Leslie Agger

Leslie is Anishinaabe-kwe from the Lac Seul First Nation in Northwest Ontario.

Her background is in community-based research with a focus on oral histories, environmental assessment, First Nation-industry negotiations, and Anishinaabe health. She studied in Scandinavia and in Canada in the fields of statistics, systems ecology, and Indigenous studies.

Leslie is also a Public Representative for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, and has a passion for improving the health and experiences of Indigenous people in health care.

A mother and lover of the outdoors, Leslie enjoys camping, cross-country skiing, running, downhill skiing, and most of all, returning to her homeland of Trout Lake, Ontario, where her mother was raised, and she spent a great deal of her life.

Kate Cave

Kate is located in Unama’ki (Cape Breton), the unceded, ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaw people.

Kate has been a member of the CIER team since 2014, and currently provides support as a Senior Project Manager.

With 20 years’ experience working with Indigenous communities, she has gained a diverse skill set in community engagement strategies, facilitation and collaboration techniques, and analytical skills to solve complex problems. She has led a range of projects from local to national in scale and across diverse thematic areas, including water, waste, climate change, and biodiversity. Kate has a master’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo; and, a bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Native Studies from Trent University.

When she is not at her desk, you will find Kate spending time outdoors, curled up with a good book, or planning her next trip.

Grace Donnelly

Grace is located in Ottawa, Ontario, on the traditional unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation, in the Ottawa River Basin. Grace is a member of the Michisaagiig of Hiawatha First Nation. With a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Environmental Studies and Resource Management from Trent University, Grace is passionate about advancing climate change initiatives and Indigenous rights.

Prior to joining CIER as a Climate Change Associate, Grace has worked on various federal and Ontario-based provincial government environmental programs. Her experiences specialize in stakeholder management, Indigenous rights and climate change adaptation. As a Program Advisor at the Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks, she managed stakeholder relations and negotiated agreements for GHG reporting software. As a Climate Change Assistant at CIRNAC on the First Nations Adapt program, Grace collaborated with First Nation communities nationwide to support climate adaptation projects. Additionally, she interned with the Ontario Source Water Protection Program, designing drinking water protection initiatives for remote and Indigenous communities.

Outside of work, Grace enjoys exploring nature, reading, running, camping and spending time with her family at the cottage.

Dariel Helmesi

Dariel is located in Ottawa, the traditional unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin People.

Dariel holds an Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in Anthropology (2021) and is currently completing a Master of Arts in Anthropology at the University of Ottawa. Her undergraduate and graduate experiences have led her to complete anthropological fieldwork in Colombia, Ecuador, Cameroon, and Canada. Prior to her role as a Water Governance Associate at CIER, Dariel worked as a Program Assistant and Junior Policy Analyst with the Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Division at Natural Resources Canada.

In her spare time, Dariel enjoys being outdoors, writing, drawing, birding, and yoga.

Kate Hewitt

Kate is located on the unceded territory of the Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw and Tŝilhqot’in.

Kate (Kat) has nearly 20 years of experience in the Natural Resources Management field with specific interest in Wildlife Management and Conservation Planning and is a Qualified Environmental Professional specializing in Natural Resource Management. Since 2017, Kate has been working directly with First Nation communities in British Columbia and previously served the role of Co-Chair and Mentor of the First Nations – B.C. Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Forum. She has attained a H.B.A. in Human Geography and Social-Cultural Anthropology from the University of Toronto, and two advanced diplomas in Ecosystem Management from Fleming College in Lindsay, Ontario. Kate has also achieved a variety of certifications including Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation and RISC Archaeology & CMT Inventory Training for Crew Members.

Kate has been working as a Project Manager at CIER since 2021.  She is responsible for delivering and facilitating projects related to CIER’s thematic areas of Climate Change and Energy, Traditional Knowledge, and Biodiversity as they relate to collaborative initiatives and partnerships with Indigenous communities and various stakeholders. When she is not working, Kate enjoys international and local volunteering with non-profit wildlife organizations (including ones in South Africa and The Bahamas) and loves all aspects of music, including writing songs, playing instruments, and listening to a variety of genres.

