& Land Management Conference | Sept 11 – 12, 2024
On behalf of the USKE Land Managers, Board, and Staff, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended our 20th Anniversary Celebration Conference!
A huge Thank You to our Master of Ceremonies, who did an outstanding job, Mr. Dennis Meeches. He proved once again, that he is a professional in any role he is given!
We thank our Elders—Henry Traverse, Liz Merrick, and Millie Gould for their prayers, guidance, and support. Miigwetch to the Red Trail Drum group and Coco Stevenson for the beautiful songs that enriched our event.
Despite the sadness of the sudden passing of Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, we were encouraged by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs to proceed with the conference. In her honor, we held a moment of silence to recognize her commitment to advocating for First Nation communities.
We also acknowledge the commitment and support of our Board Members, NALMA Chair Ted Merasty, NALMA Executive Director Leona Irons, and our dedicated members—42 Land Managers working tirelessly for their First Nations.
Over two days, we hosted insightful presentations from Chief Commissioner Manny Jules, Deb Campbell from NALMA, representatives from Indigenous Services Canada, Christine Edwards from CMHC, Ovide Mercredi, Jay Gerritson & colleagues from Natural Resources Canada, Bryan McKenzie from First Nations Banking, Dennis Meeches, TCGI Chair, Ryan Dobson from KGS Engineering, and Tabitha Clavecillas from CIRNAC. USKE was glad that Chief Bluesky managed to make it to our event and share his expertise and guidance.
We also thank our vendors and entertainers: The Dick Brothers, Norman Chief Memorial Dancers, Jerry Sereda Band, and Tony Flett (“Elvis”). Special thanks to our photographer, Home Street Productions, and Encore A/V for capturing these memorable moments.
Finally, a huge thank you to our sponsors—Indigenous Services Canada, NRCan, Indigenous Ministerial Arrangements Regulations, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, First Nations Tax Commission, First Nations Major Projects Coalition, and First Nations Bank of Canada—whose support made this event a success.
A heartfelt thank you to the USKE Team and Staff for their tireless commitment, and to our helpers, Lyle and Leeland Gabriel, Brett, Noah, Elaine Bird, and Mckayla Parenteau, for setting up the event!