These are the people who keep Ya’ Thi Néné running.
Garrett Schmidt
Executive Director
Garrett is the Executive Director for Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources. Under the direction of the Board of Directors, he is responsible for the overall management of Ya’thi Néné’s operations and administration. Garrett works closely with the Board, employees, and contractors to advance lands and resources management, uphold community interests, and collaboration with Ya’thi Néné’s partner organizations. He is committed to developing Ya’thi Néné into a strong, independent, and professional organization that serves the Athabasca residents, ensuring that community interests are consistently reflected in all aspects of lands and resources management.
Kathy Hay
Manager of Corporate Affairs
Kathy is a member of the Black Lake Denesųłiné First Nation and is the Manager of Corporate Affairs for Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources. She oversees communications, human resources, office management, and regulatory relations, supporting organizational operations and stakeholder engagement. Kathy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management from the University of Saskatchewan and is currently a CPHR Candidate. Prior to joining YNLR, she worked in marketing and communications, employee development and coaching, and human resource planning. Outside of work, she enjoys running and founded the YNLR Wolf Pack running group shortly after joining the organization.
Dana Kellett
Manager of Environment
Dana is the Manager of Environment for Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources. She supports the implementation of agreements between Basin residents, government, and industry, and leads environmental research and technical review processes. Dana works closely with the Community Land Technicians to support land monitoring and land-based decision making. Dana holds a PhD in ecology and brings 25 years of research experience with Environment and Climate Change Canada, she is also a certified BEAHR instructor. Dana is dedicated to land protection and sustainable development in Basin communities.
Steven Foti
Project Manager
Steven is the Project Manager for Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources. He brings over 15 years of experience with SaskEnergy, where he worked in a variety of roles that strengthened his expertise in project planning and coordination. Throughout his career, Steven has developed a strong understanding of organizational processes and project execution, supporting the successful delivery of a wide range of initiatives. Steven’s experience, reliability, and collaborative nature make him a valued member of the team and support the continued success of organizational work.
Celeste Robillard
Administrative Coordinator
Celeste supports Duty to Consult (DTC) and exploration initiatives by coordinating consultation and engagement activities between industry partners and Athabasca Basin communities. She manages agreements, budgets, and project documentation. She is also responsible for organizing logistics for industry meetings, site visits, and community tours, ensuring engagement processes run smoothly and effectively. Celeste brings strengths in communications and digital engagement, and she is currently working toward training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to further support land-based planning and environmental initiatives.
Megan Wallace
Environmental Land Use Planner
Megan is the Environmental Land Use Planner for Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources. She leads the implementation of land-based programs centered on consultation and engagement, land-use planning, protection, and environmental monitoring. Her work includes geospatial analysis and mapping, research, data management, stakeholder engagement, report writing, and task coordination. Megan regularly travels to communities in the Athabasca Basin, where she supports engagement efforts and helps build and maintain strong relationships across the region.
Linda McNabb
Human Resources Advisor
Linda McNabb is a member of the Fond du Lac Denesųłiné First Nation and brings extensive experience across mining, oil and gas, forestry, and First Nations organizations. As an Advisor with Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources, she supports leadership, governance, and organizational effectiveness with a focus on relationship-building and community engagement.
Linda is known for her strengths in coaching, mentoring, and leadership development. She has worked closely with leaders and communities to strengthen engagement, build capacity, and support resilient, culturally grounded workplaces.
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.
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.
Keesha Martin
ENSA Project Coordinator
Keesha is a member of the Fond Du Lac Denesųłiné First Nation and is the Etthén Néné Stewardship Area (ENSA) Coordinator with Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources. Keesha graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Minor in Chemistry. Keesha has experience as a summer student 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 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 is a member of the Hatchet Lake Denesųłiné First Nation and is the Reserve Land Coordinator with Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources, to advance the Reserve Land Environmental Management Program (RLEMP). Jean has extensive experience as a Community Land Technician as well as 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 member of the Black Lake Denesųłiné First Nation with roots in Stony Rapids and is the Administrative and Communications Assistant with Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources. 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.
Kiana Fern
Summer Student - Saskatoon Office
Kiana is a member of the Fond Du Lac Denesųłiné First Nation and is a summer student with Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources. She is working on completing her pre-professional studies in the College of Arts and Science at the University of Saskatchewan, with the goal of becoming a registered nurse. Kiana brings experience in customer service, as well as office and teaching support. She is looking forward to meeting new people, gaining new experiences, and being part of the team, while learning more about the work YNLR does to support our communities in the north. She will be contributing to several projects over the summer.
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 is the Community Land Technician for Uranium City and Camsell Portage. She was raised in both Camsell Portage and Uranium City by her mother, grandmother, and great grandfather. 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 a member of the Hatchet Lake Denesųłiné First Nation and is the Community Land Technician for Hatchet Lake and Wollaston.
Thomas brings a strong connection to the land and a wealth of skills that helps support Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources’ mission of protecting the land and serving the people of Nuhenéné. He brings valuable knowledge and experience that will strengthen his contributions to community based land work.
Pacey Disain
Black Lake & Stony Rapids
Pacey is a member of the Black Lake Denesųłiné First Nation and is the Community Land Technician for Black Lake and Stony Rapids.
With her administrative and land skills, Pacey will be an asset in supporting both communities. She's keen to learn more about the work we do at Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources and is eager to put her experience into action.
Fond du Lac
Vacant
Wayne Powder
Casual Community Land Technician
Uranium City & Camsell Portage
Wayne is a casual Community Land Technician for Uranium City and Camsell Portage.
Wayne brings a wealth of industrial, environmental, and land-based skills to Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources. He assists with site inspections and Elder Support.