Valarie Boucher

Val is located in the Waterloo Region, situated on the lands within the Haldimand Treaty of 1784, a formally ratified agreement acknowledging six miles on either side of the Grand River as treaty territory belonging to Six Nations of the Grand River. The Region of Waterloo serves an area within the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe, Chonnonton and Haudenosaunee peoples. This territory is within the lands protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum. Val is a member of the Mi’kmaq First Nation in Gaspé, Quebec. 

Prior to joining CIER, Val has provided Operational Support in project-based service firms for over 25 years. She has used her diverse educational experience in Human Resources, Finance, and Marketing to assist in fostering great cultures by igniting passion within people and engaging collaboration for growth within organizations. While owning her own consulting firm, she has helped other start their own firms, assisted with mergers and acquisitions and helped firms be more profitable and efficient.  

When not working, Val enjoys her time day tripping with her dog, travelling abroad, golfing, giving back to the community and going to theatrical performances around Ontario.  

Alix Casey

Alix currently resides on the unceded homelands of the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo-Xai’xais, Lil’wat, Musqueam, N’Quatqua, Nuxalk, Samahquam, Skatin, Shishálh, Squamish, Tla’amin, Tsleil Waututh, Wuikinuxv, and Xa’xtsa peoples – known as Vancouver, BC. She is a member of the Metis Nation of BC, with ancestral roots in so-called ‘Saskatchewan’.

As a new member of the CIER team, Alix brings experience from non-profit and Indigenous governance-led organizations, with a focus on land-based ecology, climate change mitigation, and youth mentorship. She holds diplomas in Environmental Management (Okanagan College) and Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation (BCIT), as well as a B.Sc. in Ecological Restoration from BCIT. 

In her free time, Alix likes spending time in natural spaces, learning about plant medicines, connecting with close friends, and creating art.

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 leadership as the Director of Projects.

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.

Eishein Doctolero

Eishein (pronounced eye-sh’n) is based in Oakbank, Manitoba, on Treaty 1 Territory and the traditional lands of the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline, Nehethowuk Nations, as well as the homeland of the Red River Métis.

His educational background includes RRC Polytechnic’s Environmental Engineering Technology program and the Project Management program. He brings eight years of consulting experience, having led and supported projects across Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Nunavut. His technical strengths include environmental site assessments, contaminant monitoring and remediation, and hydrogeology. His diverse experience includes field execution, data interpretation, regulatory reporting, risk management, project coordination and collaborating with stakeholders at all levels: from community members and Indigenous leaders, to municipal, provincial and federal bodies.

Outside of work, he enjoys a mix of activities, from quiet, home-based pursuits, to travelling and cultural exploration, as well as outdoor adventures like hiking, often accompanied by his dog, Hiro.

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.

Devon Feheley

Devon is located in the Waterloo Region on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Chonnonton and Haudenosaunee peoples. This region is located within the Haldiman Tract, which is a six-mile stretch of land on the banks of the Grand River that was promised to the Six Nations of the Grand River. Devon is Moose Cree, whose family comes from the Chapleau Cree First Nation.

Devon recently graduating from the University of Waterloo’s Environment, Resources and Sustainability Program and gaining a bachelor’s in environmental studies. Their experience has largely been focused on Indigenous led research and conservation, working as a research assistant studying Indigenous-led conservation of Peatlands in Canada. Devon’s work has also explored Indigenous environmental justice, with the goal of incorporating more Indigenous Science and Knowledge into education and research.

Outside of work, you are likely to find Devon riding their horse, Hugh, whether out in the fields or training for their next competition, and most days they can be found at the barn. They also love hiking with their dog, Pangu, and are always looking for new hiking spots. Outside of their animals, Devon loves crafting and baking.

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 at CIER since 2021 and is a Senior Project Manager.  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. 

Sarah Kent

Sarah is located in Vancouver, BC on the beautiful, unceded, traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Sarah is a mixed, reconnecting Indigenous person, registered through the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Nation, but a descendant from the Syilx people of the Similkameen communities on their maternal side. On Sarah’s paternal side, they are descendant from Norwegian and English farming settlers in Saskatchewan.

Sarah is a restoration ecologist with a focus on tidal and freshwater wetland restoration. Born and raised in Treaty 6 territory (Saskatoon, SK), Sarah received a B.Sc. in Renewable Resource Management from the University of Saskatchewan before relocating to Vancouver. After moving provinces, Sarah completed a M.Sc. in Ecological Restoration from Simon Fraser University and BCIT. Sarah’s thesis project focused on using a climate change sea-level-rise model as an adaptive restoration tool for the Kus-kus-sum tidal marsh restoration project in the K’ómoks Estuary on Vancouver Island. In addition to Sarah’s environmental education, they spent 10 years working in the food service industry as a server, manager, bartender, cook, and barista, which continues to inform their passion for food security and their love of sharing food as a way to connect with people.

At CIER, Sarah is a Biodiversity Research Associate supporting various teams including the Collaborative Leadership Initiative (CLI), Health Impact Assessment (HIA), and the Species at Risk Act Consultation, Collaboration and Accommodation (SARA-CCA) projects. Sarah is passionate about food security, youth empowerment, collaborative planning, climate change adaptations, nature-based solutions, water stewardship, and soil science. 

In their free time, Sarah enjoys swimming in cold mountain rivers and lakes, growing food and medicine, snowboarding, cooking for loved ones, writing poetry, and spending as much time as possible in nature.

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 Project Manager for CIER, where she manages and 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 Senior Project Manager and is responsible for CIER’s Energy InSites program, supporting energy 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.

After expanding its leadership model, as of October 2025, CIER has officially made Shianne a Co-Executive Director. In this newly created collaborative role, she will lead external advocacy, public representation, and partnerships. Shianne will help ensure CIER continues to grow, serving Indigenous communities across Canada and the environmental challenges they face. 

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. Trips to Europe that specifically include Greece and the island of Santorini are favourites. Ken is a bit of 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 was the founding Executive Director of the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources, a national First Nation charitable environmental organisation. As of October 2025, Merrell-Ann expanded the CIER leadership to a Co-Executive Director model and is now a Co-ED. She is a Commissioner of the International Joint Commission and co-convener of the Collaborative Leadership Initiative in Manitoba. Merrel-Ann 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. 

Samantha Wang

Sam is currently based in Toronto (Treaty 13), which is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat, and Mississaugas of the Credit.

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.