OUR TEAM
At FNPA, we provide members with solutions that work now and for years to come. Our employees work with autonomy, mastery, and purpose to create work we can all be proud of.
Our ultimate goal? Inspiring our company, members and community towards a better and smarter future.
Guy Lonechild
PRESIDENT and CEO
Guy Lonechild is a well-known advocate for enabling growth and leading energy transformation
pathway opportunities for First Nation communities in Canada and serves as President and CEO
of First Nations Power Authority.
Mr. Lonechild serves on Bruce Power’s New Nuclear Advisory Panel, chair of the Indigenous
Advisory Council on New Nuclear, served as co-chair of Natural Resource Canada’s SMR
Leadership Table, and Indigenous Relations advisor to OPG’s New Nuclear Review Board. His area
of interest is Indigenous rightsholder, public and stakeholder engagement, innovations for
development in new nuclear, renewables, project finance, and Indigenous-led power procurement
initiatives in the Canadian electricity sector.
Recognized as a solution-oriented leader, Mr. Lonechild advocates for economic and
environmental reconciliation as a path forward for stakeholders to harness the potential in
alternative energy and supply chain opportunities that generate lasting benefits for Indigenous
communities. He currently serves as board member of the Energy Council of Canada (ECC), Clean
Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC), and holds a Master of Business Administration
from Cape Breton University and is a former leader of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian
Nations.
Christina Swan
Finance & Operations Manager
Christina is the Manager of Operations and Finance for First Nations Power Authority, a
non-profit organization dedicated to advancing clean energy solutions with a focus on
Indigenous leadership and sustainability. She is an Ojibway woman from Muskowekwan
First Nation, Treaty 4 Territory.
With extensive experience in financial management and operational efficiency, Christina
ensures the organization’s resources are effectively managed to support the
development of community-driven renewable energy projects. In her role, Christina
oversees budgeting, financial planning, and day-to-day operations, working closely with
both internal teams and external stakeholders to drive the organization’s mission.
Committed to fostering Indigenous sovereignty and sustainable growth, they play a key
role in creating partnerships that align with the organization’s values of environmental
stewardship and energy independence.
Darren Huculak
Project Advisor
Holder of an MA in Economics, Darren is a financial economist with over 25 years’ experience in various senior management roles the renewable energy, gas and power utility, and transportation sectors. He has deep experience in corporate and project finance, investment analysis, commercial due diligence, infrastructure development and mergers and acquisitions.
Notable professional achievements to date include leading commercial development and financing of the Waneta Hydro Expansion Project in British Columbia, designing and implementing Indigenous led procurement process that led to the development and deployment of 20MW of Indigenous owed solar facilities in Saskatchewan; leading the evaluation, identification, and due diligence on the successful acquisition of a mid-size natural gas utility, and overseeing the investment analysis and capital planning team for a large transportation company.
Katrina L. German
marketing consultant, EthicalDigital.ca
Katrina’s original career was in adult literacy. She worked for READ Saskatoon and then Saskatchewan Literacy Network until she moved into the tech field. When Katrina first started her social media career, she created a Twitter campaign with Saskatchewan Literacy Network and Postmedia that reached 2.4 million people in one day with the message “Read to your kids.”
Katrina wrote the book on data-driven content marketing strategy. Literally. Her book and video training series, Action Tracking: Master your Digital Marketing Strategy in Under 30 Days, is a touchstone for organizations everywhere that want to tell their stories and connect with audiences in powerful new ways. As a social impact entrepreneur, she was the founder of an award-winning tech start-up and influenced millions of people through digital storytelling and online media.
She is a YWCA Saskatoon Women of Distinction Recipient, Startup Canada Prairie Award for Innovation winner, and 2018 recipient of the prestigious International Women in Tech® Award.
