Zain is RDN’s Director of Community Development, a unique position that works in consultation with rural communities to identify issues and develop strategies to provide solutions across all RDN’s initiatives, especially housing and homelessness. Zain has been working at RDN for a few years, specializing in managing research, developing financial strategies and creating business cases in an effort to raise funding for projects in rural communities. He has authored the “Step-by-Step Guide to Estimate Rural Homelessness”; an award winning guide to estimate rural homelessness in rural communities across Canada. The guide is being successfully applied across Canada and is gaining traction on an international scale.

Zain is passionate about “making things happen for the greater good” and has an excellent track record of securing funds in the social entrepreneurship space. He has international sales and account management experience in the Oil & Gas industry and runs a boutique consulting firm that fuels his interest in design and technology. Zain has completed a degree in Finance/Management with a minor in Actuarial Math from the American University of Sharjah and an MBA in Innovation & Entrepreneurship from the University of Alberta.

Asad is the Capital Funding Manager at RDN and works mainly with the Sustainable Housing Initiative (SHI). Asad graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Finance.

Asad initially started with the RDN as a Research Analyst in late 2017, writing reports and conducting research, but since then he has taken on the role of Capital Funding Manager, where he procures and manages funding on behalf of SHI clients. At the RDN Asad has made many great contributions over the years, his two key achievements being: the creation and ongoing management of a financial model used to test project feasibility, and co-authoring RDN’s Step-by-Step Guide to Developing Affordable Housing.

His personal interests include reading up on the latest financial news, weightlifting and history.

For the past ten years, Shaun has worked on addressing the need for affordable housing and programs that address homeless in Saskatoon.  His experience in research, development, proposal writing, and government fund management gives him a broad perspective in navigating the complexity of housing development.

Shaun joined Central Urban Métis Federation, Inc. (CUMFI) in 2020 to focus on preserving and improving CUMFI’s existing housing stock, and the development of the Round Prairie Elders’ Lodge, an apartment building for Métis Elders in Saskatoon.

Scott is a consultant who specializes in On-Reserve Housing as well as Financial Management. His services include Strategic Planning, Financial Management, Policy Development, Home Ownership and training, as well as community consultations.  He is a First Nation Member of the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island in Ontario.

His extensive experience in housing, finance and accounting allow him to provide a wide range of advice to clients on such topics as CMHC Section 95 management, setting up housing authorities,  financing large housing projects, home ownership and property management. He also provides CMHC workshops on property management and administration, as well as consulting for First Nations Market Housing Fund.

Mr. Flamand resides in Wiikwemikoong with his family and enjoys the outdoors in his spare time.

Phone 705-618-1093
[email protected]
www.scottflamand.ca

Anne Headrick is a member of Garden River First Nation in Ontario.  She is the Executive Director and the Housing Manager for Garden River First Nation.  Anne has worked in the Housing Program for the past 11 years.  Previous to this, Anne worked in her First Nation’s Social Assistance, Education and Health Departments.  In 2015, the Garden River Housing Department received the Recognition Award at this year’s 14th Annual Northern Housing Conference for their work with Rental Collection, Arrears Management, Housing Policy and Strategic Planning.

Anne has a Degree in Sociology from Laurentian University and an Education Degree from Queen’s University.

Anne, her husband Dave and their 5 children live in Garden River First Nation.

Trevor is the RDN’s Community Development Coordinator, and works in consultation with rural communities to identify issues and develop strategies to provide solutions involving housing. He has experience connecting non-profits with communities, and has worked with Indigenous organizations in outreach and research capacities.

Trevor is passionate about building stronger, resilient communities, and believes in working with organizations to help them realize their goals. He has experience in politics, and is an engaged member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. Trevor has completed a degree in Political Science with a minor in Philosophy from MacEwan University.

