Board of Directors

President

Emma’s academic, professional and volunteer experience have provided her with an excellent understanding of the field, standards and practices, and the role of Heritage Saskatchewan within the province.

Emma is a new mom and is currently on maternity leave from her role as Community Consultant for Art and Cultural Heritage with the City of Regina. In this role, she works to maintain the City’s cultural collections. She also works to help the people of Regina ensure that their values are reflected through the City's art, monuments, heritage, interpretation, and policies.

Emma’s passion is for the expression of culture and arts in Saskatchewan to create and maintain a sense of identity and pride in all people who call this province home. Furthermore, she hopes that through embracing and expressing our diverse cultures, we will succeed in creating a vibrant province that not only provides a unique tourism opportunity, but also will become an enriching and fulfilling place to live and belong.

Emma has thoroughly enjoyed her term on the Board and looks forward to serve Saskatchewan’s diverse heritage communities in this capacity for a second 2-year term.

Vice President

Erin is a veteran of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. She was born and raised in rural southern Saskatchewan in a mixed farming/ranching pioneer family. Erin learned an appreciation for culture and heritage through a close relationship with her grandmother, who taught her many aspects of the family’s cultural background.

Erin also learned to appreciate the Indigenous history of Saskatchewan through a close relationship with the land she grew up on. There were many forays into the prairie on exploration missions, where she encountered and learned to cherish the signs and sites of Indigenous occupation and way of life on the prairies. 

Erin is currently engaged in work that champions the improvement of diversity and inclusion. As a province with a multifaceted array of beautiful cultures and heritage, Saskatchewan needs to be on the forefront of acceptance and encouragement for diversity. Erin works hard every day to help achieve this vision.

Erin is a member of three Boards, including one she incorporated as a non-profit for her own community in an effort to bring residents together to address common concerns and provide a viable future for the community. She upholds governance principles, and understands the importance of policy adherence, as well as flexibility and respect in management.

Erin is happy to use her knowledge, skills and experience to continue to support the Heritage Saskatchewan Board of Directors in the coming years, and looks forward to working with the Board for a second 2-year term.

Past President

After starting an archaeology degree at Brandon University, Tomasin began to fully recognize and appreciate that powerful connection between people and place. She was fortunate to study with a professor whose passion for local history inspired students to be involved in their communities. It was then that Tomasin began volunteering. She sat on the board of the local archaeological society, helped organize student conferences and workshops, and talked to interested groups about archaeology. This is also when she began sharing her research at local, provincial and national conferences, something she continues to do today.

Her research in archaeology centers on the relationship between people and animals. Her Master’s degree from the University of Saskatchewan focused on better understanding the different types of animal food people ate in the past. After graduation, she returned to Manitoba and spent a few years teaching and undertaking small archaeological consulting projects. Then she returned to school to complete a PhD from the Natural Resources Institute at the University of Manitoba. Her dissertation examined the relationship between seasonality and animal food use on the northern Plains. During this time, Tomasin was the student representative on several committees and acted as the returning officer for a student election.

As a student, Tomasin had her first experience in boreal forest archaeology as part of a communitybased research project. She spent time over two summers in northern Manitoba with Asiniskow Ithiniwak (Rocky Cree) members, exploring a lithic quarry site, recording archaeological and traditional land use, as well as participating in youth culture camps. She also began working with Swan Lake First Nation as their archaeological advisor for the Manitoba Hydro BiPole 3 Transmission Line project. This is also when Tomasin became involved with the Manitoba Archaeological Society, holding the volunteer positions of Vice-President then President. That experience led to her current position as the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Archaeological Society (SAS) in 2013. Her role is to work with the board on governance and manage operations of the Society in the delivery of over 30 programs and services.