Cassandra Hill

Cassandra is based in Collingwood, Ontario, situated on the Lake Simcoe-Nottawasaga Treaty 18 Territory. This land is the traditional territory of the Chippewas of Saugeen Ojibway. Cassandra’s roots are Métis and Eastern Swampy Cree.

Cassandra holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Conservation Biology from Trent University, and a diploma in Conservation Biology from Fleming College. Her experience includes contributing to land and wildlife conservation efforts in British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest, where she worked alongside Coastal First Nations communities. Additionally, Cassandra has previously served as a Wildlife Technician, focusing on local wildlife protection and public education regarding the significance of human-wildlife coexistence.

Outside of work, Cassandra enjoys the outdoors, particularly enjoying hiking and birdwatching. When indoors, she expresses her creativity through painting and various crafting projects.

Emily Hoppe

Emily is located in Tiohtiá:ke/Montréal on the traditional and unceded lands of the Kanien’kehá:ka Nation, in the St. Lawrence River watershed. 

Emily holds a Masters of Environment in Environmental Assessment and a Joint Honours Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and International Development. Her anthropological fieldwork experience across Quebec, Nunavut, Greenland, Siberia, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania provides her with unique problem-solving skills relevant to building trust within communities, solving problems, and supporting meaningful participation. Her primary research focus is on Legal Personhood for Rivers and collaborative water governance between Indigenous and non-Indigenous governments. 

Emily currently works as Project Manager, Co-Governance and Climate Resilience, managing the Collaborative Leadership Initiative (CLI) and various other projects related to CIER’s thematic areas (Water, Climate Change and Energy, Traditional Knowledge, Biodiversity, Youth, Indigenous Food, and Sustainable Waste Management). In her role, she maintains collaborative initiatives and partnerships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous governments, private sector companies, philanthropic and charitable organizations, non-profits and academic institutions. Prior to joining CIER in 2023, she worked as an Environmental Project Officer for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. 

In her free time, Emily enjoys playing folk tunes, making textile art, canoeing, and spending time in the outdoors with friends and family. 

Kathy Johnson

Kathy is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba: Treaty 1 Territory, on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe,  Metis, Cree, Dakota, and Anisininew Nations, in the Lake Winnipeg Basin 

​Kathy is a dedicated administrator, she is proactive and strategy minded, driven to efficiently amass accurate and relevant information that enhances CIERs ability to achieve its mission. As Finance & Administration, Kathy’s focus is on supporting CIER staff to ensure their projects are on time and within budget. ​She is responsible for ensuring all steps of project full cycle accounting activities are complete and that expectations of all internal and external stakeholders are met. Kathy has 20+ years of experience and holds certificates in Applied Financial Management & Accounting, Accounting and Applied Management.

As Kathy has a passion for cooking, when she is not at her desk working you can likely find her in the kitchen.

Corey Labossiere

Corey is located in Winnipeg, on Treaty One lands, the original territories of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Anisininew, Dakota, Lakota, and Dene peoples, and the homeland of the Red River Métis. Corey is a Red River Métis citizen who has worked with Indigenous-focused projects since 2017 and has spent time learning Michif—a language with fewer than 500 remaining speakers. 

As the Communications Associate at CIER, Corey assists in the development and execution of creative and strategic efforts, such as social media, advertising, graphic design, website content, e-blasts, and the newsletter.  

Corey graduated from Red River College Polytechnic’s Creative Communications program in 2015. With nearly a decade of experience in the communications industry, Corey’s advertising, marketing, and branding experience led to the creation of his latest book, How To Build Your Brand From Zero, which outlines a brand-building methodology for businesses.  

Corey enjoys a variety of hobbies including cooking, reading, playing music, writing, foraging edible mushrooms, and travelling.

