Saddle Lake Cree Nation
Growing Together since 2015
Some relationships shape who you become. Saddle Lake Cree Nation has been one of those for me.
When I first started working with the Nation in 2015, I was still growing into the engineer and advisor I hoped to become. Over the years, we've learned from one another, celebrated successes, worked through challenges, and built a relationship rooted in trust. Looking back, I can honestly say that the opportunities Saddle Lake has given me have played a significant role in shaping both my career and the person I am today.
Together, we've worked on everything from water and wastewater infrastructure to solid waste management, housing developments, community facilities, and long-term asset management. Watching those projects grow alongside our relationship has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.
Highlights
- Supported the planning and delivery of water, wastewater, solid waste, and community infrastructure projects.
- Helped advance an 83-lot housing development, with families expected to begin moving into new homes in 2027.
- Supported broadband initiatives that have provide cell service to members on reserve.
- Worked alongside Nation leadership and project partners to help secure more than $135 million in infrastructure funding.
"Over the years, Laura has become someone I know I can count on. We've worked together since 2015, and she's been a big part of helping Saddle Lake turn our plans into real projects that benefit our members. She understands what we're trying to accomplish, finds solutions when challenges come up, and always follows through. Having someone you trust to help move important work forward makes a difference, and Laura has been that person for our Nation."
— Ken Large, Director of Public Works and Housing, Saddle Lake Cree Nation
Bigstone Cree Nation
Building Capacity since 2018
One of the things I value most about working with Bigstone Cree Nation is the shared belief that lasting success comes from investing in people. From day one, the Public Works team embraced opportunities to strengthen internal knowledge, create new roles, and develop the next generation of leadership, always with the goal of building a stronger future for the Nation.
Together, we've worked on water and wastewater systems, drainage improvements, housing infrastructure, community energy planning, asset management, and infrastructure master planning. While the projects have been rewarding, it's the people I've had the privilege of working alongside that have made this partnership so meaningful.
I'm incredibly grateful to the Bigstone team for the trust they've placed in me over the years. Their friendship, encouragement, and willingness to share their knowledge and culture have left a lasting impact on me. Through this partnership, I've gained a deeper appreciation for First Nations culture, our connection to Mother Earth, and the importance of all our relations, teachings that continue to guide both my work and my life.
Highlights
- Supported the development of internal asset management systems and the creation of a dedicated role to manage and maintain community infrastructure data.
- Helped establish a Community Energy Coordinator position to build local capacity and support long-term energy planning.
- Worked alongside Public Works leadership during succession planning to help develop the next generation of management within the department.
- Supported capital investments to improve existing water infrastructure while advancing long-term servicing strategies.
- Helped secure funding for road and drainage improvements to address decades of recurring flooding and improve community resilience.
"Since I started my role with Bigstone Cree Nation, Laura has been a trusted partner. We work closely together every day, combining our different strengths to solve problems and move important projects forward. She understands the funding, planning, and engineering side of our work, and it's been invaluable having someone I can rely on to help navigate challenges and opportunities. More importantly, she takes the time to build relationships in our communities, making her feel like part of our team."
— Chris Beauregard, Manager of Public Works and Capital Infrastructure, Bigstone Cree Nation
"Laura is someone I know I can always count on. Whenever I need support or information, she's quick to respond and willing to help. She has a talent for explaining complex issues in a way that helps our leadership and community members make informed decisions. She also brings energy, humor, and positivity to meetings, making difficult conversations easier and helping everyone feel comfortable being part of the discussion."
— Heather Auger, Assistant Manager, Public Works and Capital Infrastructure, Bigstone Cree Nation
O'Chiese First Nation
Creating Momentum Since 2019
I've learned that momentum isn't built through a single project or funding announcement. It's built by people who care deeply about their community, believe in a better future, and are willing to put in the work to make it happen.
That's exactly what I've witnessed working alongside O'Chiese First Nation since 2019. I've watched leadership and staff dedicate countless hours to moving important projects forward, advocating tirelessly to ensure their community's voice is heard, and never losing sight of the people they're working so hard to serve.
It's been an honor to support that work. Over the years, my role has grown beyond engineering and project management to become a trusted extension of the Nation's team. Whether developing funding strategies, coordinating consultants, preparing advocacy materials, or responding to urgent challenges, I'm grateful to stand alongside the Nation as we work toward a safer, stronger future for the community.
Highlights
- Helped secure Infrastructure Canada funding for the replacement of the Baptiste River Bridge.
- Supported advocacy efforts for improvements to critical off-reserve transportation infrastructure serving the Nation.
- Coordinated technical studies, funding applications, and stakeholder engagement to advance a long-standing landslide remediation project after nearly a decade of limited progress.
- Supported the planning and delivery of housing infrastructure and community facilities that enable continued community growth.
- Worked alongside leadership to navigate funding opportunities, protect the Nation's interests, and respond quickly to emerging infrastructure challenges.
"Laura brings skills and experience that strengthen our team. My background is in construction, and she helps fill the gaps in areas like engineering, funding, and community planning. No matter how last-minute the request, she's there when we need her, whether that's pulling together letters, preparing advocacy materials, or helping us respond to urgent issues. She's organized, keeps projects moving, and helps ensure O'Chiese First Nation's best interests are protected in everything we do."
— Tyson Howatt, Manager of Capital Projects, O'Chiese First Nation