TechNations 2024

Hailing from Anishinaabek communities of Wiikwemkoong and Sagamok, Stephanie Pangowish brings a unique blend of humor, culture and wit to every event she hosts. Her charisma and stage presence are unmatched, making her a sought-after emcee for events big and small. Whether she’s cracking jokes, sharing stories or keeping the crowd intrigued, Stephanie Pangowish is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

Get ready to laugh, learn and be entertained by Deadly Auntie Stephanie Pangowish.

Melanie Debassige, MBA, ICD.D is an Anishinabek Kwe from the M’Chigeeng First Nation. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation.  Melanie was appointed to the Ontario Clean Water Agency Board of Directors in October 2013 where she serves as a Board Director and Chair of the First Nations Committee. In March 2018, she was appointed to the Board of Reconciliation Canada where she holds the position of Director/Treasurer. Melanie completed the Director’s Education Program at the Rotman School of Management and is a certified corporate director which complements her Master’s in Business Administration.  

Melanie was recognized in 2015 by the Canadian Board Diversity Council in the Diversity 50 which is a list of highly-qualified board candidates. In 2018, Melanie undertook the role as strategic advisor to the National Energy Board of Canada on Indigenous issues. In August 2019, she was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Canada Energy Regulator on August 22, 2023 she was appointed to the role of Vice Chair.  In 2019, she was recognized in Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100.  She also served on the Ontario Provincial Sectoral Audit Committee, Community Services.  Most recently she was appointed in January 2023 to the Legal Aid Ontario Board of Directors.

A founding member of CARST and a C-NRPP certified measurement professional, Pam Warkentin is now the Executive Director of both CARST and C-NRPP, and Project Manager of the Take Action on Radon (TAOR) Program.  Pam brings a wealth of knowledge about radon testing, reduction techniques and radon research in Canada and around the world, she is driven to help Canadians reduce their risk from radon.  She coordinates with Health Canada and radon stakeholders across the country and is also the Secretary for the Coalition of International Radon Associations (COIRA) and Project Administrator of the COIRA InterComparison project. 

Erica Tropea is the Senior Environmental Scientist at the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation. Erica’s passion and wonder for the outdoors led her to pursue an undergraduate degree in Biology and a masters degree in Environmental Studies. She has been working at the OFNTSC for nearly 3 years and enjoys the opportunity it provides to support First Nations in their journey to protect Mother Earth. Her main areas of focus at the OFNTSC are source water protection and solid waste management capital infrastructure projects where she provides respectful and culturally relevant training and technical advisory services. In the past, Erica has worked at a tribal council in the field of waste management and climate change mitigation. She has also worked as an instructor at Confederation College in the Environmental Technician program for several years.

Deborah McGregor, Anishinabe, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair: Indigenous Environmental Justice. Osgoode Hall Law School and Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, York University. Professor McGregor’s research has focused on Indigenous knowledge systems in diverse contexts including environmental and water governance, environmental and climate justice, health and Indigenous legal traditions. Professor McGregor remains actively involved in a variety of Indigenous communities, serving as an advisor and continuing to engage in community-based research and initiatives. Professor McGregor has been at the forefront of Indigenous environmental and climate justice and Indigenous research theory and practice. Her work has been shared through the IEJ project website https://www.yorku.ca/research/project/iej/

Craig graduated from McMaster University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Engineering degree.

Craig worked for Western Canadian consulting firms for the next five years on projects in the Yukon, British Columbia and Alberta.

In 1984 Craig joined DIAND Technical Services in Whitehorse Yukon and later transferred to DIAND’s Toronto Regional office.

In 1988 he rejoined the consulting engineering profession and was a founding partner in Aquafor Engineering in 1990.

In 1995 he became General Manager of First Nations Engineering Services Ltd. First Nations Engineering Services Ltd. is a 100% Indigenous owned civil engineering consulting firm based in Ohsweken Ontario.

