Alix Olson

Elder's Bio

Elder Heather Poitras, a member of the Sawridge First Nation (Treaty 8), is currently serving as an Elder for her Nation. Elder Heather grew up by the Kehewin Cree Nation (Treaty 6). Proud of both her First Nation and Métis culture, she has dedicated her 25+ year federal career to Indigenous awareness and culture. 

As the Elder-In-Residence at the Northern Forestry Centre (NRCAN) in Edmonton, she also played an instrumental role in the establishment of the We Walk Together Forward – Indigenous Learning Centre at the Northern Forestry Centre, Edmonton, Alberta.

Elder Heather Poitras, a descendant of Big Bear, comes from a long line of leaders. Her chapan (Cree for great-grandfather) J.F. Dion, one of the founders of the Métis Nation of Alberta, ensured that the Métis in Alberta had land base. The only province to do so.  

Elder Heather strives to ensure that her people, the original people of this country, are included in every aspect of society. She has been dedicated to creating awareness of Canada’s true history, to help with the healing process of reconciliation, and to improve relationships.

Northern Forestry Centre

Michelle's Bio

Michelle Harris is an environmental educator with over 12 years of experience in her field, and truly loves helping people to connect with outdoors and become inspired to want to protect it. As an Assistant Manager with WILD Outside, Michelle helps this high-school age conservation leadership program run smoothly not only in Alberta, but from Winnipeg to Vancouver as well. When Michelle is not working with this fantastic program, you can find her out kayaking, camping, downhill skiing, and doing citizen science with iNaturalist.

Canadian Wildlife Federation: WILD Outside

Sithara's Bio

Sithara Fernando is a pioneering force in STEM, challenging conventional norms and advocating for diversity within environmental careers. As a woman of colour and a member of the LGBTQ2S+ community, she brings a unique perspective to our panel.

Sithara has worked in a variety of Environmental roles in both the Public and Private sectors. She is currently the Academic Program Manager of STEM Programs at NorQuest College assisting students to find careers in Environmental Technology, Energy Management and Machine Learning. Sithara is also a supporter of the 1000 Women for STEM scholarship, which assists females to enter non-traditional STEM fields.

NorQuest College

Emma's Bio

Emma Kniel has worked in forestry education for over 6 years. In her role as program coordinator with CAREERS she mentors youth taking their first steps into exploring future career pathways, especially within the forest sector. She has also spent many years in the classroom leading students and teachers through forestry awareness and career preparedness workshops.

Prior to her work in forest education, Emma attended the University of Alberta’s forest management program. She also worked with West Fraser, and Weyerhaeuser in their silviculture departments monitoring tree planting programs, conducting reforestation surveys, and assisting in tree improvement research efforts.

Careers The Next Generation