IAMC-LINE 3 - Key Persons
Anita Kuipers joined Natural Resources Canada in 2014, in the Office and Energy Efficiency (OEE) where she led the Executive Council for the Canadian Industry Partnership for Energy Conservation and worked with industry through OEE program funding to apply operational energy efficiency systems.
Job Titles:
- Member of the George Gordon First Nation
Don Ross is a member of the George Gordon First Nation with over 40 years of experience in business development, federal/provincial government relations and First Nations and Métis community development.
He has over 10 years of direct experience working for First Nations and First Nations Corporations with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and directly with First Nation leaders.
Mr. Ross completed the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Internship Program and attended the University of Regina as well as the First Nations University of Canada. He was also an integral part of the Line 3 IAMC co-development process.
Jennifer is the first ever Indigenous employee hired by the Caucus to work full-time on the Line 3 IAMC.
Job Titles:
- George Gordon First Nation ( Indigenous Co - Chair )
Job Titles:
- Mosquito Grizzly Bear 's Head Lean Man First Nation ( 2017 - 2019 )
Job Titles:
- Board Chair at the Aboriginal Friendship Center of Calgary
- Founder and President of Apeiron Resources
Kirk Poitras is a distinguished Métis Citizen and accomplished business leader with a rich history of executive roles and impactful contributions to the energy industry.
Job Titles:
- Founding Member of the International Buffalo Relations Institute
Kyra is also a founding member of the International Buffalo Relations Institute, whose main objective is to promote the implementation of the Buffalo Treaty and to support Indigenous Nations in returning buffalo to the lands to rebuild vital cultural and ecological connections.
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Manitoba Métis Federation ( Indigenous Co - Chair )
- Senior Director of Energy, Infrastructure and Resource
Marci Riel is the Senior Director of Energy, Infrastructure and Resource Management (EIRM) at the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis.
Marci is the mother of two sons and together with her husband Kevin is proud to be raising the next generation of Red River Métis citizens. Marci lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba - in the heart of the National Homeland - on one of the original Red River lots next to the historic Riel House site.
Melvin Wayne Abraham is a member of the Frog Lake First Nation in the Treaty 6 Territory.
He was raised in the Cree traditional way of ceremonies and values. Melvin speaks the Cree language very fluently and has extensive knowledge in Cree herbal medicines.
He is a retired police officer, and served on Frog Lake First Nation Chief and Council for a two year term as Council Member in the late 1990's. Melvin is a recognized Ceremonial Elder of the Frog Lake First Nation and surrounding First Nations.
Melvin currently serves in the following capacities:
Chairperson of the Morning Sky Health and Wellness Society Board of Directors on Frog Lake First Nation;
Indigenous Advisory Committee Member for Eastern Alberta District for the RCMP "K" Division as the Ambassador to the Commanding Officer;
Committee Member of the Indian Oil and Gas Canada/Indian Resource Council of Canada Joint Technical Committee 1;
Board of Director member of the St. Paul Education Regional Division;
Chairperson of the Blue Quills University Elder's Senate; and
Committee member of the Line 3 IAMC and Chairperson of the IAMC Emergency Management Sub Committee.
Melvin has over 30 years of experience in oilfield and pipeline construction in various capacities ranging from equipment Operator to Field Superintendent, Oilfield Consultant and Pipeline Trenching Inspector.
Job Titles:
- Federal Representative
- Professional Leader of Reconciliation
Job Titles:
- Minister
- Member of the Métis Nation Saskatchewan Provincial Métis Council and Holds Multiple Roles With MN - S Cabinet
Marg is a governing member of the Métis Nation Saskatchewan Provincial Métis Council and holds multiple roles with MN-S Cabinet: Minister of Health, Minister of Finance, and the Regional Director for Eastern Region III. She is also the current chairperson for Métis Addictions Council of Saskatchewan and a board member of Saskatchewan Métis Economic Development Corporation. She has a diverse background working in the private and public sectors in the education and health industries.
Minister Marg Friesen was awarded the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022 for her contributions and commitment to community in leadership.
Job Titles:
- Leader
- Cowessess First Nation ( Indigenous Co - Chair )
He is a former council member of Cowessess First Nation. No stranger to leadership, Richard is also a former student leader with years of experience working to enhance Indigenous rights. Advocating for Indigenous students at all levels of learning was a valuable learning role in Richard's college and university undergraduate experiences.
Richard is a dedicated researcher focusing on social constructionism, intergenerational trauma, as well as cognitive development. Richard spends a great deal of time and energy sharing his research to help educate Indigenous Nations, organizations and individuals on the relevance of traditional psychology as it relates to Indigenous worldviews.
In his spare time, Richard is a traditional drum maker and teacher for children and adults of all ages. He plays the flute, also referred to as the Native American flute. Richard writes poetry as well as writing stories of fiction and non-fiction.