Since 1995, Craig has overseen the design and construction of twenty-six (26) water treatment plants and over 650 million dollars worth of infrastructure projects including housing developments, subdivision, roads, water supply projects, solid waste projects and wastewater collection and treatment projects on various First Nation Territories. Craig has been advising the Assembly of First Nations infrastructure operation and maintenance policy reform including assisting First Nations with the implementation of asset management planning.

Billy Wahpay is a long-term Council member of Shoal Lake 40 First Nation Chief and Council. His political leadership career began in economic development and later transitioned to lead housing and infrastructure in the community. Billy was instrumental in the development of Freedom Road which is a 24-kms all-season road that connects the community to the Trans-Canada highway. His leadership on this initiative resulted in Shoal Lake 40 Chief and Community leading the creation of a First Nation Procurement Model whereby a unique cost-sharing partnership between the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg was established.

 Other notable leadership achievements of Billy are Harvey Redsky Memorial School and Shoal Lake 40 First Nation Water treatment plant that not only ended a 24-year water boil advisory – 2^nd longest in Canada but received the Ontario Public Works Association Award: Public Works Project of the Year for Small Municipalities and First Nations award for 2022.

 Billy is currently contributing his leadership to the development of a 15-home housing sub-division project in Shoal Lake 40 First Nation and water extension project under construction.

 Billy is an accomplished Project Lead, with many years under his belt as Councillor of Shoal Lake 40 with a focus on employment, training and safety for a successful highway development. When asked about his role as Project Lead, Bill said, “Safety for the citizens of Northwestern Ontario is the priority with this project, while ensuring a smooth transition between Ontario and Manitoba.”

Diane is a proud mother of three children and a Kookum (grandmother). She is a First Nation member of Shoal Lake First Nation #40 in Treaty #3 territory with German ancestry and has long worked to address the myriad of issues facing Winnipeg’s urban Indigenous community in all areas all areas of health, justice, education and social services. She has served in both a professional and volunteer capacity with local, national and international agencies and has become a strong advocate for urban Indigenous children’s and women’s issues. Through her leadership in several Indigenous led community-based organizations, she has helped to create numerous grassroots innovative programs rooted in Indigenous values that have helped build healthy communities through promoting the growth and development of the urban Indigenous community particularly the safety, protection and well-being of women and girls.

She spent most of her career leading the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre - the largest non-mandated, non-profit, urban Indigenous-led organization in Manitoba and is a community-based, community-led, Indigenous-driven family resource centre that is a leader in community-based care for Indigenous children, youth and families in Winnipeg. She was instrumental in increasing investments from 1997:

$1.8-million and 1-location to 2022: $22-million and 18-locations and rooting these services through honouring Indigenous knowledge and values. Diane answered the call to come home following the completion of Freedom Road which connects Shoal Lake 40 First Nation to Highway #1 and is the CEO of Kekekoziibii Development Corporation which is the economic arm of the Shoal Lake 40.

2011-2015, Diane was Project Director for the National Task Force on Human Trafficking of Women and Girls in Canada. This role led her to work with experts in Canada and abroad to address the sexual exploitation/trafficking of Canadian women and girls. Together, we can give a voice to survivors, end this extreme form of violence against women and girls and stop this violation of human rights. This meaningful work resulted in National Task Force Report with 34 recommendations to end sex trafficking in Canada.

In 2018, Diane testified at the MMIWG2S+ National Inquiry on the epidemic of sexual exploitation and sex trafficking in Canada and brought with her Winnipeg Police Chief to present on promising practices when police and community work in partnership to protect vulnerable women and girls. Currently she is Chairperson of the MMIWG2S+ Urban Working Group that launched their National Action Plan entitled: Urban Path to Reclaiming Power and Place, Regardless of Residency on June 3, 2021 and is currently working on an implementation plan. Dr. Diane Redsky is also part of the Manitoba MMIWG2S+ Coalition made up of MMIWG2S+ family members, survivors and various community- based organizations throughout Manitoba and is the Chair of the Indigenous Women’s Circle that gives advice and direction to WAGE-Women and Gender Equality Department of the Government of Canada.

