This session will be a sharing circle. It will start with a smudge and prayer, followed by the passing of a talking stick. Teachings about how First Nations have developed their own solutions, and how they have partnered with Western ways of knowing and doing will be discussed.
Dr. Sheri Longboat - (mixed Mohawk Ukrainian and member of the Six Nations of the Grand River). Sheri is an associate professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science at Wilfrid Laurier University, and associate graduate faculty in Rural Planning and Development at the University of Guelph. She has over 25 years of experience working with First Nations in lands and resources, education and training, and research and capacity-building. Her community-driven research focuses on water security planning, management, and governance in the context of sustainability, justice, and change.
Charlotte Muise is a Master’s of Applied Science in Environmental Engineering Student at Dalhousie University with the Centre for Water Resources conducting research with the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority, hailing from Mi’kmaq Qalipu First Nation in western Newfoundland. Her research focuses on redefining “risk assessment” in a good way for First Nations wastewater treatment.
Dr. Megan Fuller (settler for mixed European ancestry) is the Director of Research for the AFNWA at Dalhousie University's Centre for Water Resources Studies. She leads research priorities in collaboration with Elders, First Nations collaborators, and technical experts, ensuring solutions are grounded in cultural values as well as scientific rigor. Megan's work translates science into policy, including the co-development of Indigenous-led drinking water standards and the production of expert reports addressing critical gaps in decentralized water and wastewater systems.
Elder Methilda Knockwood Snache is the Chair of the AFNWA’s Elders Advisory Lodge and a much-respected Elder who maintains the culture and customs of the Mi’kmaq people of Lennox Island by sharing traditional wisdom and practices. The inspiring work she has done has left an indelible mark on her community. She was awarded the Governor General of Canada’s Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers in 2017 for her ongoing work as a Mi’kmaq cultural interpreter for Parks Canada and joins the CWRA special session to bring Mi’kmaq values, teachings, and culture to Treaty 1 Territories.
Gregg Brewer – is a member of Neqotkuk First Nation and the Wolustuk Area Supervisor for the AFNWA. He is an experienced Operator with a demonstrated history of working in the utilities industry in areas of water supply management, water treatment, distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, and mentoring and training operators.
Pat Jeddore – is a member of Eskasoni First Nation and the Unama’ki Area Supervisor for the AFNWA. Pat brings Mi’kmaw culture, values, and language to his role as water and wastewater operator. Pat’s expertise and leadership role in Eskasoni has been instrumental in steering the AFNWA during its development.
Mykel Denny – is a member of Eskasoni First Nation and a Research Assistant at the Centre for Water Resources Studies at Dalhousie University. They recently completed their Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on Biology and Chemistry at Cape Breton University. Mykel’s role at the CWRS provides support and direction to the research and educational programs being delivered by the AFNWA + CWRS partnership.
Geoff Reimer – the Director of Environment for the Southern Chiefs Organization, Geoff and oversees the Water Testing Project for participating SCO Nations. The Water Testing Project is SCO’s initial step in developing a Southern First Nations Water Authority that will deliver safe, clean drinking water and wastewater treatment services to participating SCO member First Nations.
