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BOARD of DIRECTORS
Brian Hljesvold, ICD.D, PAED Board Chair
Brian Hljesvold can trace his heritage back to the Red River Community of the 1800’s in Northern Manitoba.
He is of Ojibwa and Scottish descent. Born in 1953 his birth mother gave him up for adoption, he was a perfect example of the Welfare System of the day in that he was placed without regard to his heritage in a Ukrainian Family that for years led him to believe that his darker coloring was due to him being of African Descent. It wasn’t until he was in his early forties that he met his birth mother and realized he was Indigenous and spent the next part of his life exploring that background not only with his new found family but also through his work at the Royal Bank where he became involved in Indigenous Banking and travelled all of Alberta visiting at the time all 45 First Nations, but also worked with 5 of the 8 Metis Settlements including Metis Settlements General Council.
Brian Hjlesvold has worked a majority of his career in Banking mostly Commercial and was Manager of Indigenous Banking for Alberta, NWT and the Yukon his last 15 years working with First Nation, Metis, and Inuit Communities. Brian was involved in growing the Indigenous banking business for RBC in Alberta, which at its peak had business with almost 25% of the Market. He proudly supported the Royal Eagles which was the employee based group of RBC and that in Edmonton hosted an annual Barbeque and Cultural Event in downtown Edmonton celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day with First Nation, Metis and Inuit performers on June 21 of each year and raised funds from the sale of Buffalo Burgers, chips and pop for $5.00 to support the Hot Lunch Program for Amiskwaciy Academy the first all Indigenous School in Edmonton, raising on average $5,000 per year for the 7 years involved.
He completed his Institute of Corporate Directors designation ICD.D from the University of Toronto’s Rotmans School of Management, and the University of Alberta’s School of Business in September 2022.
He also completed the Governance Essentials Program for Directors of Not-For-Profit Organizations from the same as above in March 2013
He also holds his PAED which is the Certified Indigenous Economic Developer Certification granted by the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers, which he received in September 2010.
His extensive board experience ranges across several indigenous organizations, financial education and health sectors. His experience includes:
Board Chair Metis Settlements Development Corporation
Director for Aboriginal Financial Officers Association -Alberta
Committee Member Finance & Audit Committee – Covenant Health
Past Vice Chair for Little Red River Group of Companies (Little Red River Cree First Nation)
Past Director and Chair for the Human Resource Committee for Goodfish Lake Development Corp (Whitefish Lake Indian Band #128)
Past Vice Chair, Chair Human Resources, Chair Governance Committee Norquest College
Past Independent Director on the Board for Embark Engineering (partnership between the Lax Kwa'laams First Nation and the Engineering firm Kerr Wood Leidel)
Past Board Chair for Loon River Development Corp (Loon River Cree First Nations)
Past Chair Apeetogosan (Metis) Development Inc.
Past Co-Chair Child & Family Services Region 6 Edmonton and Area
Past Member – Industry Advisory Committee – Pearl Calahaisen – Minister Indigenous Affairs Alberta
Brian is retired and resides just north of Edmonton with his wife of 21 years. He is the proud father of 4 children and 9 grandchildren. When not actively involved in his board roles, he enjoys curling and golf for recreation and is an avid reader.
He is of Ojibwa and Scottish descent. Born in 1953 his birth mother gave him up for adoption, he was a perfect example of the Welfare System of the day in that he was placed without regard to his heritage in a Ukrainian Family that for years led him to believe that his darker coloring was due to him being of African Descent. It wasn’t until he was in his early forties that he met his birth mother and realized he was Indigenous and spent the next part of his life exploring that background not only with his new found family but also through his work at the Royal Bank where he became involved in Indigenous Banking and travelled all of Alberta visiting at the time all 45 First Nations, but also worked with 5 of the 8 Metis Settlements including Metis Settlements General Council.
Brian Hjlesvold has worked a majority of his career in Banking mostly Commercial and was Manager of Indigenous Banking for Alberta, NWT and the Yukon his last 15 years working with First Nation, Metis, and Inuit Communities. Brian was involved in growing the Indigenous banking business for RBC in Alberta, which at its peak had business with almost 25% of the Market. He proudly supported the Royal Eagles which was the employee based group of RBC and that in Edmonton hosted an annual Barbeque and Cultural Event in downtown Edmonton celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day with First Nation, Metis and Inuit performers on June 21 of each year and raised funds from the sale of Buffalo Burgers, chips and pop for $5.00 to support the Hot Lunch Program for Amiskwaciy Academy the first all Indigenous School in Edmonton, raising on average $5,000 per year for the 7 years involved.