Nelson was born in Uranium City, Saskatchewan; he is a member of the Mikisew Cree First Nation from Fort Chipewyan, Alberta. He now calls the Yukon his home. Through years of working in construction, Nelson obtained his Journeyman Carpentry Inter-Provincial Trades Certification. Nelson believes in the importance of finding ways to help and work with Indigenous People. This occurred through working with the Carcross/Tagish First Nation Government for 11 years. As former CEO of the Carcross/Tagish Management Corporation, he believes in the importance of putting people first and money second. As a corporation, it’s important to invest in people; after all, that’s where the value is. The money will come, but it will come when the investment in people, moves to that next step. Nelson has been involved with many boards and committees, both as Chair and director. Some of the following organizations over many years include Chair of the Yukon Housing Corporation, in 2018, former Director of Yukon Mine Training Association, current Director of the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce, and former President of the Skookum Jim Friendship Centre. Nelson is known for putting programs together to help train individuals in the trades with an added focus on skills support

Daniel is the RDN’s Planning and Community Development Manager, who focuses on supporting planning related projects such as housing strategies, action plans, community consultations, research projects, and other land use and transportation projects. Daniel also manages the AREF funded Rural Housing Choice project, a long term SHI project focusing on policy implementation and capacity building in Albertan communities to improve diversity.

Daniel holds a Master’s of Science in Urban and Regional Planning degree from the University of Alberta, where he specialized in sustainable transport, development, and institutional change. Daniel is an advocate for affordable housing and providing diverse housing and transportation choices in all communities. He is the Director of his neighbourhood’s civics committee and the Vice-Chair of Paths for People Edmonton, a local non-profit that strives to help Edmonton become a multi-modal city where active transportation is a safe, accessible, year-round option for all.
In his spare time, he enjoys socializing with friends, playing video and board games, and exploring the nooks and crannies of Edmonton on his bike

David Muriella joined CMHC in their insurance division in 2016 after a 13 year career at TD Bank. He has been working in what was formerly known as First Nations Housing (FNH) since 2017. Now known as Indigenous and Northern Housing Solutions (INHS), David works as a Senior Financial Solutions Specialist on a team dedicated to working with Indigenous people to end gender based violence through the construction of shelters.

Prior to joining the shelter team in January 2021, David worked closely on-reserve with 16 First Nations across all of Ontario including the remote north to Kenora and Rainy River in the west down to southern Ontario and everything in between. He also worked on affordable housing projects off-reserve with urban indigenous housing providers through CMHC’s National Housing Strategy (NHS) co-investment fund.

He has a degree in finance and administration from Western University and also holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. He is here today to share the details of the various funding options available to Indigenous communities both on and off reserve to build and repair shelters.

Talia is a Métis woman from Treaty 6 Territory & Homeland of the Métis who has over 20 years experience working with Indigenous organizations across multiple sectors. She is co-owner of Red Willow Mediation Services Inc. and is a trained Mediator in alternative dispute resolution with a focus on family and Indigenous mediation practices. Talia is a full member of the ADR Institute of Saskatchewan and the ADR Institute of Canada. Her experience with dispute resolution, multi-sectoral work and Indigenous practices gives her a diverse perspective on holistic approaches.

Katrin (she/her) is an Indigenous ally and settler on Treaty 3 Territory. She partners with Indigenous communities to broaden locally-based exercises and policies that address housing, prosperity, autonomy and well-being — ultimately strengthening community. For Katrin, relationships are at the heart of her practice; her approach honours Indigenous methodologies built on ceremony, reciprocity and meaningful consultation. Areas of work range from: housing (developing locally-based policies and programs that increase the quality, rights and access to housing on-reserve), to addressing food security and its intersection with economic development, environmental stewardship, well-being and cultural reclamation.

Katrin’s funding proposals have resulted in over $10 million, which has led to improved community infrastructure, green energy initiatives, housing policies & programs and capacity building opportunities. Katrin is a lecturer and speaker, and also partners with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) as a trainer for Indigenous housing administrative staff. She is a member of CMHC’s Expert Community on Housing and the Indigenous Clean Energy Network.

Visit her website at: www.katrinsawatzky.ca

Jesse works with the Rural Development Network as a Planning and Research Analyst with the Sustainable Housing Initiative (SHI). Jesse supports pre-development planning and research work in the SHI at the RDN. Jesse completed a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Alberta in 2021, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and English in 2013. Thus far, Jesse’s research specialization has been focused on affordable housing, community demographic shifts, public transit, and social equitability. Previously, Jesse has worked as a housing caseworker for people experiencing homelessness in the Edmonton region and all across Canada in the natural resources/construction industry. His hobbies include reading, socializing, and running.