Our Staff
Dawn Tremblay
Executive Director(she/her)
About me
Dawn Tremblay is a settler of French and Irish descent, born in Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́, Denendeh (Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories), and raised in Sǫ̀mba K’è, Denendeh (Yellowknife, Northwest Territories). She completed a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alberta in Political Science and French. After returning home, Dawn sought out northern focused educational opportunities. First, she completed a certificate in Circumpolar Studies online through the University of the Arctic. Next, she became involved with the Dechinta Bush University, where she enhanced her passion for land-based intergenerational learning. From 2015-17, Dawn was a Jane Glassco Northern Fellow in the third cohort of the program. Her policy research area was waste management in the Northwest Territories with a focus on used-tires and organics recycling. She also can be seen around town volunteering for different sport organizations.
Dawn has been part of the Ecology North team since 2010. She enjoys laughing with her son, and going for walks with her dog.
Emily McInnis
Office Manager(she/her)
About me
Emily is a long-time Yellowknifer – her family moved up in 2005 and the north has been home since. She is a lifelong learner and artist who has previously worked in communications and various office settings.
When she’s not crocheting, baking, or buried in a book you can usually find her trying to get a cool macro shot of whatever insect pauses long enough.
Derek Simmers
Education Program Manager(he/him)
About me
Derek is a settler of German, Norwegian, and English descent, hailing from a small farming community in Treaty Six territory (southern Alberta), and currently residing in Sǫ̀mba K’è, Denendeh (Yellowknife, Northwest Territories). Since arriving, he’s fallen in love with the natural, and cultural richness of the region and is eager to learn with others by working on projects that support ecological and social connection in the North.
Derek has a background as a visual artist, which is where his love for the natural world has been well rooted. He is happiest when creating things with other people. He regularly volunteers with folks at Makerspace YK, has coordinated with the Yellowknife Farmers Market, and has painted a number of murals in cities across the country.
In addition to that, he is a lover of good books, good meals (with good company), and taking walks in good weather.
Kelsey Robson
Public Outreach Project Officer(she/her)
About me
Kelsey is a settler of English descent, born and raised in Sǫ̀mba K’è Denendeh (Yellowknife NT). She completed her BA in Anthropology and Environment & Society at the University of British Columbia in 2025. Her educational interests focus on the intersections of people, culture, and climate, emphasizing Indigenous-centered and de-colonial research practices. These subjects reinforced her belief in the importance of community building and supporting creative endeavours to do so. In her free time Kelsey enjoys sewing, cooking, watching good movies, and practicing yoga!
Our Volunteer Board of Directors
Rajiv Rawat
Bio coming soon!
Dylan Cook
Bio coming soon!
Lauren Nolan
Bio coming soon!
Suzanne Carriere
Bio coming soon!
Brenda Van Hauvart
Bio coming soon!
Sean Magee
Bio coming soon!
Sheila Bassi-Kellett
Bio coming soon!
Janelle Vandenbrink
Bio coming soon!
