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.

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 Etthén Néné Stewardship Areas (ENSA) 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.

Celeste Robillard

Administrative Coordinator

Celeste supports our Duty to Consult (DTC) and exploration initiatives, focusing mainly on coordinating consultation and engagement activities between industry partners and the Athabasca Basin communities. IN addition to managing and tracking agreements, budgets, and project documentation, Celeste is responsible for all logistics involved in scheduling and coordinating industry meetings, site visits, and community tours.

Dana Kellett

Manager of Environment

Dana 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, she designs and conducts environmental research, and provides technical expertise through data assessment and analysis. The Manager of Environment works very closely with the Community Land Technicians, managing their daily tasks.

Linda McNabb

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 communications. YNLR is fortunate to have Kathy join our team.

Steven Foti

Project Manager

Steven is our Project Manager, 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

ENSA Project Coordinator

Keesha Martin is a member of the Fond du Lac Denesųłiné First Nation. Keesha joined the YNLR Team as the Etthén Néné Stewardship Area (ENSA) 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.

Jean Tsannie

Reserve Land Coordinator

Jean Tsannie is our Reserve Land Coordinator to advance the Reserve Land Environmental Management Program (RLEMP). She has extensive experience as a Community Land Technician and Ranger training. 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.

Ashley Robillard

Administrative & Communications Assistant

Ashley is a proud member of the Black Lake Denesųłiné First Nation with roots in Stony Rapids. She holds a Business Administration Diploma from SIIT and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Management at the Edwards School of Business. Ashley brings a wealth of customer service experience, which will be an asset in her role supporting our internal operations and serving the communities of the Athabasca Basin. She’s always excited to learn more about the important work we do at Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources and is eager to put her education and experience into action.

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.”

Thomas Besskkaystare

Hatchet Lake & Wollaston

Thomas is the Community Land Technician for Hatchet Lake and Wollaston.

With his strong connection to the land and wealth of skills, Thomas is well-equipped to support YNLR’s mission to protect the land and serve the people of Nuhenéné.

Ian Donard

Black Lake & Stony Rapids

Though Ian is the youngest CLT, he has years of experience working on the land and keeping the traditional ways alive. From Black Lake, 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 teach his kids and himself more about the traditional ways of knowing.

Jason Adam

Fond du Lac

Jason is the Community Land Technician for Fond du Lac.

Jason has a variety of different experiences and skills including construction, mining, and heavy equipment operations, and many safety and training certifications. Jason brings a wealth of experience to this position that is an asset in supporting the community of Fond du Lac. He’s always excited to learn about the important work we do at YNLR and eager to put his experience into action.

Wayne Powder

Casual Community Land Technician