Breaking Down the Barriers: Collaboration in Procurement Workshop Speaker Announcement
The ACR’s Indigenous Relations Committee will be hosting a procurement workshop designed to examine the barriers that exist for Indigenous owned businesses in the resource sector and provide case studies and discussions around solutions for more inclusiveness in procurement. Meet our knowledgeable guest speakers for this event.
Guest Speakers
Nicole Bourque-Bouchier,
CEO, Bouchier
Nicole Bourque-Bouchier is an industry leader, philanthropist, and advocate for the communities she lives and works in. Nicole is proudly Mikisew Cree First Nation, born in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories and raised in Fort McMurray, Alberta, where she resides with her husband and five children.
As co-owner and CEO of Bouchier, Nicole’s creative and strategic approach has transformed the business into one of the largest Indigenous-owned and operated integrated site service companies in the Athabasca Oil Sands region. Today, Bouchier employs over 1,000 people, 43% of whom self-identify as Indigenous. The company also operates a fleet of 400+ equipment. Nicole began her career in computer systems, before transitioning to the oil and gas sector where she worked with several top producers. She then began her own consulting company where her entrepreneurial spirit flourished.
Named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Influential Women by the Women's Executive Network in 2015, Nicole uses her traditional teachings, experience, and voice to advocate for Indigenous women’s economic empowerment. Dedicated to her community and giving back, she has served on the boards of numerous non-profits across Alberta, including Keyano College's Board of Governors, the Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association, Alberta Apple Schools Foundation, and Indspire's Board of Directors.
Nicole's career serves as an inspiration to those around her, particularly as the recipient of numerous accolades including the 2022 RBC WOI Excellence Award, Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, Indspire Award for Business and Commerce, CCAB Indigenous Women in Leadership Award, and was named one of six Canadian CEOs as 2020 Catalyst Honours Champion.
Gordon Giles,
Business Unit Lead, Business Development, Alberta Pacific Forest Industries
Gordon is a registered professional forester with almost 30 years of government and private sector experience.
His almost 20 years with the Alberta government saw intense (and prolonged) involvement in the largest Canada/US trade litigation case – the softwood lumber dispute and rewarding (but less controversial) experiences in forest product market development and product innovation. He furthered that experience with 4 years at Alberta Innovates, focused on applied research toward non-traditional forest product innovation and market development primarily in Asia, with significant efforts in the field of nanomaterials.
For the last 4 years, he has enjoyed a rewarding and challenging position at Alberta Pacific Forest Industries as the business unit leader of Business Development. This role tasks him and his team with identifying opportunities for diversification and expansion, and then developing relationships to analyze and pursue those potential opportunities.
Cheryl Gray,
Vice President Mining, Finning Canada
Cheryl Gray joined Finning in 2003 and has held various accounting and finance roles. In 2011 Cheryl was appointed Assistant Controller, a position she held until 2015. In 2016 Cheryl supported the rental and power systems business as Director of Commercial and Financial Performance management. Shortly thereafter Cheryl took on commercial and financial responsibility for OEM remanufacturing and the Mining division.
Cheryl was appointed Vice President Finance for Finning Canada in March of 2020. In this role, Cheryl actively worked with customers and business partners to drive outstanding commercial, strategic, and financial outcomes. Cheryl brings extensive knowledge and experience and has a track record of delivering results and keeping our customer at the centre of our business.
In January 2022 Cheryl was appointed to the role of Vice President, Mining for the Canadian business. The Mining business for Finning includes our largest, long- standing customers as well as new exciting growth opportunities across oil sands, precious metals and coal. Cheryl has established a reputation of driving accountability and transparency while creating sustainable results. She has been instrumental in building out the commercial and financial business partnership capabilities within Finning (Canada).
Cheryl is a designated Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
Eugene Horseman,
Director of Business Development, Status Energy
Eugene Horseman was born and raised in Horse Lake First Nation where he was able to learn about the issues facing his community and where he had the opportunity to work directly on files and initiatives.
Eugene has served as an elected leader for over 12 years in his community. The last 4 of those years he was elected and served as Chief of Horse Lake First Nation. Eugene holds a long-term vision for indigenous peoples and has been working towards that vision for most of his adult life.
He has had the opportunity to apply what he learned in order to build a vision for his Nation. He has shown leadership in bringing innovative and practical solutions to his community, and was committed to building a more effective government and administration – with the aim of improving the lives of the members of Horse Lake First Nation.
