Minogi - our team

Don has 30 years experience building agreements between First Nation governments and economic development corporations, project proponents, and Crown agencies, together with extensive global experience with environmental assessments, socio-economics, traditional ecological knowledge, and enhancing community well-being. Don optimizes economic development and environmental protection for major projects, thereby supporting First Nation ownership and co-development. Areas of expertise include economic development & partnership structuring, business planning, and project impact assessment. Sectors include energy, nuclear, mining, and infrastructure development projects. Don has been working for the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation for 3 years.

Sam is an Environmental Biologist with postgraduate education in Environmental Management and Assessments, and the Ontario Master Naturalist Program (OMNP). Sam has working experience in both the municipal and non-profit sectors involving waste management, pollinator conservation, and Species at Risk. She is committed to lifelong learning, and passionate about protecting the natural environment, Indigenous rights, and combating climate change. Sam is excited to help advance innovative projects and ideas and help communities benefit from existing and ongoing projects while ensuring environmental stewardship. Sam has been working for the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation for 3 years.

Emily has over 10 years of experience working for First Nations. She specializes in navigating provincial environmental assessments and federal impact assessments, focusing on opportunities to advance First Nation rights and interests. Her background is in climate change, geography, environmental ethics, and political science. Emily has built First Nation consultation departments from the ground up, filtering project notices and navigating reviews in energy, climate, mining, land development, and transportation. She has participated in countless proponent meetings, working to hold proponents to the highest standards of the Duty to Consult and Accommodate, and advancing the implementation of UNDRIP, including Free, Prior, and Informed Consent  Emily has been working for the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation for 2 years.

Rob is a driven sustainability professional committed to bridging cultures, empowering Indigenous communities, and fostering a sustainable future. With a Master of Science in Sustainability Management, I specialize in analyzing society-nature interactions, holistic climate change mitigation tools, and sustainable policy developments to advance environmental stewardship and the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Rob's research interests focus on providing policymakers with tools and recommendations to weave Indigenous Knowledge into conservation management systems. Beyond academia, Rob finds solace in gardening, nurturing nature's wonders, and exploring nature through hiking adventures. Rob has been working for the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation for 2 years.

Ameer is an urbanist and First Nation consultation advisor focused on supporting sustainable communities, advancing Indigenous rights, and addressing the climate crisis across planning, transportation, and culture projects. With a Master of Science in Planning and currently working toward his Registered Professional Planner certification, he brings this perspective to his consultation to the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. Ameer also holds a BAh in Political Studies and has published research on the Canadian Constitution and its impacts on Indigenous rights. On weekends, you can find him writing – having penned novels, several academic and popular articles, and most recently working on award-winning and in-development plays. Ameer has been working for the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation since June 2024.

Nicole is an environmental and Indigenous advocate with a passion for ensuring that the environment, its ecosystems and the living creatures within them are not only preserved for the future but thrive. She graduated from Trent University with a Bachelors in Environmental Science/Studies and is in the process of obtaining her Project Management Certification. Before getting into her field she had the opportunity to work within the Financial and Business Industry as a Project Coordinator and uses the knowledge she has gained to benefit within her current sector. She has great experience with Environmental Monitoring and is looking forward to developing and implementing a program within MISFN. She is passionate about continuing her own personal growth and development but also contributing to that of others through creating policies, procedures and training. Nicole has been working for the Mississauguas of Scugog Island First Nation since August 2024.

Kayla holds a diploma for Honours Business Administration, and recently completed the Administrative Professional Course earning the APC designation. 

With her exceptional organizational skills and over 7 years of experience supporting the Mississaugas of Scugog Island in numerous roles, including Administrative Assistant, Assistant to Finance, and AP Clerk, she has joined Minogi Corp. In her role as Administrative Assistant & Finance Coordinator at Minogi Corp., she will perform general administrative duties for the Minogi team, including calendar management, event planning, budget tracking, invoicing monthly reconciliations, AP/AR, light HR duties, and general assistance for the Minogi team as needed.

Finn is an environmental science specialist with a background in ecology, contributing to projects in ecological restoration, species conservation, and sustainability. He recently completed a Project Management certificate from George Brown College, bringing strong coordination and organizational skills to support MSIFN initiatives. His experience spans several sectors, including canola research, soil sampling, and educational outreach. Finn is excited to be part of the Minogi team and looks forward to continuing to build capacity in and around the Scugog area.

Kelsey Watt is an environmental professional with over 5 years of experience working across academic and NGO sectors. From Queen’s University, she holds a BA, MA and MES. Much of Kelsey’s work is concerned with the intersections between ecological storytelling, art and environmental management policies and practices. She has had the privilege of working with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous collaborators across the globe on the topics of invasive species management, animal geographies, water and land rights. In her role as Arts and Culture Liaison at Minogi, Kelsey brings her background in a variety of art/conservation methodologies and certifications to value and protect Indigenous rights, traditions and knowledges. In her spare time, you can find Kelsey spending time with her two Aussie Shepherds and playing tennis.