Dr. Diane Redsky has been acknowledged: Honourary Doctorate Degree in Law from the University of Winnipeg, Order of Manitoba, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, Leadership and Innovator/Visionary Award by Joy Smith Foundation, Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case, Senate of Canada Medal, YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Award, Rotary Paul Harris Award and 150 Manitoba Trailblazer Award from the Nellie McClung Foundation.

Diane’s belief in the inherent strength of the community continues to guide her along her life’s journey.

Liz Ricklefs is a member of the Métis Nation with extensive financial and project management skills spanning over 25-years. She was instrumental in the past 5-years as the Project Manager for Shoal Lake 40 Contractor’s capital projects in Shoal Lake 40 First Nation. She demonstrates key leadership skills in the areas of local Indigenous content coordination consisting of local labour and local operators within the governance and values of the Indigenous community. Liz excels in managing projects from the early stages of conceptual design through planning and construction completion.

Liz is a highly motivated professional, strong communicator and works together with clients, design professionals and project-related personnel on coordination, scheduling, and implementation of the project details in order to complete small to large-scale construction projects. Her experience ranges from ground-up new construction projects, commercial tenant fit outs and historical renovations including residential.

She takes pride in her expertise in work site safety, resource allocation, capital project management while building and sustaining strong working relationships with the local community, architects, owners, trades and construction staff. Liz’s over 25-year year experience in financial management – budget, projections, taxation and digital bookkeeping adds a unique strength to her capital project management skills. Liz also brings expert knowledge and experience of north-western Ontario terrain including bedrock, environmental considerations and strong working relationships with Treaty #3 First Nation communities and Ontario Provincial building regulations, standards and legislation. 

Joanna Recollet is a member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, ON.  She completed her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering in 2007, her Professional Engineer designation in January 2011 and Project Management Professional in 2017. She has worked for First Nations Engineering Services Ltd. since 2002, first as a summer student and then full-time following her graduation. 

Since joining FNESL she has authored numerous planning studies and worked on the contract administration and design for infrastructure within First Nation territories throughout Ontario. Joanna has spent her entire career dedicated to the development of infrastructure projects within First Nation communities.   

Joanna has extensive experience in researching and analyzing the infrastructure challenges of clients and providing effective solutions throughout the project lifecycle and prioritizes the needs of her clients in assisting them to develop effective infrastructure for their communities. 

Richard joined First Nations Engineering Services in 2021 after completing his Bachelor of Engineering from McMaster University that spring. Richard previously completed a Bachelor of Science degree in 2005 and went on to work in various communication and marketing roles over 10 years, having worked for the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council, Definity Insurance, Toronto Metropolitan University, and the Government of Canada. 

He enjoyed sharing the stories of fascinating projects that his colleagues carried out, and decided he wanted to get more “hands on” himself and work to build infrastructure that improves people’s lives. Since joining FNESL, he has authored a number of engineering studies and designs for new community infrastructure.

Richard was involved in many projects and programs during his career in communication, including public relations support for numerous maintenance and refurbishment projects on federally managed bridges, dams, and canals in Ontario, the launch of the Sonnet Insurance brand, and the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership. 

Bohdana Innes is a member of Moose Cree First Nation in Mushkegowuk Territory. Bohdana was born in Moose Factory and raised in Wawa, Ontario. She currently lives in Ottawa, on the Traditional Unceded Territory of the Algonquin Aninshaabeg people, and is as an Intern Architect with J.L. Richards & Associates Limited (JLR).