Since moving back to Saskatoon, Tomasin has learned a tremendous amount about the challenges and opportunities facing Saskatchewan’s heritage sector. She has seen how Heritage Saskatchewan’s work, research and leadership strengthens the sector, provides support to communities, and improves the quality of life for all Saskatchewan citizens. Tomasin has been honoured to serve Heritage Saskatchewan as a board member for the past two years. During that time, she has gained a deeper understanding of Heritage Saskatchewan’s impact and governance. She identifies strong with Heritage Saskatchewan’s Vision, Mission and Values. Tomasin believes her long history of volunteerism, previous board experience, background in archaeology and current role in a Saskatchewan heritage organization would enable her to continue making meaningful contributions to Heritage Saskatchewan as a member of the board.

Director

Amanda is a Metis mother of three and has worked as a training and employment counselor for the Gabriel Dumont Institute since 2015. She was raised in the North Battleford area and moved to La Loche 17 years ago. She has a certificate in Human Resource Management and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Management in Indigenous Organizations. She has previous volunteer experience as the co-founder and Director of the La Loche Food Bank and currently serves on various community boards. Her education, work and volunteer history are focused on the learning required to practice excellent governance and fiscal practices at progressively higher levels. Her long-term goal is to have a positive impact on Indigenous educational policies in Saskatchewan.

Amanda’s educational journey in Indigenous studies has led to a passionate interest in family history and in the process of history research one finds the history of the lands and communities that surround them. The lands that we played on and buildings we explored in our childhood carry almost a magic about them and their importance is magnified when we consider all of the generations that enjoyed that space before us. She believes that those deep emotional connections to buildings, land, communities and culture are at the heart of what makes heritage so valuable.

Heritage conservancy, research and awareness in Saskatchewan is an important cause and she is grateful for the opportunity to participate in the governance and stewardship of the well-being of the people of Saskatchewan as it relates to connecting our past and future selves. As a mother, she is hopeful that this position would allow her to assist in engaging youth to explore their connections with Saskatchewan’s history in a meaningful way.  She also aspires that her contribution as a proud Metis woman would have an impact in and around areas of land-based knowledge, reconciliation and the preservation of land, language and culture.

Director

Brooke is a proud Nehiyaw woman from the Canoe Lake Cree Nation in Treaty Ten Territory in Northern Saskatchewan. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a Major in Management from the University of Saskatchewan and a Business Administration Diploma from the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology. She is currently a Coordinator, Human Resources with Nutrien, but has also worked with the City of Saskatoon, and Wanuskewin Heritage Park.

Brooke’s professional and personal experience will benefit the Saskatchewan Heritage Board of Directors, as her work experience at the City of Saskatoon and Wanuskewin Heritage Park has given her a strong understanding of board governance, structure, and policies. Her exposure to boards will benefit the Heritage Saskatchewan Board by bringing a diverse view.

While working with the Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Brooke became involved with various Indigenous communities which taught and equipped her with the knowledge to become a strong Indigenous woman. These lessons have taught her to connect with the land and traditional ways.

Brooke is a strong voice for Heritage Saskatchewan, as she believes it is vital to understand our past to create a personal sense of identity and belonging. She believes it is important for Indigenous peoples to practice past traditions and teachings to protect a sense of identity to build future communities. Heritage Saskatchewan’s vision resonates with her on a personal level as an Indigenous woman through working with her community and living her life traditionally while supporting others to follow in their ancestors’ footsteps. Knowing where we come from will guide us to future success. 

Brooke brings strong cultural diversity to the Heritage Saskatchewan Board as an Indigenous woman, giving voice to heritage and living history.

Director

Chad’s work and volunteer history has afforded him participation with a variety of municipal, provincial, and federal cultural organisations in a number of capacities. Community planning, strategic planning, policy governance, museum policy and exhibit development, and museum collection management are just a few such capacities.

Chad has been part of the Saskatchewan cultural community since 1999 when he moved to the province from BC. He served as Executive Director of the Biggar Museum and Gallery, Museum Technician for the Western Development Museum in Moose Jaw, Preparator for the RCMP Historical Collections Unit and, for the past eight years, Assistant Manager at Government House in Regina.

During his stay in Biggar, he was heavily involved in the local cultural and economic development community. His community board experience included the Biggar & District Arts Council, the Majestic Theatre, New Creation Community Players, the Bear Hills Economic Development Office, and the Biggar & District Community Foundation.

