the Cowessess First Nation. Jessica has ten years of work experience in business consulting, construction project management, agriculture and First Nations economic development. Jessica has been involved in a professional capacity with Cowessess First Nation since 2008, and was a key team member in the planning and implementation of the Cowessess Wind Turbine Battery Demonstration Project which was commissioned in 2013. As an internal member of the Cowessess team, Jessica is responsible for leading Cowessess’ economic development portfolio for both existing and new business opportunities. Jessica has a keen interest in renewable energy and is pleased to be advancing the community’s renewable portfolio; it is with great pride the team commissioned 500kW of solar power in September 2018.

Catherine Peltier Mavin is an Aboriginal Policy & Promotion Advisor at Natural Resources Canada’s Minerals and Metals Sector. Catherine works closely with mining industry representatives and associations, Aboriginal organizations, learning institutions and other government representatives on developing initiatives and information tools aimed at developing capacities and increasing Aboriginal engagement and participation in exploration and mining activities. Born to the Deer Clan, Catherine is Odawa and Pottawatomi and a member of the Wikwemikong Unceeded Indian Reserve on Manitoulin Island, Ontario.

Bruce Stirrett-Wood is a policy analyst in the Lands and Minerals Sector of Natural Resources Canada. He has previously worked on areas of public policy relating to Indigenous affairs and natural resource development, with a focus on mining agreements. His current role is supporting the development of the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan. Prior to joining Natural Resources Canada, Bruce worked as a policy advisor for the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines in the Government of Ontario on issues relating to resource benefit sharing, government procurement, northern energy, and capital investment competitiveness.

Bruce holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in History from McMaster University and a Master of Public Administration from Queen’s University. He is from Lindsay, Ontario. Bruce likes to get outdoors where he enjoys hiking and canoeing.

Teresa Ryder works as the Project Manager in the Industry Development Department at ITAC. Teresa is of Musqueam descent, born in the Lower Mainland and raised on Vancouver Island. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Criminology from Simon Fraser University.

Before joining the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), Teresa worked for the Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC (AtBC), as well as in various roles throughout the hospitality industry. Her passion for working with people and joy in learning from and about other Indigenous communities has led her to her career in tourism and community development.

Tara Janzen is the Development Manager at Wanuskewin Heritage Park and has been responsible for managing Thundering Ahead, a $40 Million national capital fundraising campaign that will fund a major building expansion and renovation, grassland restoration, the re-introduction of exhibit galleries and the establishment a bison herd. She co-wrote the successful application for Wanuskewin’s placement on Parks Canada’s Tentative List for World Heritage Sites. This is the first time a site in Saskatchewan has been placed on this prestigious shortlist.

Tara is President of Heritage Saskatchewan’s Board of Directors, Diversity Chair of the Saskatoon Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and a member of Saskatoon’s Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee. Tara has a Bachelor of Commerce degree (2005) and is a registered yoga teacher (International Yoga Alliance RYT 200). In 2017, she began graduate studies at the University of Saskatchewan. Her interdisciplinary research addresses the universal value of Wanuskewin as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site. Her work is being supervised by Distinguished Professor, Dr. Ernie Walker, O.C., Department of Archaeology and Anthropology.