Eugene has become recognized by Government, Industry and First Nation people as an effective and strategic leader on Indigenous issues. He is able to both hold a broad vision for his people, as well as be able to work through the process of implementing that vision. He has worked in collaboration with other communities to build initiatives that will benefit them. His special interests include: Youth, Education, Economic Development and Employment.
Eugene is Director of Business Development and partner at Status Energy. This position provides him with an opportunity to continue to engage partners and find ways to improve the lives of First Nation people within Grande Prairie as well as throughout Treaty 8, Alberta and across Canada.
Eugene’s entrepreneurial spirit is a prime example of how industry, government and First Nation Communities can not only coexist but thrive.
Grant Lindstrom,
Chief Commercial Officer, Northback
As Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Grant oversees the company’s Corporate Functions, delivery of the Strategic Plan, and Business Development. Northback is a resource development company working on the re-development of a previously mined metallurgical (steel making) coal project in Southern Alberta.
With more than 25 years’ experience in the Oil & Gas and Mining sectors in Canada, Grant’s career has included senior Commercial and Finance leadership roles with Shell Canada, Enbridge, and Suncor. Many of Grant’s roles included responsibility for First Nations Business Development/Relationship Management and Contracting and Procurement.
Working both in Operations and Capital projects Grant’s experience includes, Insitu, Off-shore Energy, Oil Sands, LNG, and Mining. Major projects include Sable Offshore Energy, Athabasca Oilsands (Albian Sands & Shell Upgrader), Suncor’s Fire Bag, Fort Hills, and Base Plant.
As a father of four adult children and a grandfather, Grant is passionate about responsible, economically viable resource development as it is necessary for sustaining and enhancing Alberta’s standard of living. He values clean air, clean water, and access to wilderness areas through minimizing the environmental and social impacts of development.
Brenda McFadyen-Landry,
Chief Operating Officer, Aseniwuche Group of Companies
Brenda is the Chief Operating Officer with the Aseniwuche Group of Companies (AGC). She has over 30 years’ experience in power generation and mining in the Grande Cache area providing Environmental, Safety and Health oversight to engineering, operational and construction activities. In these roles she worked cooperatively with the Aseniwuche Winewak Nation (AWN) businesses to integrate participation in environmental management activities including related construction, maintenance, and monitoring. In collaboration with AWN she developed and implemented an environmental monitor mentorship and training program and participated in the formation of formalized agreements.
Over the past four years, in her current role, she oversees the overall operations of both Aseniwuche Development Corporation (ADC) and Aseniwuche Environmental Corporation (AEC). She leads business development activities, liaising with Industry in the AWN Traditional Land Use Area, to identify economic development opportunities. She also leads the development of internal processes to effectively, efficiently and successfully execute those opportunities.
Training and Education Background
Political Sciences (Major), Native Studies (Minor) (2017-Current)
University of Alberta
National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO) (2013)
Biological Sciences Technology, Pollution and Environmental Option (1990)
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Edmonton, AB
Gene Ouellette,
Workshop Facilitator,
Tribal/Indigenous Client Account Manager,
AECOM
Gene Ouellette is a highly experienced Indigenous professional with an impressive track record spanning over 25 years, encompassing a diverse range of industries. Hailing from the Mistawasis Nehiwayak in Treaty 6 territory and holding a direct lineage to Chief Mistawasis,
Gene has consistently maintained a deep connection and unwavering relationship with his home community. This connection has been integral to his success and his ability to contribute significantly to Misty Ventures, the economic arm of Mistawasis. Gene's role in the prosperity of Misty Ventures cannot be overstated. His exceptional skills in building relationships and facilitating partnerships have been instrumental in achieving its current standing. He has consistently leveraged these talents to forge strategic alliances that benefit both Indigenous communities and the organizations they engage with.
During his tenure as a trustee for the Mistawasis Specific Claims, Gene demonstrated his unwavering passion for working with Indigenous communities. In this capacity, he was responsible for managing a multi-million-dollar trust. Gene's commitment to ensuring that the interests of Indigenous communities are not merely heard but also implemented has made him a trusted and effective representative.