Harri Makivirta
Project Advisor
Harri was the founder of Virta Energy Consultants Inc., Harri Makivirta has more than 35 years of industry experience. He is a Mechanical Engineering Technologist in Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, Refrigeration and Energy Management. Harri was the first and is one of only 6 people in Ontario to be BEAP (Building Energy Assessment Professional) certified by ASHRAE to do Level I, II & III Energy Audits. Harri opened his first Energy Management Company at the age of 18, in 1982 called Mountain Stream Energy Systems, specializing in HVAC and Co-generation, Alternative Energy Projects, Installed one of the first Ground Source Heat Pump Systems in Ontario, and Multi-fuel Boilers plants. This was prior to him going to college in 1986 for Mechanical Engineering Technology in Heating Ventilating, Air conditioning and Energy Management.
Harri received an award from Ontario Hydro for the first company to reduce 1 megawatt of electricity in Ontario for Cineplex Odeon Theatres. Harri Makivirta owned the firm that was the exclusive Energy Auditing Service Company to Ontario Hydro Energy (OH) when they started in the energy saving business in 1999, until the change of Ontario Hydro Services Company to Hydro One in 2002. He was part of a joint venture with a Marketing Firm; the consortium did all of OH Energy Retrofit work in Ontario.
Noel Voykin
Project Advisor
Noel has focused on electrical utilities and the nuclear fuel cycle throughout his career. He has worked extensively as an executive in the public and private sectors in union and non-union environments both regionally and internationally in developing and developed economies. Noel has held senior roles at electrical utilities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Canada’s North as well as a vertically integrated Canadian nuclear company.
Noel served as the President & Chief Executive Officer of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC) where he led the corporation through a significant change in strategic direction, dealt with COVID-19, and led the organization through a ransomware attack all while focusing on improved relationships with customers, Indigenous Nations of the Northwest Territories, and the company’s labor union.
Noel worked at Cameco corporation prior to his time in the Northwest Territories. He held senior roles in this company’s major projects organization, prior to becoming the company’s engineering executive. Following an internal reorganization, he also took on responsibility for innovation, research, development & commercialization, as well as technical oversight for worldwide operations.
Noel has participated as a board member of the “International Minerals Innovation Institute” (iMii), the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA), acted as a board member of URTEK, a technology development company and was the President of AlphaNuclear, a Cameco subsidiary. As a volunteer, Noel led a turnaround as President and the board chair of a struggling community-owned water co-op.
Noel looks forward to working with FNPA as the organization embarks on a sustainable energy future for indigenous people.
Bobbie Balicki
Project Advisor
Bobbie Balicki is an economist whose career passion relates to cost benefit analysis and the impacts of electricity transitions in northern, remote and Indigenous communities. Her expertise for FNPA includes strategic business communications, research project administration, socioeconomic impact analysis, community, government and industry engagement and communications planning.
In 2022, Bobbie completed her master’s thesis titled “Cost Benefit Framework for Cold Climate Microgrids” in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Saskatchewan. Bobbie is an expert at identifying and articulating the financial and nonmarket costs and benefits of electricity transitions. She applies this work every day to improve wellbeing in Canada’s northern, remote and Indigenous communities by advocating for clean energy alternative investments and demand side solutions.
In the past, Bobbie worked as a consultant in the Indigenous business development sector, contributing to over 150 business planning projects with Metis entrepreneurs and economic development organizations throughout Saskatchewan. She has also worked in the electrical utility sector, as an Environmental and Communications Specialist in the public and private sectors and as a coordinator for the international CASES research project at the University of Saskatchewan and researcher at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy.
Monique Desjarlais
Membership Manager & Events Coordinator
Monique, a member of the Muskowekwan First Nation – Treaty 4 Territory, is the Manager of the First Nation’s Power Authority Membership and Events operations. Since 2019, Monique’s internship and engagement with FNPA began with her active participation in volunteer opportunities offered for undergraduate students to become involved in the clean energy sector. She graduated from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, honors program at the University of Alberta in 2021 where she gained valuable experience in areas such as the health sciences, leadership, management, research and publications.