Jennifer Lisle

Jennifer is located in Burlington, Ontario, traditional land of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Attiwonderonk, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation peoples. Jennifer is a member of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point.

Jennifer completed her B.Sc. (Hons.) in Biology in 2021 and has attained a graduate certificate in Environmental Management and Assessment from Niagara College. Her education has provided her with 4 years of experience in performing technical research and data collection, assessing environmental laws and regulations, performing laboratory analysis of field samples, and examining environmental management systems. During her postgraduate education, Jennifer interned as a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) analyst for a winery in the Niagara region. In this role, she honed her analytical and technical writing abilities while determining the GHG emissions associated with various activities performed by the winery. Combined with her technical skills, Jennifer has 6 years of experience in the customer-service and hospitality industry, adding to her teamwork and communication skills.

Jennifer is currently working as a climate change associate for CIER, where she supports the delivery of CIER’s projects. In her role, Jennifer works on projects related to CIER’s thematic areas (Water, Climate Change and Energy, Traditional Knowledge, Biodiversity, Youth, Indigenous Food, and Sustainable Waste Management) and maintaining collaborative initiatives and partnerships with Indigenous communities, government agencies, private sector companies, philanthropic and charitable organizations, non-profits and academic institutions.

In her spare time, you can find Jennifer reading a good book, practicing yoga, and spending time with her friends and family.

Lynn Mallett

Lynn is located in Oakville, Ontario, which is located on Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nation and the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and the Haudenosaunee.  She joined the CIER team in August 2021, and currently provides support as a Project Manager.  Since being with CIER she has assisted with management and facilitation of a national climate action and awareness funding program, and a Species at Risk funding program for Indigenous communities.  

A large part of her career has been spent providing capacity-building programs in the area of water and wastewater treatment for Indigenous communities throughout BC.  She has also completed a graduate degree which looked at developing a sustainability tool which included Indigenous communities, government, and consultants in selecting appropriate water and wastewater treatment technologies for remote Indigenous communities.   

She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Environmental Science from Guelph University, and a Master’s of Science degree in Environmental Management from Royal Roads University.   

When she is not working, Lynn enjoys staying active outdoors, including cycling and gardening in the summer, and skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.  When forced to be indoors, she enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her cats. 

Brent Martel

Brent is located in St. Malo, Manitoba, Treaty One Territory, on the traditional and contemporary land of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Anisininew, Dakota, Lakota, Métis and Dene peoples. Brent is a Red River Métis citizen.

Brent has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Manitoba and has professional experience in the areas of product design, statistical problem solving and engineering project management.

Brent is currently working as a Climate Change Project Manager and is responsible for CIER’s Energy InSites program, supporting the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act by facilitating deep retrofit emissions reduction initiatives in Indigenous communities throughout Canada.

In his free time, Brent enjoys running, cycling, Nordic skiing and snowmobiling.

Shianne McKay

Shianne is located in Brandon, Manitoba: Treaty 2 Territory, on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Dakota, and Anisininew Nations.
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​Shianne has 15 years of experience in the Environmental Conservation Sciences field; 14 years working directly with First Nation communities. Shianne joined CIER in September 2009. She is Ojibway and a member of the Pine Creek First Nation in Manitoba, Treaty 2 and 4. She has attained a B.Sc. in Environmental and Conservation Sciences with a major in Conservation Biology from the University of Alberta. In 2013, she received a certificate in Indigenous Women in Community Leadership from the Coady International Institute at St. Francis Xavier University.

Shianne is currently one of CIER’s Senior Project Managers.  She is responsible for all stages in developing and delivering projects related to CIER’s thematic areas (Water, Climate Change and Energy, Traditional Knowledge, Biodiversity, Food Sovereignty, and Sustainable Waste Management) and developing and maintaining collaborative initiatives and partnerships with Indigenous communities, government agencies, private sector companies, philanthropic and charitable organizations, non-profits and academic institutions. Shianne has experience managing staff, chairing meetings, facilitating workshops, developing proposals and is also a member of CIER’s Executive team.