He completed his Institute of Corporate Directors designation ICD.D from the University of Toronto’s Rotmans School of Management, and the University of Alberta’s School of Business in September 2022.
He also completed the Governance Essentials Program for Directors of Not-For-Profit Organizations from the same as above in March 2013
He also holds his PAED which is the Certified Indigenous Economic Developer Certification granted by the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers, which he received in September 2010.
His extensive board experience ranges across several indigenous organizations, financial education and health sectors. His experience includes:
Board Chair Metis Settlements Development Corporation
Director for Aboriginal Financial Officers Association -Alberta
Committee Member Finance & Audit Committee – Covenant Health
Past Vice Chair for Little Red River Group of Companies (Little Red River Cree First Nation)
Past Director and Chair for the Human Resource Committee for Goodfish Lake Development Corp (Whitefish Lake Indian Band #128)
Past Vice Chair, Chair Human Resources, Chair Governance Committee Norquest College
Past Independent Director on the Board for Embark Engineering (partnership between the Lax Kwa'laams First Nation and the Engineering firm Kerr Wood Leidel)
Past Board Chair for Loon River Development Corp (Loon River Cree First Nations)
Past Chair Apeetogosan (Metis) Development Inc.
Past Co-Chair Child & Family Services Region 6 Edmonton and Area
Past Member – Industry Advisory Committee – Pearl Calahaisen – Minister Indigenous Affairs Alberta
Brian is retired and resides just north of Edmonton with his wife of 21 years. He is the proud father of 4 children and 9 grandchildren. When not actively involved in his board roles, he enjoys curling and golf for recreation and is an avid reader.
Justin Jimmy, ICD.D - Chair, Finance and Audit Committee
Justin Jimmy’s heritage is Cree from Onion Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan. Born in 1986 to his mother from Onion Lake, and father who is non-Indigenous, as a result he is a 6(2) Status Indian. Being a 6(2) Status Indian means that Justin cannot pass Indian Status to his children if one of the child's parents are non-status. Justin’s partner is non-Indigenous and as such, their children are not eligible for status, all while they truly have Indigenous blood and take part in the culture. A perfect example of the eventual removal of “Indians”
“Our objective is to continue until there is not a single Indian in Canada that has not been absorbed in the body politic and there is no Indian question” - Duncan Campbell Scott
Justin has a Bachelor of Management from the University of Lethbridge, is in the final stages of achieving his Chartered Professional Accountant “CPA” designation program. Justin also holds the Certified Aboriginal Finance Manager “CAFM” from AFOA Canada and holds the ICD.D designation program from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Prior to the University of Lethbridge, Justin attended Lakeland College in Lloydminster, and First Nations Technical Institute “FNTI” in Tyendinaga Mohawk territory. Justin is an aviator who holds a fixed wing pilot license.
Justin’s fiscal management expertise spans controllership, capacity building and technical accounting with First Nation governments and businesses, and with industry. Justin has over 10 years finance and accounting experience and has held senior roles in accountancy and fiscal management and continues to walk in both worlds – the Indigenous and non-Indigenous spaces continuing to advocate for inclusion of Indigenous people in the global economy and ongoing strengthening relationships.
He is passionate about wealth generation for future generations and serves as a Trustee with Wicekaskosiw Sahkahikan Askiwi-Pimiy “WSAP” heritage trust fund for Onion Lake.
In addition to being a director with the MSDC, Justin also holds roles with:
Advisory Committee, E3 Lithium
Board Director, Aboriginal Finance Officers Association of Alberta
Board Director, Siksika Nation Group of Companies
Committee Member, Strategic Aviation Advisory Council - Government of Alberta
Committee Member, Premiers’ Committee on Multiculturalism - Government of Alberta
“Our objective is to continue until there is not a single Indian in Canada that has not been absorbed in the body politic and there is no Indian question” - Duncan Campbell Scott
Justin has a Bachelor of Management from the University of Lethbridge, is in the final stages of achieving his Chartered Professional Accountant “CPA” designation program. Justin also holds the Certified Aboriginal Finance Manager “CAFM” from AFOA Canada and holds the ICD.D designation program from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Prior to the University of Lethbridge, Justin attended Lakeland College in Lloydminster, and First Nations Technical Institute “FNTI” in Tyendinaga Mohawk territory. Justin is an aviator who holds a fixed wing pilot license.