Monque’s personal experience and upbringing is rooted in her home community and culture, which drives her passion for meaningful Indigenous engagement and outreach. Through her journey in education and health advocacy, she saw the deep interconnections between health, environment, and community well-being. This understanding naturally led her to the clean energy industry as she believes that promoting sustainable, clean energy solutions is not just about environmental stewardship—it’s about ensuring long-term health and prosperity for First Nations.
With a strong background in event planning and community outreach, Monique leads the organization’s efforts in organizing impactful events including workshops, forums, and networking opportunities. Her work is central to building partnerships that support sustainable development and energy sovereignty for Indigenous communities; ensuring that Indigenous communities are at the forefront of the clean energy movement.
Mikayla Woodward
Project Advisor
Mikayla, originally from Nipawin, Saskatchewan, Canada, is as part of Metis Eastern
Region 4. She is completing her final year of cybersecurity and information systems at North
Greenville University in South Carolina while playing college volleyball. Mikayla has an
associate’s degree in industrial engineering from Butler Community College. With FNPA she is
part of the Ready4SMR program focusing on Indigenous engagement in the nuclear supply
chain.
Mikayla’s career goals center around critical infrastructure security in the clean energy
sector, specifically advancing the nuclear opportunities for Indigenous communities in
Saskatchewan. With FNPA, she is currently heading a gap analysis project in the Ready4SMR
program to gather information on contractor databases, focusing on nuclear certifications, from
corporations across Canada. She has also developed a cybersecurity framework for Indigenous
communities, iterating the security infrastructure benefits of operating on a microgrid. Mikayla is
also a major contributor on the SaskPower 100 MW Solar Generation Facility Procurement
Project. She will be continuing her studies at McMaster University to complete her Masters of
Engineering in Nuclear Engineering.
“My future goals is to become a leading Indigenous mind in the nuclear sector, as well pursue a
Masters in Nuclear Engineering, so I can better equip myself to provide food, water, and energy
security as well as economic opportunities to the First Nations communities of Canada.”
Mesa Kennedy
Consultant
Mesa Kennedy is a proud Cree and Nakota woman from Carry the Kettle First Nations in Treaty 4 Territory. She is in her final year of Psychology, with a minor in Indigenous Health Studies. She is interested in helping Indigenous communities and peoples, connecting and helping them bridge the gap through economic reconciliation and well-being in Indigenous communities.
Mesa started with FNPA at the beginning of May 2024 as a Clean Energy Research Intern. Since then, she has learned about energy literacy and the many clean energy options. At FNPA’s 8th Annual Indigenous Clean Energy Forum, she was honoured to be a part of the Youth Panel on youth empowerment.
She is currently working on a guide introducing individuals and communities to Nuclear Energy. It shares information on how Nuclear power works, potential health risks, protection from risks, and the production of Nuclear energy for SMRs. Being heavily invested in Indigenous health and well-being prior, Mesa knew she wanted to tackle the potential health risks of Nuclear Power.
The energy sector has completely reshaped Mesa’s understanding of clean energy and its potential to create a better future.
Sarah Gauthier
Consultant
Sarah Gauthier is a proud member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band and was raised in mistahi-sākahikanihk (La Ronge), located in Treaty 6 Territory in northern Saskatchewan. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, and a Master of Engineering specializing in Water Resources from the University of Saskatchewan.
Sarah brings diverse experience across environmental consulting, the mining industry, water treatment, and academia. She is deeply committed to advancing the not-for-profit sector, serving as a board director for SHAD Canada and as a regional board member for the Nature Conservancy of Canada (Saskatchewan). Her governance experience also includes past roles with Crown Corporations, First Nations economic development organizations, and an engineering consultancy.
Currently pursuing a PhD at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, Sarah is passionate about integrating Indigenous knowledge and values into environmental policy to foster sustainable and inclusive solutions.
Amanda Gordon
Clean Energy Research Intern
My name is Amanda Gordon a proud Cree/Saulteaux woman from George Gordon First Nation. I am currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration at the First Nations University of Canada. I am a dedicated mother of five, with a grandchild on the way, I enjoy spending my free time helping others.