In her free time, Shianne enjoys being outdoors with her family- hiking, camping, fishing, and having large family picnics or potlucks. She truly is at home in the kitchen or bush campfire and loves to cook and bake.

Thomas McKay

Thomas McKay is located in Winnipegosis, Manitoba: Treaty 2 Territory, on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Ininiwak, Dakota, and the homeland of the Métis Nation, in the Lake Winnipegosis Basin. He is a member of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Manitoba with roots in Pine Creek First Nation.  

Thomas spent the last 13 years as a Regional Fisheries Biologist II for the Manitoba Government in Thompson, Manitoba. He has a diploma in Natural Resource Management Technology from University College of the North. He has 20+ years of experience working as a civil servant with First Nation communities in the area of aquatic monitoring to maintain or enhance fish populations and habitats. 

Thomas joined CIER in August 2022 as a Biodiversity Associate. In his role he supports delivery on CIER projects related to Water, Climate Change and Energy, Traditional Knowledge, Biodiversity, Youth, Indigenous Food, and Sustainable Waste Management.  He also maintains collaborative initiatives and partnerships with Indigenous communities, government agencies, private sector companies, philanthropic and charitable organizations, non-profits and academic institutions.

Outside of work, Thomas enjoys participating in competitive fishing event, playing guitar and spending time in the outdoors with his family.

Ken McIntyre

Ken is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba: Treaty 1 Territory, on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe,  Metis, Cree, Dakota, and Anisininew Nations, in the Lake Winnipeg Basin.

Ken has over 30 years of experience in the for-profit and non-profit sectors as a senior level communications professional. A creative and strategic leader with a passion for problem solving and relationship building. An imaginative, big-picture thinker who thrives on shaping unique, emotive, and strategic creative solutions. Insightful communication skills contribute to successful relationships and project outcomes. A dynamic, multitasking project manager that delivers efficiently from strategy to tactics.

Ken enjoys the serenity of being close to nature right in his own backyard on the Seine River with his spouse Deborah. Frequent visitors include deer, groundhogs, rabbits and raccoons. He enjoys travelling to see family and close friends in the United States and learning different cultures of foreign lands. Cuba is a favourite spot with frequent visits creating close and longstanding friendships with two families. He is a camera geek who enjoys street photography and capturing a moment in time. Witty and loves puns, causing many a groan from colleagues.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael is the principal of North Raven where he works collaboratively on water protection and governance, renewable energy development, building efficient government, expediting land claims and strategic planning. As MLA and Minister of numerous portfolios in the Government NWT, his roles have been diverse, reflecting his broad interest in bettering the lives of northerners. He is a co-convener of the Collaborative Leadership Initiative in Manitoba. He is a member of the Forum for Leadership on Water and now advises indigenous governments, and private, public, and NGO sector clients on environmental and Indigenous issues.

Merrell-Ann Phare

Merrell-Ann Phare is a lawyer, author and the founding Executive Director of the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources, a national First Nation charitable environmental organisation. Merrell-Ann is a Commissioner of the International Joint Commission and co-convener of the Collaborative Leadership Initiative in Manitoba. She was Chief Negotiator on behalf of the Government of the NWT in their negotiation of transboundary water agreements in the Mackenzie River Basin and for the creation of Thaidene Nene, a national and territorial park in the east arm of Great Slave Lake. She is a member of Smart Prosperity, the Forum for Leadership on Water and is a recipient of the Clean 50 Award. She is legal counsel and advisor to a number of First Nation governments and regularly speaks on governance, water, and rights issues.

