Our environmental team is committed to protecting and ensuring that resources are managed in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable manner.
Destinee Chevalier
Environmental Technician
My name is Destinee Chevalier and I am one of the Environmental Field Technicians at Wahnapitae First Nation. I graduated from Fleming College’s School of Environment and Natural Resource Sciences where I studied Environmental Technology.
My professional/technical background includes environmental monitoring, water treatment, waste diversion, pollution control/remediation and community outreach. I have always had a passion for the environment and spend most of my time outdoors, learning new things from Mother Nature every day. Being out on the land or on the water, is where I am my happiest. Since starting this position in March, I have really enjoyed meeting many community members and colleagues and would like to thank all of you for your warmth and for making me feel so welcome. I look forward to getting to know more people here, and am excited to be working with such a great crew. Miigwetch!
Robyn Dzuirban
Environmental Technician
Robyn graduated with an Honours Bachelor Degree in Environmental Management from Lakehead University in 2016. Robyn serves as WFN’s Lead Environmental Field Technician.
Robyn is from Capreol, Ontario and has spent much of her life in the outdoors. This has helped inspire and shape her love for the environment . Robyn has a strong background and understanding of natural processes in terrestrial and aquatic environments and forest science in order to solve modern-day sustainability challenges. In 2017 Robyn worked as a Sustainable Development Intern with WFN and is very excited to be back working with the environmental team for WFN. Much of Robyn’s technician experience includes conducting environmental field assessments and monitoring including water quality monitoring (surface and groundwater sampling), Species-at-Risk assessment surveys, terrestrial ecology, aquatic fish community and fish habitat assessment surveys, vegetation and ecological land classification surveys. Robyn is also certified in Backpack Electrofishing, water rescue training, ice-rescue certified, Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN) certified, Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES), and remote wilderness first aid certified. Robyn is also an avid canoeist and has been on several canoe trips including a three-week trip in Nunavut. Robyn is very grateful to be working with WFN!
Brianne Gauvreau
Environmental Technician
Je m’appelle Brianne Gauvreau, I am one of the new Environmental Field Technicians here at Wahnapitae First Nation. Coming from Temiskaming Shores my passion for the Environment started when I was just a child, assisting my step father (Dan Boucher) into forestry operations I quickly developed interest in this field. I then came to Sudbury to study Forestry Fish and Wildlife at College Boreal, with my growing passion I then decided to specialize in Forestry, I strongly believe in managing our natural resources in an ecologically sustainable way to ensure they are available for the enjoyment and use of many future generations to come. I am a very energetic, enthusiastic person, I love to work hard, I believe there is always room for improvement and self growth.
Paige Manitowabi
Environmental Technician
Aanii boozhoo, Paige Manitowabi dishnaakaaz m’kwaa dodem aanishnaabe kwe Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory doonjaabaa. I started last summer as the Environmental Field Technician for Wahnapitae First Nation. I have a very strong passion for our cultural heritage, the environment and its resources. As a child, I grew up learning to live off the land, to hunt and fish and harvest medicinal plants. I grew up learning my traditional and cultural ways, which is very important to me. I am now a proud mother of four beautiful children whom I am now teaching this way of life.
I began my journey as a Lands Support Worker for the Department of Lands and Natural Resources in Wiikwemkoong for two years. I pursued my passion and graduated from Sault College as a Fish and Wildlife Conservation Technician and shortly after worked for Water First Ngo. Water First has trained me to be a Water Treatment Operator, Water Quality Analyst and a Community Based Water Monitoring Technician. I really believe having a balance between Traditional Knowledge and Western Science is the key to protecting our Shkamik-kwe! Miigwetch!