Gene's expertise extends across a wide spectrum of industries, including transmission lines, power generation (renewable, fossil fuels, SMRs), energy efficiency, oil and gas (upstream, midstream, downstream), mining, capital infrastructure, construction, environmental management, community development, and economic development. His unique perspective as an Indigenous professional adds significant value to any organization seeking to engage with Indigenous communities, bridging gaps and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
Outside of his professional achievements, Gene is a devoted father to three sons and one daughter, as well as a proud Mosom to one granddaughter and one grandson. His commitment to community development is exemplified through his extensive volunteer work, particularly in initiatives focused on Indigenous education and youth development.
Gene Ouellette's combination of experience, dedication, and community-driven ethos make him an exceptional asset to any organization, particularly one looking to strengthen its ties with Indigenous communities and promote sustainable development.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Wendell Rain,
General Manager, Paul First Nation Development Corporation
Wendell has held this role of General Manager since 2016. As the General Manager for the Development Corporation, Wendell manages the interests of the Nation with its industry partners, joint venture relationships, and project management.
Wendell brings more than 25 years of industry experience in support of Paul Nation partners and projects.
Ryan Robb,
Executive Vice President, External Affairs, Northback
Ryan is currently the Executive Vice President of External Affairs for Northback (formerly Riversdale Resources). In this role, he oversees the External Affairs teams, with a particular interest in developing mutually beneficial projects with rightsholders and stakeholders.
Prior to joining Riversdale Resources, Ryan’s work included being the CEO for the Stoney Tribal Administration, as well as the CEO for Treaty 7 Management Corporation.
Ryan has also been a member of Suncor’s Stakeholder & Aboriginal Relations group, where he worked to better engage Aboriginal people in Energy Development. He was also the lead corporate support for Suncor’s Aboriginal Employee’s Network.
Following his graduation from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, with a Bachelor of Economics degree, Ryan was hired by a Calgary company working in the oil and gas sector, to manage and grow their western division.
Ryan’s background and interests reflect his passion and ability for negotiating complex multi-stakeholder agreements within the context of contemporary business practices and his deep personal respect for traditional Indigenous teachings and protocols.
Ryan serves on several boards and advisory committees helping organisations to recognize and include Indigenous interests and contributions. Some of these (both current and formerly) include: Travel Alberta, Energy Futures Lab, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta & NWT, Alberta Strategic Tourism Council, Institute on Governance, and the Banff Centre – Indigenous Program Council.
In 2009, he was honoured with the Blackfoot name “Niinistakaa” by Chief Reg Crowshoe, Piikani Nation. Ninistakaa means “the one the Chiefs depend on/Chiefs’ Warrior”. In 2011, he was further honoured with a Headdress for his service to the Treaty 7 Nations.
Allen Tobber,
President & CEO, GrizzlyTrek Group Ltd.
Allen Tobber is the founder and visionary of GrizzlyTrek Group Ltd who brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the technical & Indigenous and staffing industry.
Allen is a Metis from humble beginnings being raised in the countryside in North East British Columbia where his family instilled the values of hard work and integrity.
Allen has worked in the Energy Sector for 20+ years gathering the skills and tools required to create and operate successful ventures.
In 2023 Allen founded GrizzlyTrek Group which is an Indigenous technical and staffing company that abides by the principles of Reconciliation between Canada’s Industries and Indigenous Peoples. GrizzlyTrek is a beacon of sustainable employment that fosters economic autonomy and career paths for Indigenous peoples. Allen and the GrizzlyTrek team strive to not just employ an Indigenous workforce, but to promote growth and evolution of the people we work with.
Jonathan Wright,
President & CEO, Nuvista Energy
Mr. Wright was appointed President and CEO of NuVista Energy Ltd. on May 9th, 2011 and has more than 34 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry.
Prior to joining NuVista, Mr. Wright held various progressively more responsible roles both domestically and abroad with Talisman Energy Ltd., his last position there prior to joining NuVista, as Senior Vice-President of Talisman’s North American Conventional Production Division, which produced approximately half of Talisman’s North American production. Prior to joining Talisman in 1995, Mr. Wright spent six years with Shell Canada Ltd. in various operations and business development roles.
Mr. Wright possesses both a Master and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering (with great distinction) from the University of Saskatchewan, where he earned, among other awards, the Canadian Governor General’s Gold Medal for being the Outstanding University Post-Graduate for his pursuit in hydraulics and computer controls.
In addition, Mr. Wright serves on the Board of Governors for CAPP, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers.