Justin’s fiscal management expertise spans controllership, capacity building and technical accounting with First Nation governments and businesses, and with industry. Justin has over 10 years finance and accounting experience and has held senior roles in accountancy and fiscal management and continues to walk in both worlds – the Indigenous and non-Indigenous spaces continuing to advocate for inclusion of Indigenous people in the global economy and ongoing strengthening relationships.
He is passionate about wealth generation for future generations and serves as a Trustee with Wicekaskosiw Sahkahikan Askiwi-Pimiy “WSAP” heritage trust fund for Onion Lake.
In addition to being a director with the MSDC, Justin also holds roles with:
Advisory Committee, E3 Lithium
Board Director, Aboriginal Finance Officers Association of Alberta
Board Director, Siksika Nation Group of Companies
Committee Member, Strategic Aviation Advisory Council - Government of Alberta
Committee Member, Premiers’ Committee on Multiculturalism - Government of Alberta
Alison Thompson, Investment Committee Representative
Alison Thompson is an energy system visionary, imagining a better world via renewable energy.
She earned her Masters of Engineering and started in hydrocarbons, gaining experience in the energy industry. But these industries could not keep up with her. She saw the impact of climate change and the hydrocarbon industry’s contribution, and she decided to influence a new energy sector in Canada. Alison championed geothermal technology when few others were considering it. She is an innovator, bringing her diverse experience and understanding of technology to roles with the European Commission and the US Department of Energy as an Expert Evaluator. Alison has uplifted the Canadian geothermal industry to support her vision of a clean-energy future.
After two decades of leading geothermal research and projects, co-founding the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association (CanGEA), Borealis GeoPower and Kitselas Geothermal, Alison is still driven every day to wake up and address climate change. Her passion for geothermal has led her to become a mentor to youth and women in science. In 2010, Alison was given the Belle Mulligan Leadership Award from Canadian Investor Relations Institute for increasing investor confidence in the global geothermal energy industry. She has been awarded the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists in Alberta 2020 Centennial Leadership Award, and she was a nominee for the 2021 Engineers Canada Gold Medal Award, yet her priorities remain the same: open minds and redefine what is considered possible. Canada does not have to choose between economy and the environment.
The passion for geothermal does not stop at work as Alison likes to relax in a hot spring as often as possible.
She earned her Masters of Engineering and started in hydrocarbons, gaining experience in the energy industry. But these industries could not keep up with her. She saw the impact of climate change and the hydrocarbon industry’s contribution, and she decided to influence a new energy sector in Canada. Alison championed geothermal technology when few others were considering it. She is an innovator, bringing her diverse experience and understanding of technology to roles with the European Commission and the US Department of Energy as an Expert Evaluator. Alison has uplifted the Canadian geothermal industry to support her vision of a clean-energy future.
After two decades of leading geothermal research and projects, co-founding the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association (CanGEA), Borealis GeoPower and Kitselas Geothermal, Alison is still driven every day to wake up and address climate change. Her passion for geothermal has led her to become a mentor to youth and women in science. In 2010, Alison was given the Belle Mulligan Leadership Award from Canadian Investor Relations Institute for increasing investor confidence in the global geothermal energy industry. She has been awarded the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists in Alberta 2020 Centennial Leadership Award, and she was a nominee for the 2021 Engineers Canada Gold Medal Award, yet her priorities remain the same: open minds and redefine what is considered possible. Canada does not have to choose between economy and the environment.
The passion for geothermal does not stop at work as Alison likes to relax in a hot spring as often as possible.
Marc Stachiw
Marc Stachiw began his career in the investment industry in Calgary, focusing on the oil & gas, mining and biotechnology sectors.
He made the switch to the renewable energy industry in 2005, where he joined a start-up hydroelectric company in British Columbia.
During his time in BC, Marc played a key role in the development and financing of a 230 MW ($660 million) run of river hydro project. In 2008, he moved back to Calgary where he helped start Alberta Wind Energy Corporation (AWEC) as President. AWEC was responsible for the development and construction of several utility scale wind farms in Alberta.
