Leoni Rivers

Principal, CEO Leoni Rivers Consulting

Leoni Rivers Consulting, (LRC) has extensive experience working with senior level executive and senior management teams to create and implement Indigenous and community relations strategies around resource and project development. Leoni’s knowledge and evolving consultation requirements and current environmental context allows her to assist you define strategic objectives which result in you and your project team excel in project development success.  LRC has the skill sets and expertise to design, implement, and document successful consultation strategies that not only meet government regulatory requirements, but assist your company in creating the foundation for legacy, mutually beneficial relationships with the First Nations leadership and communities in which you operate. LRC expertise includes working on site specific resource development projects, for example but not limited to the following; First Nations Wind Energy Projects Partnerships (FNWEPP), Meikle Wind Energy Project, and Red Willow Energy Project as well as linear projects, BC Rail Ltd., Enbridge’s Northern Gateway Pipelines, ILM, Northwest Transmission Line, and LRC has led consultation and engagement with over 67 communities in BC, AB and YK.

Partnerships: Working with various Indigenous Peoples and First Nations communities, it is about the new partners sharing strengths, working together to find innovative solutions to project issues and challenges, and the creation of viable partnerships that provide opportunities for all parties to achieve their vision and ultimate outcomes. The strategic outcomes include the development of innovative partnership structures, (LLP, LP, and or JV,) on various projects.

leoni@nic-inc.ca | Alberta, British Columbia     

Ryan Robb

CEO, Chiniki Nation, Alberta

Ryan is currently the Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Partnerships for 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@nic-inc.ca | linkedin.com/in/ryan-robb-2699701 | Saskatchewan

Chief Corrine Sayazie

Black Lake Dene Nation

Chief Corrine Sayazie is from Black Lake (Chipewyan: Tazen Tuwé) is a Denesuline First Nations band government in the boreal forest of northern Saskatchewan, Canada. It is located on the northwest shore of Black Lake where the Fond du Lac River leaves the lake to flow to Lake Athabasca. Chief Coreen Sayazie has been with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program for over two decades, serving as the main volunteer tax preparer for Saskatchewan’s northernmost communities. She was elected chief of her band in 2016, but continued to fulfill her volunteer commitment regardless of her busy schedule.

corrine@nic-inc.ca | Saskatchewan  

Grand Chief Scottie Harper 

Anishininew Okimawin Grand Council Island Lake First Nations

Scott Harper, is the grand chief of Anishininew Okimawin Grand Council (Island Lakes Tribal Council) in northern Manitoba.

scott@nic-inc.ca | Manitoba

Chief Dylan Whiteduck

Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Nation

Dylan Whiteduck has big dreams and a lot of hope for KitiDylan Whiteduck is a leader within the Algonquin Nation, currently serving as Chief for Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg. Born and raised in the community, Whiteduck is deeply committed to serving his people and continues to be a passionate advocate for First Nations rights.gan Zibi Anishinabeg over the next two years. The 30-year-old was elected as the new chief for the First Nation near Maniwaki, Que., about 110 kilometres north of Ottawa, on Aug. 29 with 335 votes.

Chief Whiteduck appreciates his early years working with the Hill Times, where he honed his expertise in the field of telecommunications and private business. His role led him to closely follow the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, further deepening his understanding of the industry.

Chief Whiteduck moved a resolution during the 2023 AFN Assembly.  Resolution #9 – Government Support for First Nations Digital Connectivity and Spectrum Sovereignty was unanimously adopted by the Chiefs in assembly.

Chief Dylan Whiteduck is grateful to join the National Indigenous Connectivity Board of Directors, where he wishes to advance Indigenous connectivity and bridge the digital divide. His commitment to empowering First Nation communities through technology and communication underscores his dedication to improving the lives of First Nations people across Turtle Island.

dylan@nic-inc.ca | linkedin.com/in/dylanwhiteduck | Quebec, Labrador

Chief Reg Niganobe 

Anishinabek Nation Grand Council

Grand Council Chief Niganobe has discussed the importance of traditional governance structures, highlighting the role of clans and their decision-making processes in community governance. He emphasized the need for inclusivity and consensus in decision-making and expressed hope for a return to the Dodemaag System (Clan System) in the future. Reconciliation must be based in the empowerment of Anishinabek legal systems to truly be comprehensive.

reg@nic-inc.ca | Ontario

Travis Seymour

Mohawk Territory of Akwesasne

Travis Seymour is a Mohawk from the Mohawk Territory of Akwesasne. He is a FCPA, FCGA with Certified Public Accountants of Ontario.  He currently serves as the CEO for the First Nations Market Housing Fund, which now has their head office located in Akwesasne. Since 2018, Travis has served as the Director of Finance and Administration for FNMHF.  Prior to working for the Fund, Travis worked for First Nations across Canada through various jobs he has held.  Travis has worked for organizations such as MNP LLP, First Nations Financial Management Board, Aboriginal Healing Foundation and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. Travis also holds the designations of Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager from AFOA Canada, as well as the Certified Government Audit Professional from the Institute of Internal Auditors. Travis currently lives in Akwesasne and enjoys outdoor activities such as camping and fishing.

travis@nic-inc.ca | Ontario

Christopher Fry 

Kwanlin Dün First Nation

Chris is a member of Kwanlin Dün First Nation located in Whitehorse, Yukon. He has an undergraduate degree in International Indigenous Studies and a Masters of Science in Sustainable Energy Development from the University of Calgary. Chris has 15 years of experience working in Indigenous Relations in the energy industry and has worked for companies such as Imperial Oil, Cenovus, Shell, and TC Energy. He has worked with Indigenous communities throughout Western Canada on offshore, in situ oil sands, and shale oil and gas projects. Chris is the owner of Sustainative Inc., which provides Indigenous engagement consulting services for both community and corporate organizations. Sustainative Inc. has provided services for organizations such as Dow Canada, Habitat for Humanity, and the Prince Albert Grand Council. Chris is also a Sessional Instructor at the University of Calgary in the School of Public Policy.

chris@nic-inc.ca | Yukon