Dene Lands & Resource Management 

DLRM Team Members

The ACFN's Dene Lands & Resource Management ("DLRM") was established to create capacity for the community in order to work with Industry and government to assess the environmental impacts of industrial development on the ACFN territory. 

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DLRM (formerly Industry Relations Corporation) is currently directed by the ACFN Board of Directors, comprised of Chief and Council, and acts as a liaison between resource developers, government agencies and the community, while upholding their mandate.

DLRM works with the Elders, Chief and Council and Membership to understand the Key Concerns and determine the process for consultation with the ACFN. DLRM represents the ACFN (where applicable) on regional committees, forums, conferences, regulatory hearings, task forces and working groups.

DLRM also facilitates the collection of Indigenous Knowledge and conducts studies on impacts to the territory. The purpose of DLRM is to work with Industry and Government to determine consultation requirements, including assessment of the impacts of development on ACFN’s territory, uses, rights and well-being.

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DLRM Vision Statement

We the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Dene Lands & Resource Management are united. We adapt to constant change, honour the past, and are obligated to our future generations. We lead and prosper to maintain the integrity of our Nation, our Land Rights, our People, and our Treaty Rights. 

DLRM Mission Statement

We protect our Treaty and Aboriginal rights to Land, Water, Air, and Livelihood. We support the infrastructure that preserves our culture, language, and knowledge. Through innovation, we foster growth and progress through collaboration, economic development, and building relationships. We support the future of a self‐sustaining Nation. 

LISA TSSESSAZE - DIRECTOR

The Director oversees the DLRM Department for the First Nation. She holds a degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of Alberta and has been working for the DLRM since 2004.  Lisa is an ACFN Member.

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LORI CYPRIEN - MANAGER, RIGHTS AND LANDS

Lori is an ACFN member who grew up in Fort Chipewyan. She holds a diploma in Renewable Resources from NAIT, a degree in Natural Resource Science from Thompson Rivers University, and a MSc in Environment and Management from Royal Roads University. Managing the Rights and Lands team, Lori oversees  ACFN’s Reserve Lands, Traditional Lands, Community-Based Monitoring  (CBM) Program, Guardian Program and various research programs.   All of these initiatives are in place for ACFN to sustain our lands for generations to come.

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MEGHAN DALRYMPLE - MANAGER, REGULATORY & INDUSTRY RELATIONS

After finishing university in 2002, Meghan went to work on environmental assessments.  Since 2010, she has been working for Indigenous communities to support their efforts to make environmental assessments and regulatory processes more credible and effective.  She worked on contract for ACFN DLRM for many years, and is very happy to be working for ACFN DLRM full-time now!

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JAY TELEGDI - MANAGER, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

 Jay has many years of experience working in politics and with governments across Canada. Jay arrived in the RMWB in 2015, and immediately began working with Indigenous organizations. , Using his political organizing skills and advocacy experience was integral in helping form the Rural Coalition. Jay served as incident commander for the Metis Nation of Alberta during the  2016 wildfire. Jay was a recipient of the Premiers’ Heroes of the Wildfire Award, RMWB Council’s Commendation Wildfire Medal for Achievement in Public Service during the 1st 100 hours of the Wildfire, YMM Magazine’s first cohort of the RMWB’s Top 50 under 50, and is a recipient of a 2019 RMWB Citizen Recognition Award.

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BRIAN FUNG - GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COORDINATOR

Brian's role in Government Relations includes working on government files that impact ACFN’s Aboriginal and Treaty Rights. He holds a BA in Psychology and Political Science from the University of Concordia, with a focus on human rights. Born and raised in Montréal, Brian has worked and built relationships with Indigenous partners in the Wood Buffalo region since 2014. His first exposure to the Dené language and culture was as the Assistant Health Director with the Chipewyan Prairie First Nation in Janvier. This experience broadened his viewpoint, and allowed him to better understand the challenges that many Indigenous peoples face. Brian loves to travel, is multi-lingual, and is always looking to pick up some extra Dené, so feel free to chat with him and teach him a few words!