Chad became involved with the Museums Association of Saskatchewan (MAS) and served as a board member for five and half terms over 16 years, including a term as President. Along with MAS board member duties, he was active in that association’s networks and learning collectives; served as a grant program jury member; and was also the interim Executive Director for a year. In his role as MAS President, he was involved at the national level with the Canadian Museums Association; and participated on SaskCulture’s Heritage Committee, which was the precursor to the formation of Heritage Saskatchewan.

Chad’s personal interests include taking in any number of cultural experiences. He has been known to create the odd drawing or painting and he has performed in a musical (though likely not to be repeated). He greatly values the heritage community and its many facets. He is a firm believer in consensus and the value of learning from our past to better inform and realise the future. Chad has a strong grasp of Policy Governance language and concepts, thanks to his experiences keeping Heritage Saskatchewan tracking in a positive direction.

Chad is often astounded by the work accomplished by Heritage Saskatchewan, and has thoroughly enjoyed being part of such an exciting and forward-thinking organisation. The importance of living heritage cannot be overstated. Heritage Saskatchewan continues to strongly promote and embody living heritage along with helping to generate and compile much needed data for the industry. Chad looks forward to returning to the Heritage Saskatchewan Board for a second 2-year term

Director

Haven is a lifelong resident of Saskatchewan, originally from the RM of Fertile Valley, and has always had a keen interest in various categories of heritage, including the built, natural, and cultural aspects that are unique to the province. Her interest in heritage was first kindled by involvement in a restoration project of a building originally built in 1912. She was further interested in cultural heritage through her participation in western and Métis fiddle culture, which is a unique style of music specific to western Canada.

Haven has since gone on to pursue an undergraduate degree in Regional and Urban Planning as well as a Masters degree in Public Policy from the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. Both educational experiences have granted her a solid foundation in community-based policy-making and an indepth knowledge of organisational decision-making and governance models. Her professional experiences have encouraged an interest in pursuing heritage-relate projects.

Several work appointments and contract positions have included work that is complementary to the existing work of Heritage Saskatchewan. Her current position with the City of Saskatoon’s Planning & Development department supports the city’s Civic Heritage Policy and administers municipal heritage property designations.

Haven’s volunteer efforts have also complemented her interest in heritage, with her most relevant experiences including involvement with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. Haven has been selected as a member for the Youth Advisory Committee for CCUNESCO for two consecutive terms beginning in 2016; has held positions of Chair and Vice-Chair within the Steering Committee for this group; and has participated in many initiatives with the organisation including review of publications for the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities.

Haven looks forward to contributing to the Heritage Saskatchewan Board and the advancement of heritage work within this province and beyond.

Director

Kathleen (Katie) Willie is a graduate student in archaeology at the University of Saskatchewan. She obtained her B.Sc. Honours in Archaeology in 2018 and began her Master of Arts studies under the supervision of Dr. Ernie Walker in the autumn of 2019. For her graduate research, she studies Plains zooarchaeology at the Wolf Willow site at Wanuskewin. She is using this archaeological research as a different way of viewing the bison restoration efforts that are occurring across the Great Plains. Archaeology gives Katie a way of working in both science and social science, exploring the history of past peoples and cultures.

Katie currently works at Wanuskewin as the Archaeology Interpreter. She began working at the park in 2017 as their first Archaeology Interpretive Guide, brought on to deliver tours about the archaeological significance and history of the park, an aspect previously less available to the public. She has worked to develop programs, lead tours, and engage with visitors of all ages from around Saskatchewan, elsewhere in Canada, and worldwide. She has learned about making a meaningful connection with people and the many ways in which we can interpret prehistoric and historic events and places. She has learned about how we teach history and how people are truly interested in learning about the land that they are living on.

