Executive Leadership Team
Drew Pearson
CEO
Drew Joined First Nations Capital & Infrastructure Agency in October 2021 as Vice President of Legal, Governance and Stakeholder Relations. Drew was moved into the CEO Role in April of 2022.
Drew is a member of Little Pine First Nation and was raised in various communities across Saskatchewan.
Drew is a lawyer with a strong corporate commercial background in construction and land development. Drew has negotiated with all levels of government. Drew teamed up with others and built a new law firm that serviced the Yukon. Since moving back to Saskatoon in 2014, Drew has been in service of solely First Nation Clients and has been involved with developing lands for reserve creation, in addition to reserve lands, land codes, election acts, on-reserve construction projects, financings and partnership creations.
Drew has a Degree in Political Studies and further graduated from the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan.
Ken Okanee
Vice President of Corporate Services & Business Development
p: 639-637-5024
c: 306-981-3963
Bio coming soon.
Trent Larson
Vice-President of Operations and Professional Services
p: 306-500-7981
Trent joined First Nations Capital and Infrastructure Agency in August 2022 as VP of Operations and Professional Services. He was born and raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
Trent has spent numerous years working on major projects in Western Canada in forestry, oil and gas, hydro, and mining. Prior to joining FNCIAS, he has worked in a variety of roles leading regulatory approvals, construction management, project management, facilities maintenance, capital planning, and site services.
Having worked for the for private and public companies in the natural resources Trent has developed an appreciation of the social, economic, and environmental impacts of major projects on the First Nation in Western Canada and their traditional lands. Entering the last half of his career Trent has brought his skill and experience to First Nations Capital and Infrastructure to support First Nations to close the housing and infrastructure gap and overcome funding and technical challenges on reserves.
Trent holds has a Bachelors of Science Degree in Forestry and is a Registered Professional Forester. With over 20 years of experience in the natural resources sector team Trent has worked on a variety of integrated teams and is an effective listener and a respected leader who focuses on building strong relationships with those he works with and Right Holders and is known for building effective close-knit teams and is an innovator.
Staff
Heidi Abramyk, CM, CMP
Marketing and Communications Manager
p: 639-398-6636
Heidi joined the First Nations Capital and Infrastructure Agency of Saskatchewan in May 2023 as Marketing and Communications Manager. She is a citizen of the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan and was born and raised in Prince Albert.
Heidi has over 12 years of experience in marketing, communications, public relations, and engagement that span several industries in the public and private sectors. Prior to joining the First Nations Capital and Infrastructure Agency of Saskatchewan, she spent the last five years working for a provincial agency focused on building quality improvement capacity in health and health care in Saskatchewan.
Heidi holds Master of Arts in Professional Communications from Royal Roads University, a bachelor of Design from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, bachelor of Commerce with a major in Marketing from Thompson Rivers University, and a diploma in Public Relations from the University of Victoria. She has a Chartered Marketer (CM) designation from the Canadian Marketing Association and a Communications Management Professional (CMP) certification from the Global Communication Certification Council.
Rhonda H. Bear, BISW, MISW
Community Engagement Manager
c: 306-717-6558
Rhonda is a Plains Cree woman from the Thunderchild First Nation in the Treaty Six Territory. Rhonda is a mental health therapist with over 10 years of experience serving the community by providing wellness support and guidance for those in need. She joined First Nations Capital & Infrastructure of Saskatchewan (FNCIAS) as a Community Engagement Specialist in August 2023. Prior to coming to FNCIAS, Rhonda worked at the Saskatchewan Health Quality Council where she was the Indigenous Engagement Lead. During her time there, she helped shape and lead the organization’s work in supporting First Nations communities in advancing First Nations-led health promotion initiatives. Rhonda served as the Interim Director of Youth Empowerment program at the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. During her time there, she developed the waniskahk.ca website that provided First Nations people with resources for mental health and life promotion resources.
In previous roles, Rhonda worked with the SHA First Nations Métis Health Services as a Health Educator, a hub representative in Saskatoon, as well as a Child Protection Worker- Investigator for Ministry of Social Services child and family programs.
