Meet our new Community Advisory Board
We operate in the traditional territories of many First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples and this Board will advise our management teams on matters related to service delivery, Indigenous community needs, government relations, and community and public relations campaigns.
“I’m excited to welcome, Jordan Peterson, Darrell Beaulieu and Dr. Karen Barnes as the first members of our new Community Advisory Board” said Curtis Shaw, Northwestel’s President. “I look forward to working together towards a stronger network for all Northerners.”
Our Board members. Their Northern stories.
Roberta Joseph
"First Nations are key economic drivers in the Yukon, and across the North. Already we see examples of the Yukon and NWT partnering with Northwestel, and there needs to be more opportunities like these. I've always been interested in telecommunications from one standpoint to another and I look forward to making a difference working with larger key service providers.” – Roberta Joseph
- Roberta Joseph has 34 years of experience working with First Nation Governments.
- She served as Chief on the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Council from 2014-2023 and Councillor from 2005-2010.
- Joseph also held positions as the Fish and Wildlife Manager/Coordinator in the Department of Natural Resources with the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government and Director of Finance and Administration with the Council of Yukon First Nations.
- Joseph brings a wealth of knowledge in portfolios such as Implementation, Education, Health and Social, Human Resources, Employment and Training, Natural Resources and Finance and Economic Development.
Jordan Peterson
“It is a good day when we can say we are working together to remove barriers to Indigenous participation and success in our future economies – a day of reconciliation in action. High speed Internet continues to be recognized as a human right, and our communities deserve to be connected in an affordable and reliable way. This new partnership is a big step forward in ensuring our Indigenous businesses can compete in the global economy.” – Jordan Peterson
- Jordan formerly served as both Deputy Grand Chief and Director of Intergovernmental Relations and Governance for the Vuntut Gwitchin Government, where he was responsible for overseeing and coordinating the implementation of the Vuntut Gwitchin Final and Self-Government Agreements.
- Jordan also serves as a board member on the Indigenous Peoples Secretariat and is the Senior Arctic Official for Gwich’in Council International (GCI) on the Arctic Council.
Darrell Beaulieu
"I am looking forward to being a part of a northern and Indigenous team of community members because it's an opportunity for Northerners to participate in the further development of the communications industry, which has unlimited potential." – Darrell Beaulieu
- Darrell worked in the mining industries before branching into business development. He has also served three terms as Chief of the Yellowknife Dene First Nation.
- Darrell is President and CEO of Denendeh Investments Incorporated (DII) and Denendeh group of companies since October 2005. He is currently on the board for the Northwest Territories-Nunavut Chamber of Mines.
Dr. Karen Barnes
“I am very pleased to be working alongside three northern leaders in supporting Northwestel achieve its goal to expand connectivity across the north. Access to high-speed Internet across Canada’s north is a key link to prosperity in the north.” – Dr. Karen Barnes
- Karen recently retired as President of Yukon University (formerly Yukon College) in Whitehorse, Yukon; a role she held from 2011-2020.
- Karen chaired the governing committees for the Yukon University Research Centre and the University’s Northern Institute of Social Justice.
- Karen recently chaired the 2020-2021 Canadian Council of Academies expert panel which produced the report Waiting to Connect, examining the issues surrounding connectivity in rural and remote Canada.
- Karen has been appointed to the Board of Polar Canada which oversees the Canadian High Arctic Research Station in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut.
- Karen has been involved in a number of national initiatives, including co-chairing the Colleges and Institutes Canada committee that developed the national Indigenous Protocol, participating as faculty in numerous leadership development institutes and working with other post-secondary college and university presidents to raise the profile of institutions serving rural and remote communities.
Randy Qamaniq
“Embracing the essence of the North and the wisdom of Indigenous communities, I eagerly anticipate joining a team that reflects our diverse heritage. Together, we'll shape the future of the communications industry, tapping into its boundless possibilities and ensuring our voices resonate across vast landscapes.” - Randy Qamaniq
- Born in Igloolik, Nunavut, Randy Qamaniq knows all about life on the tundra, is an avid family man, and a hockey enthusiast.
- Randy has been the Director of Quality-of-Life Secretariate Dept. of Health Government of Nunavut for 2 years.
- Worked for 15 years in the Department of Health Government of Nunavut managing the Dental Department.
- Randy takes part of the board of directors, presenting at various forums, and runs the day-to-day operations at Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation
- His hard work helped settle a dispute outside of court between the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) and the Government of Canada (GoC) for Article 23, failing Inuit in training to prepare for workforce. $178 million was awarded to achieve the objective of enhancing the preparedness of Nunavut Inuit for government and other employment.
- Involved with training partnership such as Sakku Innovative Building Solutions (SIBS) Training Advisory Committee. This group focuses on prefab housing training in Nunavut community of Arviat, meeting once a month.
- Partake in the Katujjiqatigiinniq Training Working Group committee, which focuses on article 32 (GN is obligated to provide Inuit with opportunity to participate in development of social and cultural policies, and in the design of social and cultural programs and services including their method of delivery in Nunavut.)
Looking to the future
Our first project together has already begun. Our Community Advisory Board will work with us as we launch the Every Community Project. The new team brings a wealth of business experience and valuable perspectives that will strengthen our partnerships and service across the North.