My passion lies in using my education to give back to my community. With a current case study project that focuses on the integration of cleaner energy solutions in the George Gordon Retail Centre using rooftop solar panels, I envision a brighter future for generations to come. My internship with First Nations Power Authority and PTRC has played a huge role in helping me succeed as a clean energy student/intern.
Guy Lonechild
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Christina Swan
Finance & Operations Manager
Contractors
Darren Huculak
Project Advisor
Mesa Kennedy
Consultant
Katrina German
Marketing consultant, EthicalDigital.ca
Sarah Gauthier
Consultant
Harri Makivirta
Project Advisor
Mikayla Woodward
Project Advisor
Board of Directors
Chief Felix Thomas
Chairperson
Felix Thomas has over 30 years of senior governance and management experiencewith First Nations. Born and raised on the Kinisitin Saulteaux Nation, Felix graduated from Pleasantdale School and the University of Saskatchewan. Chief Thomas has a Bachelors of Sciencein Physical Education and Bachelor of Arts. First elected as a councillor in 1991Felix was the first elected chief in 1993 until 1999. Felix was also Executive Director of FSIN’s Health and Social Development Commission from 1999-2002. Chief Thomas was re-elected in 2003 until 2008 when he was elected Tribal Chief of the Saskatoon Tribal Council until 2017. He was a partnerin a private company specializing in long term car rentals. He has since returned to Kinistin Governance as Chief.
Over the years, Chief Thomas has been instrumental in National, regional and local volunteer boards. Chief Thomas has co-chaired Assembly of First Nation, Chiefs Committee on Health, Chairman of Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, Co-chair Thundering Ahead, a $40 million capital campaign. Chief Thomas is currently chair Wanuskewin Heritage Park and First Nations Power Authority. Chief Thomas is married to Dawne and father to Lindsay, Lana, Shayna and Joshua.
Lee Ahenakew
Director - Chair- Governance & Nominations HR
Mr. Lee Ahenakew is a collaborative and engaging leader that builds businesses opportunities with First Nations and industry. He is a member of the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation. An expert in business planning and development with an ability to open new markets and build relationships, and with broad knowledge and experience working with First Nations and industry across Canada and the United States, Lee develops business relationships with a focus in the natural resource, renewable energy and utility sectors. He has delivered community benefit through partnership development, organizational strategies, community engagement, and quality processes to advance Indigenous inclusion and social responsibility including benefit agreement negotiations and implementation.
Most recently Lee served in several A/CEO positions related to construction and labour, renewable energy, and indoor vertical farming. He has held leadership roles for the largest mining company in the world for community engagement and as V.P of Member Relations for the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. Currently Lee is Principal of Lee Ahenakew and Associates Consulting working with Indigenous businesses and industry in the areas of business development, water and wastewater utility development, community engagement, governance, and industry & indigenous relations. Lee is the Past Chair of the Board of Governors of the University of Saskatchewan and is a Director for the First Nations Power Authority of Saskatchewan.
Marnie Dawson
Director
Albert Derocher
Director
Born and raised on the Flying Dust First Nation, Albert Derocher has worked for his community for the last 33 years. His experience entails collaborating with various business organizations, non-profits, Indigenous institutions and levels of government in Canada. He has built his solid reputation and sought-after experience with the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, Meadow Lake Tribal Council and now the Flying Dust First Nation. He is passionate and offers his expert advice as a true catalyst in the transformation process of many Indigenous communities as they grow and gain meaningful inclusion in the Canadian economy.
As a graduate of Business Administration from SIAST, Mr. Derocher has applied his skills and knowledge to help further FDB Holdings (Flying Dust First Nation’s corporate entity) as their General Manager. Over the past 20 years, Albert has proven himself to be one of Saskatchewan’s finest and well-respected Economic Development leaders and practitioners. Mr. Derocher has raised a blended family of ten children and 15 grandchildren who are all very active in their lives and remains to be his proudest accomplishment.