Since selling the assets from Alberta Wind Energy in 2020, Mr. Stachiw now works as a consultant managing renewable energy projects in Alberta and New York State.
His current activities include business development, strategy and project management for wind, solar and energy storage projects.
Mr. Stachiw has served on several private and publicly traded company boards including AWEC, Champion Bear Resources and Kestrel Gold Inc. At these board positions, Marc provided governance and financial audit review.
Throughout his career, Marc has worked with Indigenous communities to form partnerships on renewable energy projects. These partnerships gave him insight into the challenges and opportunities that many Indigenous face in Canada. MSDC is actively working to build capacity and make real economic change for Metis communities. Marc is excited to play a role in creating these opportunities for Alberta’s Metis as a member of the MSDC Board.
Mr. Stachiw holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Saskatchewan, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Calgary and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of Calgary.
In addition to his professional achievements, Marc is deeply committed to fostering sustainable development and promoting economic growth. His extensive experience in finance and energy underscores his belief in the transformative power of business.
Marc's involvement with MSDC reflects his passion for leveraging his expertise to support and empower Métis communities, ensuring that they benefit from growth and opportunities within the Alberta economy.
He made the switch to the renewable energy industry in 2005, where he joined a start-up hydroelectric company in British Columbia.
During his time in BC, Marc played a key role in the development and financing of a 230 MW ($660 million) run of river hydro project. In 2008, he moved back to Calgary where he helped start Alberta Wind Energy Corporation (AWEC) as President. AWEC was responsible for the development and construction of several utility scale wind farms in Alberta.
Since selling the assets from Alberta Wind Energy in 2020, Mr. Stachiw now works as a consultant managing renewable energy projects in Alberta and New York State.
His current activities include business development, strategy and project management for wind, solar and energy storage projects.
Mr. Stachiw has served on several private and publicly traded company boards including AWEC, Champion Bear Resources and Kestrel Gold Inc. At these board positions, Marc provided governance and financial audit review.
Throughout his career, Marc has worked with Indigenous communities to form partnerships on renewable energy projects. These partnerships gave him insight into the challenges and opportunities that many Indigenous face in Canada. MSDC is actively working to build capacity and make real economic change for Metis communities. Marc is excited to play a role in creating these opportunities for Alberta’s Metis as a member of the MSDC Board.
Mr. Stachiw holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Saskatchewan, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Calgary and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of Calgary.
In addition to his professional achievements, Marc is deeply committed to fostering sustainable development and promoting economic growth. His extensive experience in finance and energy underscores his belief in the transformative power of business.
Marc's involvement with MSDC reflects his passion for leveraging his expertise to support and empower Métis communities, ensuring that they benefit from growth and opportunities within the Alberta economy.
Michelle Swanson
Michelle Swanson’s heritage originates from the Red River Settlement, HBC Reserve, and the fur trade. Later, her great-great grandfather and his brother (both having Cree mothers) were the first Chiefs of their respective nations in Saskatchewan and signed Treaty 6, James Smith First Nation and Muskoday First Nation (formerly John Smith First Nation).
Later, her great-grandmother, Charlotte Smith, was born in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta and eventually moved to an area near Lower Fort Garry just north of Winnipeg. Charlotte hid her Cree heritage, and nothing was passed onto her children or grandchildren. Her father became very aware in his teen years and recognized that his extended family looked “native”, researched his lineage and proudly became one of the first members of the Manitoba Metis Federation by submitting our Metis Scrip. Michelle’s father spent the later part of his career and retirement giving back to many Indigenous organizations in Winnipeg. While Michelle grew up in Winnipeg, she later moved to Calgary with her sons and all became proud Metis citizens, the Metis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.
Michelle’s career spans the private, public, and non-profit sectors and provides consultation services to businesses in change management, project management, facilitation, building high performing teams, strategic alignment, and service centric solutions. She has worked for the Manitoba Telephone System, SMART Technologies, Toshiba, Ricoh, SAIT Polytechnic, and Alberta Health Services. Currently, Michelle is a Change Management consultant in IT and business transformation projects. Clients include TransAlta, University of Calgary, City of Calgary, and Cenovus Energy.
