OUR STAFF

Dr. John Cloutier is honored to share his journey, highlighting his profound dedication to education, engineering, and community leadership. As a member of the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation and now serving as the Nihkanatpat (Executive Director) for Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick, he remains deeply committed to his people and his profession.

John holds the esteemed title of Professional Engineer, registered in both New Brunswick and Ontario, demonstrating his commitment to the highest standards of engineering.

He has earned a Doctorate and a Master’s degree in Engineering from the University of Guelph, showcasing his relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation in engineering.

Beyond his academic achievements, John’s role as the Executive Director emphasizes his pivotal role in guiding the Wolastoqey Nation through strategic development and community empowerment. His leadership is instrumental in fostering dialogue and collaboration, vital for sustainable community development.

John is eager to share his experiences and insights, hoping to inspire others with his story of dedication and service. Thank you for joining him on this meaningful journey, which continues to impact engineering, education, and the prosperity of his community.

Gillian Paul is the Legal and Governance Advisor for WNNB. She is Wolastoqey from Neqotkuk. Gillian is a lawyer who holds a Bachelor of Arts from Middlebury College and a Juris Doctorate from the University of New Brunswick. Gillian was previously an associate with Olthuis, Kleer Townshend LLP, an Indigenous rights law firm based out of Toronto.

lan Peach is the Consultation Manager for the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick, as well as Director of Research and Projects for the Wolastoqey Language and Culture Centre. He has been staff to M.P.s and parliamentary committees, and an official in federal, provincial, and territorial governments across Canada, including nearly 6 years as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Policy and Priorities Secretariat of Saskatchewan Executive Council. He has also been the director of a university-based public policy institute, the Dean of a law faculty, and a consultant to various governments and non-governmental organizations. He has, and continues to, publish extensively in his areas of specialty – constitutional law, constitutional negotiations, federalism and intergovernmental relations, Aboriginal law, policy, and self-government negotiations, and strategic planning, policy development, and the policy process. He is also a regular columnist for Brunswick News.

Monica is the Forestry Engagement Lead with WNNB. She is both Wolastoqew and Mi’kmaw. She is a Veteran of the US Army, with a BA in Psychology from Rutgers NJ and a BSc in Forestry from University of New Brunswick. Monica has previously worked in both the federal and private sectors and her experiences have prepared her for the complexities of the forestry industry as it relates to Aboriginal and Treaty Rights for our Nation.

Dr. Colin Curry is the Fisheries Biologist for WNNB. Originally from Calgary, Colin Curry finished his PhD in Freshwater Ecology at the University of New Brunswick and came to WNNB in 2017 after working with Environment and Climate Change Canada. Colin has worked on a number of fisheries and freshwater environmental monitoring projects, and is motivated by a desire to protect the land and water, and to ensure that Wolastoqey Aboriginal and Treaty Rights are respected.

Jason is the Ethnohistorian for WNNB. Jason has a Ph.D. in History from the University of New Brunswick, a master’s degree in Environmental studies from York University and an Undergraduate degree in history from St. Thomas University. Jason’s work includes presentations on Wolastoqey history, and preparation of reports on historic Wolastoqey use for WNNB’s consultation work.

Gordon is the Environmental Impact Assessment Coordinator for WNNB. Gordon is Wolastoqey from Pilick. He has a Bachelor of Science from the University of British Columbia. Gordon works extensively on files for Offshore Oil and Gas,provincial Environmental Impact Assessments, federal environmental assessments (i.e.,legislation, regulation and policy review), mining and quarry leasing and licenses.

Sandra Polchies is the Director of Finance at WCTI and WNNB. Sandra is Wolastoqey from the Sitansisk. Sandra was previously employed by Sitansisk from 2001-2017 as their Finance Clerk. Upon being hired with WCTI and WNNB, she enrolled with UNB Extended Learning where she gained her Human Resource Management certificate in 2018.

Dakota is engaged in a study that will rely on the novel monitoring technique of environmental DNA analysis combined with indigenous knowledge to map plant communities, their distributions, and traditional uses. He hopes that through his work with WNNB and through his studies, he finds himself involved in a paradigm shift in environmental management where indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and land uses are given the consideration they deserve.

Gail Fullarton is the Administrative Assistant for WTCI/WNNB. Gail is the first face that visitors meet when entering the office. Gail’s strong attention to detail and helpful personality is what keeps our office running smoothly. If you need anything just ask Gail and she will make it happen! Gail graduated from Stanley High in New Brunswick and has earned herself a certificate in Human Resource Management.

Darryl Pelletier, a Ptech Professional Technologist from the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation. With a background in civil engineering technology from CCNB’s Edmundston campus, I’ve dedicated over 15 years to shaping infrastructure projects in New Brunswick.
From the Government of New Brunswick to Boissonnault McGraw, I’ve honed my skills as a civil engineering technician and field inspector, ensuring projects meet the highest standards.

Elder Perley will fill a critical role in WNNB’s commitment to support Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and approaches to environmental management within consultation. The Elder in Residence will provide guidance and an Indigenous perspective for our staff, member communities, and our partners. Ed will help guide our organization in blending western and indigenous knowledge as well as helping us to promote ceremony and culture where appropriate.

Kianna Bear-Hetherington is the Fisheries Technician for WNNB. Kianna is a proud Wolastoqey woman from the beautiful community of Sitansisk. Being proudly of the Wolastoqiyik, she grew up with a special relationship with the land and all living things in it. She has recently completed her final year of a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Natural Resources with a major in Water Resource Management at the University of New Brunswick. Kianna works with the Fisheries team on various consultation files and environmental monitoring projects.

Jacquelynn is from Sitansisk. She lives in Fredericton with her better half Andrew and their fur babies. Jacquelynn is a certified Payroll Compliance Practitioner with previous experience in Government before being welcomed to WNNB, WTCI and the Jordan’s Principle team as the Finance Clerk.

Seth is the Forestry Engagement Coordinator with WNNB, who is an Anishinabe man from southern Ontario. Seth is working towards his professional forester designation and has a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Brunswick. Prior to pursuing an education in forestry, Seth worked as a climbing arborist on Vancouver Island. As a member of the WNNB Forestry team, Seth will be facilitating the ongoing Land-Back process, as well as assisting communities with their woodland management objectives.

Doreen is the Nutokehkikemit or Land/Forestry Teacher of Traditional Knowledge. She is From Neqotkuk where she has been Head Farmer as well as an Educator in the On the Land training program. Doreen is a proud mother and grandmother born in Sipayik Maine. She is both Wolastoqew and Passamaquaddy. Doreen is a spiritual woman with a lifetime of traditional and western knowledge. Doreen is a skilled basket maker, ash pounder, herbalist, hunter, fisher, trapper, pipe carrier, she tans hides, and she makes medicines.

Jennifer is WNNB’s and WTCI’s Director of Human Resources. She has over 20 years of experience in the field of Human Resources.

Dallas Tomah is the part-time Indigenous Archaeological Monitor. While working part time, Dallas will be continuing his education at UNB. He is from Wotstak.