Wendy Ross

Wendy is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba: Treaty 1 Territory, on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Metis, Cree, Dakota, and Anisininew Nations, in the Lake Winnipeg Basin
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Wendy is from Treaty 5 and family ties to Pimicikamak (Cross Lake), Kinosao Sipi (Norway House) and Makeso Sakahikan (Fox Lake) which are located along the Kischi Sipi (Nelson River). She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts in Native Studies examining the political history, governance & hydro development within Pimicikamak homelands. Prior to working at CIER, Wendy was the program coordinator for the NSERC CREATE H2O Program at the University of Manitoba whose focus was to train graduate students in sciences and engineering to work with First Nation communities on water projects. Wendy has also worked with Makeso Sakahikan (Fox Lake) Kitayastisuk (Elders – people who hold the wisdom of their ancestors) on Aski Keskentamowin(land and water knowledge) studies for Keeyask and Bi Pole III.

Away from her desk, Wendy enjoys spending time with her daughter and partner; listening to music; and, attending Crossfit and spin classes.

Reiley Terbasket

Reiley is located on the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən Peoples, known today as the Songhees, Esquimalt, W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations communities in Victoria, BC. Reiley is a proud member of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, syilx (Okanagan) Nation. 

Reiley attainted a B.Sc. in Biology at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in 2021. She has three years of experience working for Indigenous organizations and directly with Indigenous Peoples. After graduation, she worked for BC Parks as a Student Ranger which allowed her to explore many provincial parks in the Okanagan doing park restoration, conservation, invasive species removal, recreation improvements, public outreach, and Indigenous engagement. Reiley then went on to participate in the Indigenous Youth Internship Program (IYIP) and worked for the BC Conservation Data Centre as an Ecosystems and Biodiversity Specialist. In this position, she partnered with members of the syilx Nation on an Indigenous cultural ecosystems project which focused on one of their traditional foods, bitterroot, to incorporate Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge and practices alongside Western scientific practices to assess the conservation status of this ecosystem. She finished the final portion of IYIP working for CIER on the Species at Risk Act Consultation, Cooperation and Accommodation Project (SARA-CCA). 

Reiley is currently working for CIER as a Biodiversity Associate. In her role, she is supporting the delivery of CIER’s projects, workshops, trainings for Indigenous communities across the Nation and is maintaining collaborative initiatives and partnerships with Indigenous communities, government agencies, private sector companies, philanthropic and charitable organizations, non-profits and academic institutions.

Outside of work, Reiley enjoys playing basketball recreationally and competitively with her community women’s team, Similkameen Starbirds, at the annual BC All Native Basketball Tournament. She also enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and camping. 

Sjoerd van der Wielen

Sjoerd is located in Combermere, Ontario, on the traditional unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin People, in the Madawaska Basin.
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Sjoerd is a dedicated manager and has worked for and with Indigenous communities and organisations for the past 15 years. For the past eight years he has supervised teams in Indigenous organisations that focus on land management, healthy, self-sustaining communities and capacity building, intertwining western knowledge with traditional knowledge.

Sjoerd is a Senior Project Manager at CIER. With his background in GIS, along with his experience supporting the gathering and use of traditional knowledge and implementation of community-based monitoring programs, he helps lead many of CIER’s projects to successful completion.

When Sjoerd is not at his desk, he is doing some sort of outdoor activity or playing Lego with his sons.

Samantha Wang

Sam is currently based in Calgary, Alberta, near the land northwest of where the Bow River meets the Elbow River—a site traditionally known as Moh’kins’tsis to the Blackfoot, Wîchîspa to the Stoney Nakoda, and Guts’ists’i to the Tsuut’ina.

Sam holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto and a master’s degree in Environmental Science from the University of Sydney, Australia, with a focus on sustainability, climate change, and wildlife conservation. Her expertise is further supported by her experience as a researcher at her academic institution and the Meteorological Bureau, where she contributed to field data collection, climate research, and model improvement.

As an environmental scientist at an environmental consulting firm, Sam honed her skills in fieldwork and data analysis, which enhanced her ability to identify northern species, conduct assessments, and draft comprehensive reports. She is currently working as a Climate Change Associate at CIER, where she supports the Canadian Net-Zero Accountability Act and initiatives related to species at risk.

In her free time, Sam enjoys volunteering for conservation efforts, as well as engaging in wildlife photography and birding.