Throughout her time working at Wanuskewin, Katie has grown in her role and expanded her duties. She writes grant applications to many organisations to secure funding for the interpretive staff summer positions in the Visitor Services Department and helps others with their grant applications. She works on reporting for many different grants that Wanuskewin is awarded throughout the year, including staffing and cultural funding grants. Katie has also taken on the role of Tour Coordinator and has scheduled over one year’s worth of tours – maximising interpretive staff time and resource while benefitting as many students and tourists as possible. Additionally, she has worked extensively on program development and the amelioration of Wanuskewin’s existing programs. This experience has helped Katie to understand the process of education and using multiple ways to teach a single topic, as well as budgetary concerns and limitations for programming. She has also been able to assist in exhibit and display curation, creating interpretive product with factually accurate descriptions for people to handle when not in guided programs.

Knowing where we come from is an important part of knowing who we are as people today. By preserving and protecting our heritage – the built, oral, archaeological, and environmental heritage – we are better able to educate people. Heritage is a part of who we are and it needs to be both protected and shared. Katie believes that educating people in a way that is engaging, approachable, and impactful leads to greater interest and caring. When people are interested in and care about something, they will fight to protect it for generations into the future, making for a better future for all. This the approach that Katie has taken through her work at Wanuskewin and through her schooling and is what she would bring to the Heritage Saskatchewan Board.

People are innately interested in knowing more about where they live and where they come from, but do not always know what exactly that means or how to learn more. Through meaningful and impactful education, we will be able to have a future that not only knows about the history and prehistory of the land and the people living on it, but one that actively seeks to protect and preserve it at all costs.

Director

Tim’s professional background in the fields of heritage conservation and outreach, education, cultural resource management, and non-profit governance is extensive, encompassing over 25 years and obtained from organizations and institutions from across Canada and the United States. As a professional, his primary area of interest has been the archaeology of western North America with a focus on the pre- and post-European contact periods of the Canadian prairies. In pursuing these interests, he has completed a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Saskatchewan, examining Indigenous perceptions and usage of dune environments on the Northern Plains, and a Master’s degree from the University of Montana, for which he conducted excavations at a Métis river lot near Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta.

Since the beginning of his career, he has continually been active in organizations that have strived to protect and promote heritage resources through education, outreach, as well as fostering research and awareness. As both an undergraduate and graduate student, he has been involved with several university departments to engage the public through fieldwork, public talks, and campus events to promote the discipline of anthropology and to foster an increased awareness of the contributions of heritage professionals to the workplace and society. Since arriving in Saskatchewan in 2007 he has been extremely active within the heritage community through his employment and volunteer work with non-profit agencies. As a paid professional, Tim has worked with numerous organizations, including the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, professional consulting firms, and for the Prince Albert Historical Society. For the latter, he was employed as a curator in their museum system where, under the guidance of their volunteer board, he oversaw all aspects of operation for the four museums and one archive under their care. Duties in this position included the management of human resources, the creation of exhibits focusing on multiple periods of Prince Albert history, outreach programming development and delivery, external relations, budget development, and collaborating with board members and stakeholders in strategic planning for the organization. Currently, Tim is engaged with Parks Canada as a Communications Officer, where he is responsible for drafting communications products for the regional field unit, including filming agreements, social media content, and site management plans. As well, he is acting as an archaeological advisor with a research project based out of the First Nations University of Canada that is working with First Nations communities in northern Saskatchewan to combine traditional knowledge with archaeological data on artifacts and sites on their respective reserves. Tim’s experience within the non-profit field includes a tenure as a Member at Large with the Saskatchewan Archaeological Society, as well as his ongoing role as a Director with the Saskatoon Archaeological Society. As a member of both boards, he has played roles in the development of policy, operations, and outreach while under the group’s respective mandates.

As a Director for Heritage Saskatchewan, Tim brings extensive experience in working with a board and staff in developing the governance policies needed to oversee the successful operation of a heritage organization within Saskatchewan. With over two decades of experience in the heritage field, as well as his time working within board-overseen organizations, he makes a valuable contribution to Heritage Saskatchewan in meeting their mandates of promoting research in the province, facilitating community resilience, and offering all who reside in the province with a strong and communal sense of place.