Heather settler on Treaty 1 territory who is dedicated to advancing planning and impact assessment through a trauma-informed and decolonized lens. Her work is guided by the principles of informed decision-making, environmental sustainability, Indigenous sovereignty, and reconciliation. With a background in environmental science and Indigenous studies, she seeks to push the boundaries of practice on how projects, initiatives, policies, plans, and actions can be holistically understood to identify and address the impacts to the social, cultural, biophysical, and spiritual fabric of the world within and around us.
Professionally, Heather has contributed to projects centered around Indigenous-led and harmonized impact assessment; environmental management planning for Indigenous communities; capacity building initiatives focused on impact assessment, resource development, and environmental policy; land stewardship and planning; and Indigenous-led conservation. She has presented nationally and internationally on topics such as trauma-informed impact assessment, environmental project management, and harmonized impact assessment.
Heather is a regional representative of the International Association of Impact Assessment Western and Northern Canada Affiliate and sits on the Board of Directors for ArtsJunktion, a non-profit dedicated to advancing environmental sustainability through crafting.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity, and truth, we acknowledge that we live, work, and gather on the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, including the Blackfoot Confederacy—comprising the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations—as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina Nations.
This land, known as Moh’kinsstis in the Blackfoot language and encompassing what is now Districts 5 and 6, is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, within the historical Northwest Métis homeland.
We recognize and honour the deep connection these Nations have to the land, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share in its stewardship.
As we continue our work, we commit to learning from Indigenous knowledge systems, uplifting Indigenous voices, and fostering relationships rooted in equity, understanding, and reconciliation.