Paul OByrne
Mr. Paul O’Byrne has worked in the marketing communications industry for forty years. Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Paul studied communications and media in Calgary before returning to begin his career while working at Saskatchewan Government Insurance. In 1984, he established AV Production House and has since continued pursuing an entrepreneurial spirit – combining innovation and vision and developing opportunities and services to meet an ever-changing world.
Throughout his career, Paul has partnered with numerous organizations, establishing meaningful opportunities and strategic collaborations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations. In 2003, Paul partnered with the Battlefords Tribal Council, establishing Western Canada’s premier Indigenous advertising and communications agency – MGM Communications.
Paul has been a member of the FNPA Board of Directors since 2016.
Chris Ball
Chris is an experienced financial executive with over forty years in international banking and infrastructure finance. He has specific expertise in the Infrastructure and Power sector field and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by Clean Energy B.C. He has managed the financing of over 100 Infrastructure and Power projects during his career to date.
Chris is Executive Vice-President and Co-owner of Corpfinance International Inc. (CFI). CFI is a boutique investment bank that has over $2 billion in assets under management and has raised over $9 billion in capital funding since its inception in 1985. In addition, he is a co-owner and executive of CERES Biosystems, an international corporation a specializing in the production of natural fertilizer, with offices in India and Egypt.
He had played a key role in the initial funding of Canada’s power sector companies, including Innergex, Boralex, and Algonquin Power.
Chris is a former Director and Chair of the Audit Committee of Algonquin Power. He played a pivotal role in overseeing its growth from $ US 90 million in assets as an income trust to over $ US 10 billion in assets as a public trading conglomerate.
Since 1994, Chris has actively contributed to the growth of numerous start-up power and infrastructure companies across Canada, helping them evolve into substantial entities. His advisory role to various Boards in the emerging energy markets has been instrumental in guiding these entities toward recognition in their respective fields.
Chris has also been an advisor to several Boards in the emerging energy markets and through his stewardship they are making strides to becoming well-recognized entities in their various fields.
Chris is an active member of Boards of First Nations Power Authority and Clean Energy BC Association.
He also holds the designation of ICD.D with Institute of Corporate Directors.
Chanze Gamble, MBA
Director
Chanze’s past projects include implementing business development programs such as the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative, Economic Development Support Team, and Nation Governance Initiative; authoring the First Nations Consultation and Accommodation Best Practice Report; and writing the feasibility study for the Tsawwassen First Nation to enhance the Delta Port corridor efficiency.
Thalia Aspeslet
Director
Thalia Aspeslet was born of Métis and European settler descent, raised in what are now known as Grimshaw/Peace River/High Level Alberta, home to Duncan, Woodland Cree and Dene Tha’ First Nations, Lubicon Lake Band, Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement and the Cadotte Lake Métis Nation as well as the traditional Territories of Treaty 8 member Nations and the Peace River and Fort Vermilion Districts of the Métis Nation of Alberta. She holds an APEGA, Professional Designation, P.Geo (2020); Project Management Level 1, 2018 University of Calgary; CAPLA, Administration of the Alberta Energy Regulatory (AER) Directive 56 Certificate, 2015; Shell Graduate Program: Geoscience, 2012-2015; University of Calgary, Bachelor of Science – Geophysics (2010).
With 15 years of experience in the energy industry, Thalia’s career spans both technical work, as a geophysicist, and non-technical work, as a stakeholder engagement advisor, community liaison and consultation and regulatory advisor. Ms. Aspeslet has supported the development and execution of oil and gas upstream planning for non-technical risk, integrated activity, and front-end planning, by serving on integrated teams for both large and mid-sized energy companies. Her experience has focused on building and maintaining strong working relationships amongst high-performing industry teams with internal and external stakeholders, facilitating detailed technical support that contributes to her strong track record in industry-leading project optimization, regulatory compliance, production, and end-of-life cycle development.
