After a 25-year career in the resource industry with an extensive history in executive leadership, community engagement, corporate responsibility and human resources, Sean Willy was appointed President & Chief Executive Officer of Des Nedhe Group in August 2017. Sean, with a Dene and Metis ancestry, brings an understanding of the expectations and needs of Indigenous people. Growing up in a mining household, he experienced life in communities across the Canadian Shield – from the Northwest Territories to Nunavut to Alberta to Saskatchewan. In his career Sean has developed and implemented some of the most innovative Indigenous Inclusion and CSR strategies for companies such as Rio Tinto and Cameco Corporation. He has always strived to ensure Indigenous peoples are seen as a full partner in long-term relationships. This led to Sean building partnerships in Australia, the United States, and throughout Canada. Sean is a board member for TELUS Corporation, Green First Forest Products and the Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan. He also currently sits as a member of the Canadian government’s Indigenous Innovation Housing Committee and the Indigenous Advisory Committee on Small Module Reactors. Sean has two children and lives with his wife Melissa in Saskatoon.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge Moh’kinsstis, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations who live, work and play on this land, and who honour and celebrate this territory.
May 17-18, 2023
Grey Eagle Resort & Casino, Tsuut’ina Nation
Calgary, AB, T3E 3X8
September 27-28, 2023
Casino Rama Resort, Rama Nation
Orillia, ON, L3V 6H6