Rhonda completed a business applications diploma in 2004 from CDI Business College, a certificate and bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Social work in 2013 and a Masters of Indigenous Social work degree in 2019 from the First Nations University of Canada. In 2023, Rhonda won a YWCA Women of Distinction award in the Health & Athletics category for her contributions in the community in supporting First Nations mental health and life promotion.
Herman Bugler, CPHR
Senior Manager, Human Resources
p: 639-299-6347
First and foremost, Herman Bugler is a family man. Originally from the Red Pheasant Cree Nation, he now resides in Warman, SK with his wife and children and enjoys rooting for his children in all their activities.
Professionally, Herman has been in the Human Resources field since 2006. His experience includes roles as Director of Organizational Development and Talent Management with Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, Human Resources Manager with Living Sky School Division and Human Resources Assistant with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services.
Herman is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources of Saskatchewan, a designation that he has held since 2015. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a Human Resources Management major from the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan and a Certificate in Indigenous Business Administration from First Nations University of Canada.
Herman prides himself on holding his values and ethics at the heart of everything that he does and works to be a positive role model for his family and his community.
Jerry Christiansen
Procurement Coordinator
p: 306-500-7991
c: 306-850-8528
Jerry joined First Nations Capital and Infrastructure Agency in July 2022 as a Community Engagement Specialist.
He is a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band and grew up in his home community before pursuing his professional golfing career. Jerry also played NCAA Division I golf for the University of British Columbia before finishing his Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Saskatchewan.
Jerry worked for his Nation for three years as the finance officer and post-secondary co-ordinator before joining First Nations Capital and Infrastructure. He has been instrumental in the signing of several nations, including his home nation, the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.
Dana Greyeyes
Housing Assessment Specialist
p: 306-500-7997
Bio coming soon.
Marcella Greyeyes
Executive Assistant
p: 639-637-5071
Bio coming soon.
Gary Guild
Controller and Accountant
p: 306-500-7994
Gary joined First Nations Capital and Infrastructure in May 2022. He is a member of Bigstone Cree Nation and was born and raised in Wabasca, Alberta.
Growing up in a First Nation community, he experienced firsthand the struggles many First Nation communities are dealing with today. He realized that to drive meaningful change, we needed to take part in and eventually control the decision-making and implementation of the services that directly impact our lives. Through hard work and dedication, he completed his university education and took the first step toward achieving this goal.
He graduated from Grant MacEwan University, where he attained his Diploma in Accounting and Strategic Measurement, holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree majoring in accounting and is currently in the process of attaining his Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) designation.
He completed his articling with a large public practice accounting firm out of Edmonton, where he focused primarily on auditing engagements for First Nations and Métis Settlements across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. He later accepted a Financial Controller position with a Saskatchewan First Nation, where he quickly moved up to Chief Financial Officer.
Gary’s combined education and experience in auditing and working directly with First Nations allows him to implement the proper controls, budgeting, financial reporting policies and procedures to help the organization achieve its goals while ensuring accountability and financial transparency to its members.
Warren Isbister-Bear
Community Engagement Specialist
p: 639-637-5015
Warren Isbister-Bear is from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation and has been living and working in Saskatoon for the past 20 years. Warren moved to Saskatoon from his First Nations community of Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation to pursue his educational background. His career started with his passion for sport, culture and recreation and he found himself completing his Recreation and Tourism Management diploma from the Saskatchewan Polytechnic. He went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree in Aboriginal Public Administration from the University of Saskatchewan and is currently completing his MBA specializing in Community Economic Development through Cape Breton University.
Warren’s work experience has largely been shaped by the Cree concept and philosophy of “wahkotowin”, meaning “kinship” that community and family are at the center of our work and ensuring that no one gets left behind. This traditional teaching has helped Warren be proactive in working in collaboration between First Nations, non-profit, and municipal, regional, provincial, and federal governments.
Warren has always been engaged in community events that help build opportunities for Indigenous people and communities. In his career he has been involved in both social and community development initiatives in order to create inroads for improved quality of life or “miyo-pimatisiwin” for Indigenous people. Moving forward Warren wants to continue being a voice at strategic partnership tables and initiatives that help build links to education, employment, and economic development for Indigenous people.