Thalia is honoured to serve on the Board of Directors for First Nations Power Authority. Now that her oldest child has entered university, and she has an established professional career, she can dedicate additional time to the transfer of knowledge that she has gained to support Indigenous Nations in their pursuits of energy sovereignty. An obligation that she does not take lightly. To reconnect with herself, she spends time with her beautifully blended family being a swim parent, hiking in the mountains, camping, and participating in outdoor sports, as a guest in moh’kinsstis (Calgary), Treaty 7, where she calls home.
Racquel Fraser
Racquel is a member of Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation and a lawyer with over a decade of
experience in serving Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations. She cares deeply
about advancing the well-being and prosperity of Indigenous people and brings with her a wealth
of knowledge and experience. She is the Executive Director of the Indigenous Bar Association
(“IBA”).
Prior to joining the IBA, Racquel was a co-founding partner of a law firm owned by First
Nations women who served First Nations governments and organizations. There she acted for
many First Nations as general counsel, as well specific claims counsel and trust development.
During this time she gained extensive experience in leadership, strategy, marketing and business
development. Moreover, Racquel worked at a telecommunications company where she focused
on promoting efficiency of environmental review and permitting process in relation to builds
taking place on-reserve.
She also has approximately five (5) years of experience working with Indigenous non-profit
organizations before pursuing a career in law. This combination of experience and education
gives her a unique insight into the opportunities and challenges of building capacity and growing
strategic relationships.
Racquel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Lethbridge
and a Juris Doctor from the University of Victoria. She also serves as a trustee of her First
Nation’s economic development corporation. When she is not at work you can find Racquel
beading felt hats and sneakers.
Ken From
Ken From is a seasoned executive with four decades of experience in the energy industry. Ken recently retired as President and CEO of SaskEnergy, the Crown natural gas utility where he advanced the organization on its environmental responsibility, culminating in SaskEnergy’s first sustainability report.In addition to his utility experience, Ken was the CEO of the research organization PTRC (Petroleum Technology Reseach Centre) where he represented Canada at the international level on subjects such as CCUS research at Boundary Dam and EOR effects at the world class oil fields at Weyburn Saskatchewan. He was successful at building relationships between stakeholders and management and worked tirelessly to develop effective and innovative business plans that fostered new collaborations within the research community.
As an entrepreneur, Ken was a founding member of two junior oil and gas producers in Saskatchewan – Prairie Hunter Exploration Company and Raven Oil – exploring undiscovered oil basins in SouthEast Saskatchewan. Upon retirement, Ken has continued to be active in energy issues and recently moderated and contributed to sustainability discussions at International Energy Association conferences in Norway and Canada.
As a Professional Engineer born, raised and educated in Saskatchewan, Ken has always given back to the province and the profession as a volunteer – President of APEGS and a Director for 6 years on the Engineers Canada Board. Ken received the Brian Eckel Distinguished Service Award in 2013, and is a Life Member of APEGS, as well as a Fellow of Engineers Canada and an honorary Fellow of Geoscientists Canada.
Chief Terry Richardson
My name is Terry Richardson, and I have been Chief of Pabineau First Nation since April 2020. Before, I was a councillor for the community for 8 years, worked as Mi’kmaq benefits manager for Trevali mining where I provided the guidance in the development of a underground mining program for First Nation members in New Brunswick as well as a mill operator course both that were given by the New Brunswick community college. Also in that role I was responsible for contracting opportunities for First Nation communities as well as recruiting for employment opportunities as they arose at the mine. I also served 25 years in the Canadian Forces and had the opportunity to travel this great country of Canada from coast to coast. I am fluently bilingual and live in my beautiful community of Pabineau First Nation.
I have had the pleasure to sit on the board for Health Vitalitie as well as the board for the university of Moncton. In my time in Pabineau as Chief, I have given my honorarium back to the community which has resulted in my giving back over 100K in the last four years.
