OUR TEAMThe Seal River Watershed Alliance (SRWA), a partnership of four First Nations working to create the Seal River Watershed Indigenous Protected Area in northern Manitoba. We envision a landscape where people, animals, fish, and cultures thrive and there is hope and abundance for all future generations.
Ernie Bussidor
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Before launching the Seal River Watershed Alliance and serving as its Executive Director, Ernie was elected for three terms as Chief and twice as Councillor for the Sayisi Dene First Nation. Ernie is currently serving as the Patrol Commander for the Canadian Ranger Patrol Group Tadoule Lake. He is an alternate member of the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board and works as a Dene Translator for the North of 60 Dene Land Claims process.
Ernie was adopted as an infant by his maternal grandparents, Peter and Mary Bussidor, Dene elders who taught Ernie all aspects of Dene history, culture, and language. He was also taught how to hunt, fish, and sustain himself off the land. Ernie learned the drum songs by listening to the Elders and was taught the stories of life on the land through his grandparents. The dark years of Dene Village, Churchill remain with him. After attending high school in Winnipeg, Ernie moved to Tadoule Lake in December 1974. He found abundant caribou and lakes teeming with fish.
Ernie has paddled all three arms of the Seal River and became particularly interested in preserving this great watershed after he paddled with a group of community youth to Churchill in August 2017. He became convinced that this river and its watershed should be protected for future generations.
Stephanie Thorassie
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Stephanie is a member of the Sayisi Dene First Nation from Tadoule Lake, Manitoba, and is honoured to work on behalf of her community. Before becoming executive director of the Seal River Watershed Alliance, Stephanie served as the Director of Operations.
The Government of Canada’s relocation of the Sayisi Dene in the 1950s revealed the trauma that occurs when Dene people can’t practice their laws and be authentically themselves. A strong relationship with the land helps people heal and thrive, and Stephanie is humbled to be a part of sustaining connections to the land, culture, and caribou. She is committed to showcasing Indigenous knowledge and leadership on the land and creating opportunities for Indigenous youth to succeed in their communities.
Stephanie has a degree from the University of Manitoba, as well as a legal assistant diploma from Red River College. She is a student of her Dene language, hide tanner, jewelry maker, and caribou eater. She is also an avid gardener, growing bountiful harvests she shares with friends and family. Stephanie lives in Winnipeg with her partner and daughter and also lives part time in her community of Tadoule Lake.
Johnny Clipping
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Napoleon Denechezhe
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Philip Bighetty
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Ross Moose
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Lianna Anderson
Justice Henderson
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My name is Justice Henderson and I am an Ojibwe woman from Sagkeeng First Nation. Prior to working with Seal River Watershed Alliance, I worked in Human Resources with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Island Lake First Nation Family Services. Having a Business Administration Diploma/Marketing Major has helped prepare me for taking on the administration work for the project.
Although I wish I could work more hands on with the Watershed, I am very honoured to be a part of the Alliance. Creating an Indigenous Protected Area is crucial for our future generations and our ecosystems, while the land is pristine and in near perfect condition. The amount of life and beauty the Watershed holds is truly magnificent, and to play a part in pursuing the protection of the land is a grounding and humble experience.
In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors and snowboarding in the winter. I have a passion for baking, trying out new hobbies and spending time with my family and friends.
Jina Cook
Jordan Stensguard
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Jordan is a member of the O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation from South Indian Lake,
Manitoba. He has been involved in numerous environmental projects aimed at
remediating the damages to South Indian Lake due to Hydroelectric development and the
Churchill River Diversion.
Jordan is a dedicated project manager with a deep love for the environment, people, and
culture of South Indian Lake. His history in project management reflects a commitment to
preserving the area's beautiful ecosystem. He has shown a strong passion for
environmental conservation and community engagement, making him a valuable asset to
any project focused on sustainability and cultural preservation.
He has learned from his community, elders, and friends about the history and culture of
South Indian Lake and the Seal River Watershed. He believes that creating an IPA for the
Seal River Watershed will prevent further destruction to eco-systems and lakes, and
prevent damage that he’s witnessed working on South Indian Lake in the past 8 years.
Ultimately he believes the land is something sacred that shouldn’t be damaged or
abused for it’s resources. Instead, it should be respected, protected, and revered as we
would not be here today without it and our culture and ancestors would not have existed
without it. We are forever intertwined with nature, by protecting it, we also protect
ourselves, we protect our future, and we foster a better world.
Mandy Wallmann
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Mandy has been fortunate to have such a diverse work life. She has catalogued rare collectable books, did respite work for foster children and adults with disabilities, researched in a scientific lab, gardened in the Bahamas, cooked in the high Arctic, worked in the not-for-profit music industry, managed eco-lodges, and supported engagement and tourism activities for Parks Canada.
These experiences, and so many others, help Mandy approach her work with a broad understanding of how diverse people can work together to make life just a little bit better.
The Seal River Watershed is one of the most beautiful culturally and ecologically rich areas in the world.
Mandy had the pleasure of strolling its eskers, fishing its lakes, drinking it’s water, walking past giant herds of its caribou, laying on its land, breathing its fresh air, and gathering with so many awesome people that call it home. Once you go to the watershed prepare, to leave a piece of your spirit there and make room in your heart for the memories.
Mandy’s grandparents were refugees of World War II and were finally able to settle in Canada in the late 1950’s. She is thankful to the Indigenous Nations and communities that opened their doors to her family along their journey to Manitoba. And she is forever grateful to the Nations of Treaty 1 and beyond, where Mandy has made her home and been able to thrive with her family.
Chaz Collier
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Before SRWA, I worked at the North West Company as a grocery manager for 5 years. When I first arrived in Tadoule Lake, I started hearing more and more about the Seal River Watershed IPA and understanding how amazing this initiative is. Now I'm working for a great cause and it feels amazing.
Growing up I was raised around harvesting, mostly fishing but a bit of hunting so I see how important that part of life is and how we need to keep that historical part of life safe. I feel it's essential to create an IPA because this land is so stunning and one-of-a-kind. The next ten generations and beyond need to experience this. I like to be outside as much as possible, I like to take my quad and just go wherever it can take me. Otherwise I'm with my partner Alisha and daughter Mila.
Darryn Yassie
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What did you do before joining the SRWA?
I’m student of PYMS, I was hunting the past two years, providing for my family, learning about the land and about were people what they did past and now
What made you want to work with the alliance?
It was land base job which I liked and helping my community and learning about my people and help protected seal river from other company's
What are some of the experiences in your life that have helped prepare you for your role in the alliance?
Being out in the land understanding the land, people even school helped me with talking for myself and helping my community
Why do you think it’s important to create the Seal River Watershed IPA?
Having safe water to drink for the people.
Having to save enough caribou for the next year and for our next gen.
Good understanding of our land and what our people when through.
Help our community with anything.
How do you like to spend your time when you aren’t working?
I was hunting with my friends and I’m going to school or I'm at home playing games or learning
Cameron Bighetty
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Linda Inglis
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Shakayla Antsanen
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Cole Cook
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Simon Duck
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DJ Thorassie
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Calvin Clipping
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Trevin Baker
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Sadie Dumas
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Chad Saultier
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Advisory Councils
Several Advisory Councils help guide the work of the alliance, offering indispensable experience and insights. Each council includes members from Sayisi Dene First Nation, Northlands Denesuline First Nation, Barren Lands First Nation, and O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation, and they help the alliance navigate the waters of stewardship. The Advisory Councils include:
Elders
Youth
Women
Land Users
Off-Reserve Members