As a graduate of McEwen School of Architecture at Laurentian University (LU) in Sudbury, Ontario, a Northern Design school that prioritizes holistic learning. She has worked continuously throughout her educational and professional career to gain knowledge in the Indigenous process and its relation to design. Bohdana has experience working with Indigenous communities throughout Turtle Island (North America) through professional work as well as during architectural Master’s degree thesis at LU. As an Indigenous Intern Architect within Ontario, Bohdana strives to apply her education and Indigenous background to solve issues impacting Indigenous communities relating to the built environment and sustainability. She aims to empower Indigenous communities to establish independence though community-based engagement/projects and bring their culture to life through built-form. 

Hayley Vogler is a Citizen of Hiawatha First Nation and is proud to be from such a beautiful community.  Hayley’s passion for health and fitness lead her to obtain a Physical Education Degree from Brock University.  For many years she worked in the Fitness Industry, most recently as a Project Manager.  In 2020, Hayley took a leap of faith and after over 20 years in fitness industry, left to work for her own community.   Hayley holds many certifications from the Project Management Institute including her PMP, ACP, and CAMP designations.   Hayley is also a certified Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP), and a Six Sigma Lean Black Belt Professional.   Since working in Hiawatha First Nation as the Capital Projects Manager, Hayley has worked on a variety of construction projects including water, roads, solar, a community centre expansion, fibre optic, building restoration and more.

Mackenzie Brown is a professional engineer-in-training and project manager who has managed a wide variety of indigenous projects with Colliers Project Leaders. First Nation communities have been the focus of his work, in all areas of social and physical infrastructure, where he has demonstrated his exceptional ability to work collaboratively within a project team to accomplish objectives. An indigenous person from Beausoleil First Nation, Mackenzie has keen interest in working on behalf of First Nations to ensure projects are successful and meet the needs of community members that are unique to First Nation communities.

Growing up, Mackenzie has lived in Indigenous communities that do not have access to clean drinking water. He is intimately aware of the importance clean drinking water holds in the everyday lives of people. For this reason, Mackenzie has dedicated his work aspirations to advocate and support First Nations to obtain and maintain their drinking water systems to better the lives of its members.

Good day, my name is John Tourangeau and I am a Class 2 water treatment operator for Hiawatha First Nation. I started my water career at a class 3 water plant over 10 years ago in my hometown of Fort Smith, NWT. I have worked for Hiawatha First Nation for 6 years and have been part of the water project since its design phase.  We are currently in the beginning stages of the next phase of the HFN water project, and I look forward to bringing safe, clean drinking water to all residents in the future.  I love my job and take great pride in providing safe drinking water to the residents of Hiawatha First Nation. Water is life.

Michael S. Jacobs is the Chief Executive Officer for Cambium Indigenous Professional Services (CIPS) Inc. He is a proud Anishinaabe from the Curve Lake First Nation. With a career spanning over 30 years in the Indigenous consulting industry, Mike’s experience and leadership has been focused on developing and delivering management and advisory services for projects connected to Indigenous communities. Mike is a businessman with a strong ability to translate First Nation-related project objectives into realistic, attainable solutions for Indigenous and non-Indigenous clients. Mike works seamlessly with all levels of governments, leadership, staff and community members. His unique ability to translate the needs of all stakeholders into a language that is understood and relevant to a variety of audiences ensures that communications and information exchanges have value to all participants.

Mike is honoured to be the Co-Chair for the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and brings a unique voice to this national organization for small and medium sized Indigenous owned businesses located on our Territories. Mike is also currently the Vice Chair of Green Communities Canada, a member of the Implementation Committee for the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board, a member of the Reporting and Assurance Standards Oversight Council (RASOC), and is a Board Member at the Ontario First Nation Technical Services Corporation.

Olivia Craggs is Cree and a member of One Arrow First Nation. She lives in Vancouver, B.C. and currently works as a Jr. Research Analyst on the National Data Champion Team at the First Nations Information Governance Center, supporting the national implementation of the First Nations Data Governance Strategy.

Olivia is currently finishing up her undergraduate studies with a focus of Indigenous and health studies. She has previously worked with the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer on their First Nations, Inuit, and Metis team. She plans to pursue her Master of Public Health. 

Mariette Sutherland, an Anishnaabe-kwe from Whitefish River First Nation is the Chiefs of Ontario’s Director of Development leading the implementation of the First Nations Data Governance Strategy in Ontario.

Mariette is a seasoned strategist, consulting resource and project management professional with over 20 years experience in a full-time consulting practice servicing the aspirations and planning needs of numerous First Nations, Tribal Councils, PTOs, health authorities, and government partners. Over the years, Mariette has built a track record of sound community engagement, project development and providing quality intelligence to support the initiatives.

In the area of data governance and data driven research Mariette has lead numerous planning efforts at the local, regional and PTO level including the first COO First Nations Research Symposium, the establishment of Mamow Ahyamowen, and specific projects exploring key health questions using sources of data available through ICES, FNIGC and others. At a national level she supports the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer in both indicators development and the development of a cancer data strategy. Similarly she is engaged with an AFN-led group exploring First Nations Mental Wellness Data indicators.

Mariette’s academic qualifications include a Master Public Health (MPH) from the University of Waterloo and a B. Eng from McMaster University in Chemical Engineering. Her strategic and governance lens has been honed through serving on over 15 boards, committees and advisory bodies including some which are provincial appointments.

Tim started with Naicatchewenin First Nation in February of 2013 as the interim housing coordinator, and has since become the full-time housing coordinator and in 2020 became the Operations and Maintenance Supervisor. Since starting Tim has worked closely with maintenance staff and the water treatment operators, obtaining Class 2 WT,Class 1 Distribution and completed the York University Project Management  Program in 2017. He continues to work closely with contractors and engineers on new builds and all community infrastructure needs.

Darlene Smith is the Director of Administration/Operations for her home community of Naicatchewenin First Nation. She has been employed with her community since late seventies. Over the course of four decades, Darlene was able to experience working in the field of performing secretarial duties, housing, operations & maintenance, capital projects and education before committing herself to her current career of the Director of Administration/Operations.

Darlene’s many accomplishments include various training & certification in Managing Water Systems, Project Management, Emergency Response Planning and Human Resources. She continues to be actively involved in new initiatives that present personal and professional growth for herself and her community.

Darlene commits endless hours to her career. When she is not at work, she spends as much time as she can with family or she can be found participating or volunteering at local or community events. She’s like the Energizer Bunny. Darlene “keeps going and going . . .  . “

Hailing from Anishinaabek communities of Wiikwemkoong and Sagamok, Stephanie Pangowish brings a unique blend of humor, culture and wit to every event she hosts. Her charisma and stage presence are unmatched, making her a sought-after emcee for events big and small. Whether she’s cracking jokes, sharing stories or keeping the crowd intrigued, Stephanie Pangowish is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. 

Hailing from Anishinaabek communities of Wiikwemkoong and Sagamok, Stephanie Pangowish brings a unique blend of humor, culture and wit to every event she hosts. Her charisma and stage presence are unmatched, making her a sought-after emcee for events big and small. Whether she’s cracking jokes, sharing stories or keeping the crowd intrigued, Stephanie Pangowish is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. 

Mr. Kiedrowski has been working in the area of First Nations for the past 40 years. He continues to work with the First Nations National Building Officers Association (FNNBOA) as their project manager. His focus these days are on authority having jurisdiction, the development of Indigenous Building Knowledge Exchange, and the use of 3D cameras to conduct inspections in remote communities. John was the executive producer for the FNNBOA’s podcast series called “home on the rez” that was played on many Indigenous radio stations. He appeared before many Senate and House of Common committees to present on housing. John also teaches courses for the First Nations Housing Professional Association.

John has another life where he works as a criminologist and his main areas of study is in First Nation policing and other related Indigenous policing issues. He has published in these areas and much of his work has been referenced by various federal and provincial committees.

Kaella-Marie Earle is Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and Aroland First Nation. She currently works as a professional engineer at Enbridge in hydraulic system design for liquid pipelines and storage across Canada and the US. She previously worked at Enbridge in engineering construction field operations where she managed natural gas storage and transmission expansion work and pipeline integrity. She additionally serves as Vice-Chairperson of the Indigenous Advisory Committee of the Canada Energy Regulator, working with a team of Indigenous leaders across Canada to advise the Board of Directors on building strategy for the inclusion of Indigenous people in energy as well as the implementation of UNDRIP. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology from Cambrian College as well as a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from Laurentian University. She is currently enrolled at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology earning credentials on gas compressor maintenance and operation; as well as at DeGroot School of Business at McMaster University to become a Chartered Director. Her goal is to eliminate planned natural gas venting pollution in Canada. Ms. Earle also served as a former member of the NWMO Indigenous Council of Youth and Elders, as previous Co-Chair of the Indigenous Inclusion Committee for the Young Pipeliners Association of Canada, and other leadership roles on energy transition and the inclusion of women in energy.  Ms. Earle’s career foundation is to weave her Anishinaabe cultural values into her engineering work in a way that will lead the oil and gas industry to a lower carbon and more just energy future, especially in frontline operations.

Technical Manager, Ontario WoodWorks

Hailey is a structural engineer and has focused her career specializing in sustainable architecture and the advancement of timber building systems. Hailey spent several years of her career in research on the behaviour and fire safety of mass timber, as a structural designer with Entuitive in Toronto, and working to develop affordable housing products built of high-performance timber panels, contributing to the successful completion of several turnkey housing projects with Assembly Corp. (previously R-Hauz).

In her current role as a Technical Manager for the Canadian Wood Council’s WoodWorks program, Hailey works with the team to aid project teams with technical support and to bring resources and education to industry stakeholders, advocating for the successful implementation of a beautiful and sustainable building material in our built environment.

Technical Advisor, Ontario WoodWorks

Brock spent 5 years specializing in mass timber construction and off-site prefabrication, assisting with fastening/ connections, air tightness/ waterproofing, soundproofing and installation. Having worked with a multinational company, he has a great grasp of timber construction around the world.

In his current role as a Technical Advisor working with the Canadian Wood Council’s WoodWorks we have a dynamic team of wood advocates that bring value and new opportunities to the program. Through education, networking and technical support, he assists the design community with their projects. 

Executive Director, Ontario WoodWorks

Steven has spent more than 20 years developing domestic markets for wood products by creating new opportunities, driving change, and expanding the acceptance of wood structural systems in Canada. His 14 years with the Canadian Wood Council’s WoodWorks initiative have imbued his work with a deep understanding of wood design, materials, supply, and off-site prefabrication.

In his current role, he works with a dynamic team of wood advocates to bring value and new opportunities to the program’s partners. With many high-profile projects moving wood construction into the mainstream, knowledge transfer and market acceptance have never been more important to the wood industry. His approach to market transformation harnesses the power of collaboration, practitioner education, and specific project support.

Kevin Bossy joined Bishop Water Technologies as CEO in October 2008 to lead the growth of

this new company, which was spun out from Bishop Aquatic Technologies. Under Kevin’s

leadership, Bishop Water Technologies has expanded to establish itself as a leading provider of

simple, low-energy and cost-effective solutions for nutrient removal and solids management for

municipal, industrial, agricultural and commercial applications.

Kevin has played a key role in the advancement of the Bishop Water Technologies solutions

portfolio, leading research and project execution to enhance the performance, value and

sustainability of these environmentally focused products. The comprehensive range of solutions

now includes highly effective, energy-efficient technologies for solids dewatering and

containment; BioCord™ biological wastewater treatment; and chemical conditioning of

wastewater and slurry materials. Kevin also works to build a robust network of distribution

partners for these products, which now includes channels to market in Canada, United States,

Australia and Latin America.