In my time in Pabineau I was in charge of the Capital Construction port folio and had the opportunity to take on many files including the construction of our Health Center as well as our POW WOW grounds. Also I had the opportunity to start the work on our water treatment facility.
The Canadian Forces provided me with many of the skills that I have been able to bring forward into my present role. I was able to achieve a 2-year administration course through Seneca College in Nova Scotia as well. I have experienced three tours of operation in my time in the military and those tours taught me the importance of negotiations and how to sit and discuss issues to resolve in a peaceful and respectful manner.
Leadership is about TEAM work, and we are fortunate to have a strong team in Pabineau. As we work to grow our community, we realize that it is important that we provide the essentials to our band members to make their lives better. Housing and jobs continue to be at the front as well as education and health. Not only is it a strong team leadership that we have, but also a strong team of community employees at all levels. We look forward to our term, with great anticipation as we grow economically and continue to address our community needs.
As 2024 comes to an end we are looking at another four years with our present Team and we realize that though we have achieved much there is still a lot to be done. We continue to establish the strong ties we have with our adjacent municipalities and look at growing our economic port folio as this is what will allow Pabineau to become less reliant on federal and provincial funding. We have our gas station on Vanier Blvd up and running and a strip mall that will be completed by 2024. We. Are heavily involved in the green energy hub at the Port of Belldune and the opportunities that the development will bring in the sectors of SMNR (Small Module Nuclear reactors), Hydrogen, Battery storage, and Clean Steel as well as many other developments.
In closing, we invite members from our surrounding communities to attend events in our community and experience our hospitality. We are proud of Pabineau and enjoy showing our community to all those who visit.
We have taken the mantle from past leaders and are moving our community positively. We look forward to growing economically and are always open to opportunities that will allow Pabineau to develop even more.
Rebecca Kragnes
Director, Indigenous Relations and Community Engagement, Bird Construction
Rebecca is a Cree-Métis woman dedicated to improving Indigenous representation and equity in Canada. With 30 years of experience in construction, notably as a Red Seal Journeyperson Electrician, she focuses on executive-level support, education, and advocacy to boost Indigenous presence in the industry. Her leadership skills and business background drive her commitment to Indigenous community engagement and relationship-building. In both her role as Director of Indigenous Relations and Community and Engagement with Bird Construction and her studies in Indigenous Business Leadership Executive MBA at Simon Fraser University. She is a fundamental community relations resource for many Indigenous partnerships with Bird Construction.
She serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum(CAF), and on the Indigenous Manufacturing and Contracting Network’s (IMCN) Board. Rebecca passionately works to enhance women’s representation in skilled trades, leveraging her firsthand knowledge of barriers faced by women, Indigenous peoples, and other underrepresented groups in the industry. Recognized for her advocacy, Rebecca received the 2022 Alberta Queen’s Jubilee Medal, 2023 Esquao Award for her dedication to promoting Indigenous women in Trades and Technology, and in 2024 was recognized as an Aboriginal Role Model of Alberta for Indigenous Business Relations.
Outside work and studies, she cherishes moments with family, engaging in activities like fishing, hunting, fireside conversations, and occasional rounds of golf.
Rebecca is known for creating opportunities by merge her personal and professional experiences a foundation for advancing Indigenous economic development, sovereignty, and nation building.
Chief Felix Thomas
CHAIRPERSON
Albert Derocher
DIRECTOR
Marnie Dawson
DIRECTOR
Racquel Fraser
DIRECTOR
Chief Terry Richardson
Director
Chris Ball
Director
Rebecca Kragnes
Director
Let’s talk about a partnership today!
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Head
Office
1 First Nations Way
Atim kâ-mihkosit Urban Reserve
Regina, SK S4S 7K2
Treaty 4 Territory
Ontario
Office
231 Niagara St.
Toronto, ON M6J 2L5
Treaty 13 Territory
Alberta
Office
OFFICE HOURS
Monday to Friday 8:30a.m.–4:30p.m.
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed