These are the people who keep Ya’ Thi Néné running.

Garrett Schmidt

Executive Director

Garrett works under the supervision of the Board of Directors on managing Ya’ thi Néné’s operations and administration. He is responsible for working with the Board, employees and contractors on managing lands and resources, upholding the community’s interests and collaborating with Ya’ thi Néné’s numerous partner organizations. Garrett is passionate about developing Ya’thi Néné into a strong, independent and professional organization that serves the Athabasca residents.

Megan Wallace

Environmental Land Use Planner

The Environmental Land Use Planner focuses on implementing our land programs that involve consultation and engagement, planning and protection, and monitoring. Megan’s work involves geospatial analysis and mapping, research, data management, communication with numerous stakeholders, report writing, and coordination of tasks. Megan’s role requires extensive travel to the Athabasca Basin Communities and facilitating relationships within the area.

Dene Robillard

Development Coordinator

Dene's job is to support the training and employment of Basin residents. He's also around to support business development opportunities.

You should reach out to Dene if you have questions about our scholarship program, training and education initiatives, workforce growth, and business development.

Bruce Hanbidge

Strategic Advisor

Bruce works under the supervision of the Executive Director and assists with implementing the strategic plan. Bruce’s role supports the strategic growth of YNLR related to land protection/management in Nuhenéné, with a focus on strategic challenges and solutions for land decisions, particularly related to cumulative effects. Bruce brings over 35 years of professional work experience and has two Undergraduate Degrees (Biology and Biochemistry) and a Masters Degree.

Tina Giroux

Contract Project Manager

Tina has been hired as a contractor to manage and oversee the Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA) project. Tina has a background in wildlife biology (MSc.) and has over 10 years experience working with the Athabasca Denesuline communities in lands and resources.

Tina’s job is to work with the Athabasca basin communities in identifying and developing protected areas in Nuhenéné (SK). She also works closely with the Community Land Technicians, managing their day to day activities.

Celeste Robillard

Administrative/Communications Assistant

Celeste focuses on a variety of administrative and communication tasks that support the offices and its staff.

This includes assistance with general administration, and she develops and executes all YNLR internal and external communications such as: articles, bulletins, updates to social media, websites, and promotional activities and plans and manages the events of the YNLR.

Dana Kellet

Manager of Environment

The Environmental Specialist supports the process of negotiation and implementation of agreements between Basin residents, government, and industry related to development initiatives and the Athabasca Land Use Plan. As well, the Environmental Specialist designs and conducts environmental research, and provides technical expertise through data assessment and analysis.

Linda McNabb

The Human Resources Advisor

Linda provides support to the office and staff in a variety of areas including Human Resources. Linda is a member of the Fond du Lac Denesųłiné First Nation and was born and raised in Uranium City, she now resides in Saskatoon. Linda has 2 children and 3 grandchildren.

Kathy Hay

*Manager of Corporate Affairs*

Kathy is our Corporate Affairs Manager; she is a member of the Black Lake Denesųłiné First Nation. Kathy has degrees in Human Resource Management and Sociology and extensive experience in employment counselling and coaching. She also has over 10 years experience in marketing and communication. YNLR is fortunate to have Kathy join our team.

Steven Foti

Project Coordinator

Steven is our Project Coordinator, he has a diverse background in planning and experience in project coordination. Steven has over 15 years experience working in various roles with SaskEnergy. His extensive experience in leading and managing projects is an asset to our team.

Keesha Martin

IPA Project Coordinator

Keesha Martin is a member of the Fond du Lac Denesųłiné First Nation. Keesha joined the YNLR Team as the Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) Coordinator. Keesha graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. Keesha has summer student experience with Cameco in both the Environment and Chemistry departments. Keesha was the recipient of the Top Academic awards in Grades 10, 11 and 12 at Father Gamache Memorial School in Fond du Lac.

May-Britt Jensen

Employment & Training Advisor

May-Britt Jensen is from Uranium City and joined the Ya'Thi Néné Lands and Resources team in October 2023 as a Contractor. Her main focus is supporting the communication and marketing of the EXPORT Database for both community members and businesses members. This position is key to operating a successful and effective database, and her goal is to promote the people of the Athabasca Basin by providing guidance and training to community and business members, focusing on the benefits of using the EXPORT database.

Your Community Land Technicians are our boots on the ground

Our vision for the Community Land Technicians (CLTs) is to continue the proud Denesųłiné and long-lived tradition of being stewards of the land. The CLTs are also here to become mentors to our youth and respected community members who are held in high esteem by all.

**Margaret Powder**
**Uranium City & Camsell Portage**

Margaret was raised by her mother, grandmother, & great grandfather in Camsell Portage, and Uranium City. She has 3 children and 5 grandchildren.

“Today I live in a ghost town, what I see on our land is devastating. I am grateful to become a Land Protector. It is our responsibility to protect Mother Earth. She provides for all of us and future generations to come.”

**Jean Tsannie**
**Hatchet Lake & Wollaston**

Jean grew up hunting, trapping, and fishing with her parents in Wollaston. Now, she has three kids and four grandkids, and works hard to pass these traditional values on to her own family. Jean is also a Canadian Ranger who conducts search and rescue and disaster relief when needed. She is excited for all of the opportunities that getting out on the land presents.

**Ian Donard**
**Black Lake & Stony Rapids**

Ian has years of experience working on the land and keeping the traditional ways alive. From Black Lake, he has two kids and is very family-oriented. He is passionate about bringing his culture and the teachings of his Elders to the youth. In his spare time, Ian likes to get outside with his family and to teach his kids and youth about the traditional ways of knowing.

Trevor is our Community Land Technician in Fond du Lac. Trevor has experience as a Driller Helper, Barge/Deck Helper, Ramp Helper, a Customer Service Representative, and a Stock person. Trevor brings his skills and positive attitude to his new role. Trevor will be an effective member of our Team.

Victor Howald

Elder Support Coordinator

Curtis Tsannie

Elder Support Community Land Technician- Hatchet Lake

Curtis joined the YNLR team as an Elder Support Community Land Technician in Hatchet Lake. Curtis is a former Mill Operator, Maintenance worker and Labourer, and has also served as a casual CLT with YNLR. Curtis brings his extensive on-the-land experience with harvesting wood and traditional food to his role. Curtis will be a strong resource to YNLR.

Austin Donard

Elder Support Community Land Technician- Black Lake

Austin is one of our Elder Support Community Land Technicians in Black Lake. Austin has a variety of different experiences and skills that he brings to his position including maintenance, security, and construction renovations, along with all his safety and training certifications. Austin spends time on the land harvesting traditional food and wood. Austin will be a valuable employee to YNLR.

Casey Mercredi Throassie

Elder Support Community Land Technician- Fond-du-Lac

Casey is one of our Elder Support Community Land Technicians in Black Lake. Casey brings his Security experience, his Driller Helper training and experience as well as his training in chainsaw certification in addition to his Land Based Knowledge training to his position. Casey also spends time harvesting traditional food and wood for heat. Casey will be a benefit to YNLR.