Darrah (Pine) Beaver is the Nihkanatpat for the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick. Darrah is a Wolastoqey from Neqotkuk (Tobique) First Nation. A proud mother of two and the spouse of fellow Neqotkuk member, Shane Perley-Dutcher. She is a leader in the field of First Nations policy with over twenty year’s experience in project management, conflict resolution, land claim negotiation, public engagement and educational program development at the community, regional, and national levels, for both public and private sectors.
Kelsey Wierdsma is the Consultation Manager for WNNB. She is responsible for the day-to-day consultation activities at WNNB and managing all consultation files. Kelsey also oversees projects in Wolastoqey Territory related to protected and conserved areas. She has a Master of Environmental Management from the University of New Brunswick and an Interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts from Saint Thomas University.
Gillian Paul is the Interim Nihkanatpat (Executive Director) and Legal and Governance Advisor for WNNB. She is currently on maternity leave until June 2022. 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.
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.
Sandra Polchies is the Director of Finance at WTCI 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 WTCI and WNNB she enrolled with UNB Extended Learning where she gained her Human Resource Management Certificate in 2018.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Michael Arsenault is the Fisheries Analyst for WNNB. Michael holds a Bachelors of Science in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Maine and currently in a Masters of Biology at the University of New Brunswick. Michael has worked with diadromous species across the Northeastern United States and Canada conducting field surveys, site monitoring, and population assessment.
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.