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Let's Chat About Indigenous Engagement & Nuclear Power Development
Addressing climate change requires a global effort to decarbonize the world’s energy systems. This means we’ll need to consider all zero emissions energy options, including nuclear power. Small modular reactors or "SMRs" hold promise for regions where the large nuclear reactors in operation today might not be feasible.
Join Dazawray Landrie-Parker, Desiree Norwegian, and Guy Lonechild on Tuesday, October 5 for a conversation about the role of meaningful Indigenous engagement as some Canadian utilities, including SaskPower, evaluate the potential for nuclear power from SMRs as a means of achieving net zero emissions from power generation. Bring your questions and an appetite for respectful dialogue with these respected engagement practitioners!
About the speakers:
Dazawray Landrie-Parker (Métis) is a PhD Candidate in Public Policy at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) and an instructor at Yukon University. She is also the former Director of Operations for the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan. In 2014, Dazawray was appointed as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Commanding Officer’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee for “F” Division (RCMP COAAC), which builds on her extensive background working with Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MNS) where she held several senior positions - including Director of Operations, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Senior Policy Analyst. Dazawray’s Métis ancestry fueled her focus on Indigenous communities and inspired her undergraduate degree in Native Studies from the U of S. and her subsequent degree-Master of Governance and Entrepreneurship in Northern and Indigenous Areas offered jointly by University of Tromsø-The Arctic University of Norway and the U of S. As the culmination of her program, Dazawray researched and built a community engagement framework for nuclear energy engagement in northern communities and the Policy for Public Engagement for the City of Saskatoon.
Desiree Norwegian is a member of Liidlii Kue First Nation, she is part of the Dene clan, meaning the land of the people from North West Territories. Desiree graduated from Algoma University with a Bachelors in Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting. With Desiree’s strong determination and drive she next went on to obtain a Chartered Professional Accountant designation. Desiree has worked in senior level accounting positions for the Municipality of Wawa and in the Energy Sector for Brookfield Renewable Power and Plasco Energy Group. Working in these roles had given Desiree the skills to take on her next adventure, the purchase of Abraflex 2004 Ltd in early January 2016-2020. Since then Desiree has decided to pursue her passion through Atunda Inc. and strive for Indigenous engagement, rights, equality and reconciliation, gender diversity, and teach/talk about the huge advantage that Nuclear power plays in our society (green power, medical isotopes, small & advanced modular reactors and great careers in stem & skilled trades) along with building a clean energy future. Desiree was also voted in as a board member for the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries in 2018, Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business 2019 and Workplace Wellness Institute 2019 and is acting Treasurer on two of the boards.
Guy Lonechild (White Bear First Nations- Treaty #4) is a well-known advocate in creating new economic opportunities and serves as President and CEO of First Nations Power Authority connecting both Indigenous and Industry leaders in renewable and alternative energy development. As a first of its kind organization, Mr. Lonechild heads the organization as our strategic leader and serves the FNPA Board and provides leadership direction to the FNPA Team. Guy served as Vice-Chief and Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (1999-2008 and 2009-2011), where he oversaw the 25-year Economic Development Strategy highlighting important work in Alternative Energy, Oil and Gas, Agriculture, Tourism, Gaming, Housing and Community Infrastructure, Education, Health and Social Development. Before entering politics, Guy served in various capacities as band administrator and private consultant to First Nations in Business and Community Development. He holds a Masters of Business Administration in Strategic Leadership from Cape Breton University and Associates Degree in Golf Complex Operations Management. He and his wife Leah have one child, Darian Lonechild and enjoy quality time with friends and extended family.
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