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.

Mason is a proud husband, father, and Wolastoqey member from Neqotkuk. He began his career with the Government of New Brunswick in Tourism, Heritage and Culture, pursuing his passion for archaeology before moving into a leadership role with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. Throughout his time in government, he focused on strengthening Nation-to-Nation relationships and improving collaboration between Indigenous communities and provincial and federal departments.

Outside of work, Mason is dedicated to protecting Indigenous rights, learning more about his culture, and supporting the well-being of others. Mason now joins WNNB as Senior Advisor, bringing valuable experience and a commitment to transparency and accountability.

Jennifer serves as the Director of Human Resources for both WNNB and WTCI, bringing over 20 years of expertise in HR leadership, people development, and organizational support. She is deeply committed to fostering supportive, inclusive, and people-centered work environments.

Stephanie is from Sitansisk First Nation and is a proud mother and grandmother. She serves as the Office Administrator for both WNNB and WTCI, where she contributes her strong organizational skills and commitment to supporting the teams. She values time spent outdoors and is passionate about helping others achieve their goals. Prior to joining WNNB and WTCI, Stephanie worked at the New Maryland Clinic until its closure.

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 Director.

Elder Perley plays a vital role in supporting WNNB’s commitment to integrating Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and approaches into environmental management and consultation. As the Elder in Residence, he provides guidance and cultural insight to our staff, community members, and partners. Ed helps lead our efforts to respectfully blend Western and Indigenous knowledge, and support the inclusion of ceremony and culture where appropriate. 

Steven is a Wolastoqiyik man from Fredericton, New Brunswick, and a member of Woodstock First Nation. He graduated from St. Thomas University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts and joined the Wolastoqey Tribal Council Inc. that same summer as a student intern. Known for his friendly presence, Steven now works full-time with WNNB as the Engagement Coordinator, where he is dedicated to supporting and uplifting our communities in any way he can.

Originally from Vancouver (the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations), Billy is WNNB’s Communications Coordinator. With a long-standing passion for communications and marketing, she is dedicated to creating clear, meaningful messaging and strengthening representation across all platforms. Billy brings experience in strategic communication, digital storytelling, and community engagement, with a strong focus on elevating diverse voices and advocating for inclusive practices. She approaches her work as a respectful, non-Indigenous ally.

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.

Dallas Tomah is our part-time Indigenous Archaeological Monitor and is currently pursuing his studies at UNB. Originally from Wotstak, he brings valuable perspective and commitment to this role.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kaleb is from Epekwit (PEI) and is of settler ancestry. He works as the Fisheries Analyst with WNNB. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from Dalhousie University and is in the process of completing his master’s thesis at UNB. Kaleb has previously worked with the Maliseet Nation Conservation Council (MNCC), as well as on collaborative salmon science programs and marine protected areas with DFO. He has also supported WNNB in consultation processes related to the offshore environment. Kaleb is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to advancing the Nation’s fisheries goals.

Nathan is a Registered Professional Forester with WNNB, where he helps bridge the gap between the forestry industry and Wolastoqey communities. With a background in forestry, wildlife, and conservation, and as a Master of Science in Forestry candidate at UNB, Nathan is passionate about sustainable resource management and collaborative community engagement. He supports the integration of Wolastoqey land management practices and traditional ecological knowledge into forestry operations, helping ensure that forest management strategies honor cultural values, promote ecological sustainability, and support the long-term well-being of Wolastoqey communities.

Seth is the Forestry Engagement Lead 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.

Thomas is a Wolastoqey man from Neqotkuk and serves as the Energy Associate with WNNB. In his role, he supports the Nation’s interests in energy policy, development, and initiatives. Thomas is dedicated to ensuring the rights and title of the Wolastoqey people are respected and upheld in all energy-related projects within their traditional territory.