A b o u t N e w N a t i o n
Let Us Be Your Bridge
NewNation is a progressive and professional consulting firm that provides consulting services to both Indigenous nations seeking to create sustainable economic prosperity within their communities, as well as to private sector companies seeking to do the socially responsible thing by engaging Indigenous nations for the purpose of long-term economic development.
As an independent entity, NewNation is focused on creating long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships between private sector companies and Indigenous Nations, with the specific focus of advancing Nation-building. NewNation’s team has a breadth of experience in solution-oriented advisory services, and our personnel has considerable experience in Indigenous inclusion and procurement, as well as in private sector enterprise and development. NewNation has long-standing and active connections with various levels of government, numerous Indigenous communities, and within various private sector industries, including energy, natural resources, and construction.
Our Team
Albert Derocher
Chief Executive Officer
For the majority of Albert’s career, he has worked for the Indigenous People provincially, regionally, and locally. Albert has worked for the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, Meadow Lake Tribal Council, and the Flying Dust First Nation, which is his home community. He has witnessed the transformation of Indigenous communities as they grow and gain inclusion into mainstream society. As a graduate of Palliser Campus in Business Administration, Albert has applied his skills and knowledge to help further Flying Dust First Nation (FDFN) Holdings Corp. He has worked for FDB Holdings (Flying Dust First Nation's Corporate Arm) as their General Manager for the past six years. He was the Economic Development Officer previous to that for 8 years and has worked for FDFN for the past 17 years. Having worked in various capacities throughout that time, Albert has developed an appreciation for the work that the staff at FDFN performs and is proud to be a member of his community. Albert is also a board member for the Boreal Community Advisory Board, a member of the Board of Directors for First Nations Power Authority, and Community Futures Beaver River. He acts as Vice-Chair on the Board of Directors for Muskoday First Nation Economic Development Authority Inc. Albert will assist in facilitating and developing frameworks for mutually successful partnerships, as well as in providing first-rate economic development strategies, and insight into Indigenous governance & administration to ensure the removal of barriers to shared prosperity.
Lucy Lax
Business Development Manager
Hold tight, her profile's coming soon!
Shelley Sinclair
Business Development, Manitoba Region
Shelley has experience working with First Nations, building her networks with various levels of governments and industries. Ms. Sinclair worked in the fast-paced office settings, including the Office of the Onekanew mena Onuschekewuk of Opaskwayak Cree Nation and Grand Chief’s Office, health and economic development departments of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. She has worked on various issues relating to economic development, health, governance, and personal care home. She has experience in writing annual reports, management action plans, policies, proposals, and strategic plans. She has participated in the working groups related to the COVID-19 Pandemic, OneNorth Secretariat, Indigenous Contributions to the Manitoba Economy, Regional Early Education Employment Survey, and Regional Health Survey. Shelley focused on pursuing her business degree, as she understood that in order for First Nations communities to prosper, First Nations would require practical and technical expertise in business, entrepreneurship, and politics. She graduated with the Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Winnipeg and an Advanced Diploma for International Business, from Red River College.
Luana Leader
Accounting Manager
Luana is an Anishinaabe Treaty 2 member of the Pinaymootang First Nation. She resides in The Pas, Manitoba where she has made a home and built her career. Living in The Pas allowed her to attend the Business Administration program with a major in Accounting at the University College of the North. Most recently, she has completed the Certified Aboriginal Financial Management Program with the Aboriginal Finance Officers Association - Ottawa, Ontario.
The majority of Luana’s experience is with Indigenous communities and organizations. Her most recent appointment as Director of Finance with Paskwayak Business Development Corporation located on the Opaskwayak Cree Nation was one of her most successful achievements to date as she completed her CAFM certification while optimizing and restructuring the accounting department to maximize efficiency. During this time, she also implemented a cross-training program to help employee development and increase capacity. Through her efforts, she was able to create a team that executes efficiency and accountability using best practices and procedures.
Her area of expertise is in the corporate sector with Indigenous organizations. That included business management support and oversaw accounting services related to retail, commercial leasing, hospitality, cannabis, and more. The overall operations of the accounting segment included activities associated with general ledger, accounts receivable and payables, fixed assets, tax, month-end, and year-end functions.
Board of Directors
Dustin Bartsch
Dustin has 20+ years of experience in construction, project coordination, and project management as General Contractor, Project Manager, Manager, and President in the construction and industrial industries. In 2009, Dustin received his Chartered Accountant designation with Hergott Duval Stack LLP, and he has since had over 10 years of experience in accounting as Certified Professional Accountant, Financial Consultant, and Chief Financial Officer. In addition to holding the position of Chief Financial Officer at Threeosix Industrial, Dustin also freelances as a Financial Consultant and sits on the board for Renew Development Co-Operative (Saskatoon). Dustin will support the team at NewNation with project execution by providing exceptional general and financial advisory services.
Scott Longmuir
Scott has 15+ years of experience in construction, engineering, project management, risk management, quality management systems, contract administration, and Indigenous Inclusion as Civil Engineering Technologist, Project Manager, Owner/Manager, General Contractor, and Sponsor across various industry sectors. Scott has a passion, and a proven track-record, for creating opportunities for private industry to engage Indigenous nations in a socially responsible manner, and he will work closely with the team at NewNation throughout the term of every project in order to ensure mutual success for all parties involved.
Our Mission Statement
To advance economic development and Nation-building by facilitating long-term,
sustainable business opportunities for Indigenous Nations.
Our Values
Accountability
We will conduct business in a manner that keeps us accountable to Indigenous nations, and to our goal of assisting them in nation-building for the long-term.
Trust
We will establish trust with both Indigenous nations and the private sector, while also fostering trust between them.
Transparency
We will remain completely unbiased and open in our dealings with both Indigenous nations and the private sector.
Equal Opportunity
We will create equal opportunity for Indigenous nations to improve their circumstances and break the cycle of poverty.