Kevin sits on the board of the Ontario Water Consortium and was formerly on the board of

WaterTAP. He was also president of Renfrew and Area Chamber of commerce for 5 years.

Kevin was born in Malta and lived in England before making career moves within Canada,

Singapore and Australia. In 2000 he and his family moved to the Ottawa Valley, where they

enjoy a busy and active lifestyle. Kevin is a volunteer in the community, an avid cyclist and loves

to golf.

Adam Plumstead, LET, PMP is a Technical Group Leader with Eramosa, A CIMA+ Company. Adam has been with the firm for 17 years specializing in SCADA system planning, design and implementation for the water and wastewater industry. Adam graduated from Conestoga College’s Electrical Engineering Technology program in 2007 and was recognized as an Alumni of Distinction in 2017. Adam is an active member of the AWWA Operational Technology Committee and the ISA 112 SCADA Systems standards committee.

Bander is a water/wastewater engineer with over 18 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry. Bander’s responsibilities include planning, designing, construction management, and commissioning of various water and wastewater treatment assignments. Bander brings significant experience in preparing project proposals and work programs, providing technical support in the form of memos, reports, presentations and cost estimates to support municipal staff for infrastructure discussion with councils, design of new facilities, facility upgrades and retrofits, and construction administration. Bander’s experience includes several facility retrofits such as Weenusk First Nation main pumping station and lagoons upgrades, Constance Lake First nation Lagoons upgrades, Okanagan Indian Band manganese removal and chlorination treatment system and reservoir, Elsipogtog First nation Manganese Removal system upgrades, Whale Cove Water treatment plant upgrades, Rankin Inlet water treatment plant upgrades, and many more municipal and industrial water and wastewater facilities upgrades and new builds. 

Grant is JLR’s Indigenous Market Leader, an Associate, and a Senior Civil Engineer who is focused on developing meaningful relationships with First Nations and Indigenous communities. Through these relationships and with the support of a multidisciplinary firm in JLR, Grant works to support communities in achieving their goals, a very important one is reliable drinking water.

Grant’s experience with detailed design, preparation of contract documents, and contract administration for multidisciplinary and civil/municipal projects provides him with a foundation to guide his clients through a wide variety of projects that support their communities. Capital works, economic development, and strategic initiatives are his main areas of focus.

Through his experience supporting many communities and focusing on the elements of a project that are the most important and impactful, Grant expects this presentation will arm public works directors and water treatment decision makers with tools that will improve the success rate of their critical water projects.

Darren is a Senior Associate and JLR’s Chief Environmental Engineer with over 20 years of experience as a project manager and project engineer for diverse private and public sector clients. Darren’s extensive project and design experience has been focused on water and wastewater treatment plant upgrades, sewage pumping stations, water booster stations, reservoirs, and municipal/civil works.

Darren is responsible for providing preliminary and detailed design of civil, process mechanical, controls, and instrumentation systems. He is also responsible for preparing contract documents, feasibility studies, Municipal Class Environmental Assessments, contract administration, training documents, quality assurance reviews, and operations manuals.

Darren has been involved as a senior reviewer for the Dokis First Nation water treatment plant project and will also draw from his lengthy career of water treatment projects to provide a useful presentation intending to assist communities in making productive decisions with respect to their water treatment upgrades.

Hailing from Anishinaabek communities of Wiikwemkoong and Sagamok, Stephanie Pangowish brings a unique blend of humor, culture and wit to every event she hosts. Her charisma and stage presence are unmatched, making her a sought-after emcee for events big and small. Whether she’s cracking jokes, sharing stories or keeping the crowd intrigued, Stephanie Pangowish is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

Get ready to laugh, learn and be entertained by Deadly Auntie Stephanie Pangowish.