Denyse Dawe

Patti's Bio

Patti is the Executive Director of the Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory that has been monitoring migratory and breeding bird populations in northern Alberta since 1994. She is also the Director of the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation; an exciting education and research centre located in Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park.

Patti is passionate about the importance of community engagement and connecting people to the scientific research that takes place at her station. Using her unique ability to combine her experiences as a biologist and a teacher, Patti has created innovative hands-on education programs that connect visitors of all ages to the world of boreal birds and why we need to care about them.

Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory

Alix's Bio

Alix is focused on supporting the development of the new SFI Urban and Community Forestry Sustainability Standard. As part of SFI’s urban and community forestry team, Alix works to increase the resiliency and sustainability of communities, both large and small. She is passionate about urban forestry and creating sustainable standards for the forest sector.

Before joining SFI, she worked as a tree specialist at a nursery, a landscape technician for the City of Edmonton, and was part of the environmental team at the District of North Vancouver. Alix holds a Bachelor of Urban Forestry from the University of British Columbia and is pursuing an Environmental Management Certificate from the University of Calgary.

Stephanie's Bio

Stephanie Leonard (She/Her) was brought on by Aseniwuche Winewak Nation of Canada in 2017 in the roll of Environmental Coordinator. As part of the Land and Resource Department, Stephanie assists with environmental projects, consultation activities, GIS mapping, and is the Program Manager for AWN’s Caribou Patrol Program, which received an Emerald Award in the Wildlife and Biodiversity category in 2023.

Stephanie loves being outdoors near the small mountain town of Grande Cache, where she lives, spending time camping, hiking, and horseback riding. She is passionate about the work she does with caribou and on the environment.

Aseniwuche Winewak Nation of Canada

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