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ROSE ROSS - REGULATORY OFFICER

Rose has been with the DLRM since 2009. She coordinates consultation with industry, implements agreements and assists with the HR operations in the office. Rose is an ACFN member who grew up in Fort Chipewyan as young child and returned to her birthplace in Fort McMurray as a teenager. Rose did her studies in Business Administration and Human Resource Management while working full time. She has work experience and background in business and finance. Rose is currently working on her Business Administration degree and has completed her certificate in Human Resource Management

CATHLEEN O'BRIEN - REGULATORY OFFICER
Cathleen has been working with or for the community of Fort Chipewyan since 2007 in various roles with the Mikisew Cree GIR and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and now the ACFN DLRM department.  She has a diploma in Environmental Technology from Keyano College and went on to the University of Lethbridge to pursue a degree in Environmental Science.  She is keenly interested in Indigenous Knowledge and is always looking for ways to embrace it and have it meaningfully included in western science and the regulatory process.  She loves nature, wildlife, traveling and just being outside.  Cathleen is a mother to 2 small children and 3 fur children who keep her busy while not working.  
 

JESSICA SAUNDERS - NEGOTIATIONS, IBA AND IMPLEMENTATION COORDINATOR

Jessica has been working and living in Fort McMurray for 15 years and joined the DLRM in December 2019.  Jessica holds a BA in Geography from the University of Victoria and a Masters in Environmental Design (Planning) from the University of Calgary and has several years’ experience implementing Impact Benefit Agreements.  Jessica coordinates negotiation and agreement implementation meetings with various Oil Sands companies.  Duties include agreement implementation and tracking, scheduling meetings, updating negotiation table files and records, and providing briefing notes for ACFN Leadership and ACFN Negotiation Team Members.

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ROSANNA CYPRIEN - EMPLOYMENT LIAISON COORDINATOR

Rosanna joined DLRM in December 2018, and her role is to support ACFN Members in securing and maximizing training and employment opportunities with Industry Partners. Rosanna was born and raised in Fort Chipewyan, and is a proud ACFN member. 

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MORGAN VOYAGEUR - CBM  GUARDIAN COORDINATOR

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JOHN CARDINAL - CBM GUARDIAN

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SHAYE-LYNNE CHAPDELAINE - TEMPORARY CBM/GUARDIAN

Shaye was born and raised in Fort McMurray and moved to Fort Chipewyan in 2016. She successfully finished the Community Based Environmental Monitoring Certificate through Keyano College in July 2019.  She joined the DLRM CBM/Guardian team in August 2019. She loves being a land user in our traditional territory. She is a part of the Voyageur family and is a proud member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation.

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BRAD BILANCHUK - TEMPORARY CBM/GUARDIAN

Brad is an ACFN member who recently graduated from the Community Based Environment Monitoring program at Keyano College in Fort Chipewyan. He joined the DLRM team in October 2019 as a Temporary Guardian Field Technician. In November 2019, he accepted the role as the part-time Energy Efficiency and Education Coordinator for ACFN. Brad enjoys being active and doing many activities out on the land.

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REBECCA SINCLAIR - FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR

Rebecca has been living with her family in Fort McMurray for 7 years.  She has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Simon Fraser University, and joined the ACFN DLRM in November 2018.  Prior to this she was employed in finance and accounting in the mining, agriculture and banking industries.

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SALLY WARFORD -  EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Sally joined the DLRM Team in December 2019 and provides EA services for the Director, CEO and Board of Directors in the Fort McMurray and Fort Chipewyan offices. She has lived in Fort McMurray since 2007.  Sally worked in the Airport industry for over 20 years and with the rural communities within Wood Buffalo during her time at the Regional Municipality.

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ADDRESS:

220 TAIGANOVA CRESCENT

FORT MCMURRAY, ALBERTA

T9K 0T4

(P) 780.791.3311

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