Steven Jim
Executive Leadership Team Advisor
p: 639-299-6349
c: 306-841-7812
Steven has been a part of First Nations Capital and Infrastructure Agency of Saskatchewan since its inception in 2020. Prior to coming on, he served as the Director of Housing at the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. His current role is Executive Leadership Team Advisor.
Steven is a Cree First Nation member from the Witchekan Lake First Nation. Following in his dad’s footsteps, he ran and was elected councilman in his community of Witchekan Lake First Nation in 2004. In 2006, he was elected one of the youngest Chiefs in Canada, a position he held for eight years. Steven is a Residential School Survivor; he holds a Master’s in Business Administration and Indigenous Business Leadership degrees from Simon Fraser University.
Keli Just, P.Eng.
Senior Manager of Engineering
p: 306-500-7999
Keli joined First Nations Capital and Infrastructure Agency in August 2022 as Senior Manager of Engineering.
Keli has experience working with and assisting First Nation and Indigenous communities across western Canada to enhance quality of life on reserve land. These efforts included effectively planning for community and land development, creating sound environmental practices, and building capacity for community wellness and economic development. Prior to joining First Nations Capital and Infrastructure, he spent fourteen years working as a geo-environmental consultant. During this time, Keli focused on community infrastructure development, environmental management and protection as well as strategic planning for First Nation communities and Indigenous owned business.
Keli has a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from USask and is a registered Professional Engineer. With over 18 years of combined education and professional experience, Keli is an integral part of the First Nations Capital and Infrastructure Agency of Saskatchewan team and its mandate.
Catherine Laliberte
Finance Coordinator
p: 639-299-6348
Catherine joined First Nations Capital and Infrastructure Agency in January 2023 as Finance Coordinator. While raising three children, Catherine went back to school where she went on to earn a Certificate in Indigenous Business Administration from the First Nations University of Canada and a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in accounting, from the University of Saskatchewan. In October 2013, she received the Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager designation through the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada. In December 2019, Catherine completed pre-requisites courses through the Canadian Payroll Association to obtain her certification as a Payroll Compliance Practitioner. For over 30 years, Catherine has gained extensive experience working with Saskatchewan First Nations organizations in the areas of Finance, Economic Development and Administration.
Originally from Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, Catherine currently lives in Saskatoon and is a member of the Poundmaker Cree Nation. She is the first of her family to earn a college degree and credits her father for his strength, wisdom and encouragement when striving to reach her goals and continues to be a role model to her children and family.
Catherine believes in supporting First Nations in effective financial management and in First Nations self-sufficiency. Catherine will continue to respect cultural values, protocols and ways of business as well as continue working and assisting her people.
Tim Vogel
Asset Management Engineer
p: 639-637-0771
Tim joined FNCIAS as an Asset Management Engineer in January 2024. He spent his early years in Southwest Saskatchewan but has called Saskatoon home for many years.
Tim has a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan and is currently completing his Ph.D. in the same field. Throughout that experience, Tim has been involved in asset condition assessments and has had the opportunity to engage with First Nations on the intersection of infrastructure and community connections. His focus has been on how social benefits and community values can be included in technical frameworks of lifecycle costing and decision making, particularly in the context of broader and more flexible funding allocation.
Natasha Whitefish
Office Coordinator
p: 306-500-7987
Natasha joined First Nations Capital and Infrastructure Association of Saskatchewan in February 2024 as Office Coordinator. She hails from the vibrant community of Big River First Nation, where she embodies the values of resilience, community, and continuous growth. With a passion for fostering positive change, and a comprehensive background in administration and project coordination, she brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to her role at FNCIAS.
Before stepping into her current role, Natasha dedicated eight years to the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT), where she honed her skills across various administrative capacities. Her tenure at SIIT provided her with invaluable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within Indigenous education and community development.
Natasha’s educational journey reflects her commitment to personal and professional advancement. Armed with a foundation in Business, she is currently pursuing a degree in Commerce, majoring in Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She is also a certified fitness professional, specializing in strength and conditioning coaching, personal training, group instruction, indoor cycling, and sports nutrition. She is deeply passionate about promoting physical health and well-being, leveraging her expertise to empower individuals to achieve their wellness goals.
Natasha’s strategic mindset, attention to detail, and passion for supporting Indigenous initiatives make her an invaluable asset to the FNCIAS team.