Michelle has a degree in Sociology/Anthropology, is certified in Prosci change management, and is a Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) with just over 1,000 people worldwide with this designation. She brings a unique perspective to helping people deal with and understand change effectively.
Later, her great-grandmother, Charlotte Smith, was born in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta and eventually moved to an area near Lower Fort Garry just north of Winnipeg. Charlotte hid her Cree heritage, and nothing was passed onto her children or grandchildren. Her father became very aware in his teen years and recognized that his extended family looked “native”, researched his lineage and proudly became one of the first members of the Manitoba Metis Federation by submitting our Metis Scrip. Michelle’s father spent the later part of his career and retirement giving back to many Indigenous organizations in Winnipeg. While Michelle grew up in Winnipeg, she later moved to Calgary with her sons and all became proud Metis citizens, the Metis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.
Michelle’s career spans the private, public, and non-profit sectors and provides consultation services to businesses in change management, project management, facilitation, building high performing teams, strategic alignment, and service centric solutions. She has worked for the Manitoba Telephone System, SMART Technologies, Toshiba, Ricoh, SAIT Polytechnic, and Alberta Health Services. Currently, Michelle is a Change Management consultant in IT and business transformation projects. Clients include TransAlta, University of Calgary, City of Calgary, and Cenovus Energy.
Michelle has a degree in Sociology/Anthropology, is certified in Prosci change management, and is a Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) with just over 1,000 people worldwide with this designation. She brings a unique perspective to helping people deal with and understand change effectively.
Randy Anderson - West Settlements Representative
Randy Anderson is an enthusiastic Cree Metis from Gift Lake Metis Settlement and is a strong advocate for both education and economic development. In his personal history he has owned and operated businesses, which created employment opportunities for people in his community and broader areas. He believes creating employment not only helps an individual but others in the community.
In education, Randy enrolled in the Business Management Program through the University of Lethbridge. It is here when Randy became an Economic Development officer for the Gift Lake Metis Settlement to which he was a part of building a business for his community. Randy has spent a decade working as Manager of Indigenous Relations for Northern Lakes College to which he was responsible, advancing educational opportunities for adults in Northern Indigenous Communities. Randy believes education is the foundational skill needed to navigate in the current world we are in. Randy’s knowledge of the northern communities, his commitment and understanding of how to support communities to become self-sufficient through economic development opportunities are core in his beliefs for a better future.
In education, Randy enrolled in the Business Management Program through the University of Lethbridge. It is here when Randy became an Economic Development officer for the Gift Lake Metis Settlement to which he was a part of building a business for his community. Randy has spent a decade working as Manager of Indigenous Relations for Northern Lakes College to which he was responsible, advancing educational opportunities for adults in Northern Indigenous Communities. Randy believes education is the foundational skill needed to navigate in the current world we are in. Randy’s knowledge of the northern communities, his commitment and understanding of how to support communities to become self-sufficient through economic development opportunities are core in his beliefs for a better future.
Mike Jacknife - East Settlements Representative
Mike Jacknife is a member of Elizabeth Metis Settlement and has lived there his whole life. Growing up in Elizabeth, he lived a traditional Metis lifestyle and spent a lot of his childhood on the land hunting, fishing, and trapping. Mike has been active in the community as a member of the Elizabeth council for several years. He helped start an apprenticeship training program on the settlement for trades such as carpenters, plumbers and electricians. He helped with baseball and hockey for settlement youth, and was also on the board of directors for North East Gas Co-Op for the past 10 years to represent the settlements needs.
Mike is a proud Metis business owner to a successful fluid hauling company that operates over 100 trucks and trailers. He has over 25 years of active business experience, management knowledge, people skills, and good relations with business companies and Indigenous communities. Throughout his career, he worked and developed relationships with First Nations and Metis communities across Treaty 6. Speaking fluent Cree has allowed him to communicate more effectively within Cree communities and work with elders.
He lives in the community with his wife and spends time with his seven children and two grandchildren.
Mike is a proud Metis business owner to a successful fluid hauling company that operates over 100 trucks and trailers. He has over 25 years of active business experience, management knowledge, people skills, and good relations with business companies and Indigenous communities. Throughout his career, he worked and developed relationships with First Nations and Metis communities across Treaty 6. Speaking fluent Cree has allowed him to communicate more effectively within Cree communities and work with elders.
He lives in the community with his wife and spends time with his seven children and two grandchildren.
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