Board of Directors

Ira Aisaican - Acting Chair

Ira is the supervisor at the water treatment plant on Cowessess First Nation. He is a certified level 2 Water Systems Operator and has been an operator since 2006.

Wesley Daniel

Wesley lives on the Nekaneet First Nation, where he sits on the council, and his portfolios are operations and maintenance, housing, and education. He is the backup water systems operator. Nekaneet First Nation has two water treatment plants. Wesley is a certified level 1 Water Systems Operator (distribution and wastewater). For pastimes, he likes to fish, camp, hunt, and work with horses.

James Cappo

James is a band member of Muscowpetung First Nation, this is also where he has been a water treatment plant operator for 19 years. He is a Certified Level 2 Operator. James works at two water treatment plants, his community’s main water treatment plant and the water treatment plant at his community’s school.

He finds the work interesting because he enjoys solving problems and he enjoys the tasks involved in operating a water treatment plant. James enjoys tasks that are chemical or mechanical, and he also takes great pride in knowing that the water is safe for the community. He finds great purpose in his work and this is very satisfying for him.

Tyrone Starr

Tyrone has been a water treatment plant operator at Lebret, Saskatchewan since 2018. He was asked by his Chief and Council to train and work for his community and he happily obliged. Working as an operator has taught him about how important the water is, not only to his community, but to the planet as a whole. It brings him satisfaction to know that he is helping to bring quality water to all of his family members on his reservation.

Lynne Waskewitch

Lynne is a member of the Little Pine First Nation and currently works as a Level 1 water treatment operator at Little Pine and Poundmaker Cree Nation. Lynne has a degree in Education from the University of Saskatchewan and was a teacher for over 15 years before she changed careers. Lynne began dipping her toes into the water industry during the pandemic as she would accompany her husband to his water treatment plant and eventually began training. From there on, Lynne has strived to be a reliable, passionate operator who has an important role in providing clean drinking water for her family and friends in the communities she works in. Lynne continues to learn as she is pursuing her level 2 water treatment and distribution certification.

Leroy Josie

Leroy has served as the Water Operator in the remote Northern community of Hatchet Lake First Nation for 17 years. As a certified Level 2 Operator, he has acquired a wealth of skills, particularly in overcoming the challenges of limited access to essential parts and services. His expertise has significantly mitigated the impact of water crises in the community. Beyond his role as a water operator, Leroy is relied upon to train new operators for both his own and neighbouring communities. He also holds multiple roles, including Fire Chief, heavy equipment operator, welder, power engineer, and carpenter, and is an active Canadian Ranger. Leroy embodies the spirit of service and remains dedicated to his nation.

Ernie Jimmy

Ernie is a member of Thunderchild First Nation, where he currently resides. He serves his community as both a Water Treatment Operator and the Director of Public Works and Housing. Ernie has extensive experience envisioning and working on capital projects with Thunderchild and other nations, including water treatment plants, lift stations, lagoons, and waste transfer sites. He is knowledgeable about his culture and takes pride in participating in many cultural ceremonies and programs in his region; many of these are directed towards youth. Ernie will be able to share his knowledge and experience with the SFNWA board and staff to collaboratively work towards our goals. These changes enhance the flow and clarity of your text while correcting minor grammatical issues. Overall, your original message was quite strong!

Shawn Mahingen

Shawn, a proud member of Kawacatoose First Nation, is of Cree and Saulteaux descent and currently resides in Cowessess First Nation. With over 20 years of experience as a Water Quality Technician with the Yorkton Tribal Council (YTC), Shawn has dedicated his career to serving numerous First Nations.

During his tenure with YTC, he has witnessed the evolution of various water systems and the implementation of advanced technologies during system upgrades. Through his work, Shawn has gained invaluable firsthand knowledge from water system operators and developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges they face as First Nation water system operators.

He is honoured to join the Board and looks forward to contributing to the advancement of the SFNWA and its membership goals.

Rebecca Zagozewski - Executive Director

Rebecca Zagozewski brings a multidisciplinary background with both undergraduate and Master's degrees in Sociology (University of Saskatchewan), but her primary focus has been research and policy development for First Nations water. Rebecca is an uninvited settler to these lands. Originally born on Robinson-Huron Territory, now known as Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, she has spent most of her life on Treaty 6 territory in both Prince Albert and Saskatoon, in Saskatchewan.

Rebecca facilitated the Healthy Water Working Group (HWWG), a subgroup of the Environmental Health Working Group, under the direction of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN). The HWWG was mandated to develop multiple regulations and standards documents to support the care and control of drinking water and wastewater in Saskatchewan First Nations. Rebecca has assisted with the creation, incorporation and development of the SFNWA since August 2018.

Lisa Bains - Engagement Coordinator

Lisa Bains is an experienced program and event coordinator, proficient in planning large and mid-sized events in both the public and private sectors. She is also a passionate advocate and caregiver for Indigenous children in care. Lisa and her husband are committed to ensuring a safe and nurturing home while children are away from their birth parents. Lisa ensures all the children in her care are raised with an understanding of their culture and language and is an active member of the Wahkohtowin School Community.

Lisa was raised on a beef and grain farm near Blackstrap Lake, where she developed a passion for horses. She continues to ride for pleasure and to connect with nature.

Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan (USask), with a degree in Agriculture Economics. She has also volunteered extensively, serving as a Committee Member for the Royal University Hospital Ball, contributing to the Patient and Family Care Experience Program at the USask College of Medicine, the Habitat for Humanity Fundraising Committee, and the Jim Pattison’s Children’s Hospital Fundraising Committee and Family Working Group.

Somto Ufondu - Program Coordinator

Somto Ufondu has extensive experience as an educator, business analyst, and IT professional, bringing a unique blend of skills to his roll at SFNWA. He collaborates with the Executive Director, Tribal Councils and First Nations representatives to design continuing education classes for First Nations water systems operators.

Somto's background in curriculum development, research, business analysis and IT allows him to approach his role with a holistic perspective, ensuring that SFNWA's education, training, networking and skills enhancement initiatives are informed by best practices in both technology and education.

In his work, Somto is driven by the SFNWA’s mission of strengthening capacity at the community level for the care and control of water on reserve. As a visible minority, he is acutely aware of the impacts of colonization on First Nations communities and he is committed to supporting them in any way he can. With his passion for education and community development, Somto is excited to make meaningful contributions to SFNWA’s mission and to support Saskatchewan First Nations communities.

Stacey Burgess - Administrative Assistant

Stacey was raised on Treaty 6 territory. He brings experience from a multitude of industries, with a strong background in sales, training, and planning. He has been involved with Sask Volleyball as a player, official, and event organizer for many years. He loves participating in any activity with his young son, golfing, bowling, and reading.  

He is looking forward to contributing in every aspect he possibly can to SFNWA, as water is a foundation of life, and he believes it should be a basic human right for all.

Warrick Baijius - Curriculum Development Coordinator

Over the last 9 years, Warrick has been working with First Nations and Metis peoples and communities in Saskatchewan on a range of research projects, including source water protection planning and disaster risk reduction. He is also a sessional lecturer in Geography and Planning at the University of Saskatchewan. Building on his experiences with research and university teaching,  and with a particular interest in adult education, Warrick is excited to contribute to the work of SFNWA in the service of First Nations water operators.

Warrick lives in Treaty 6 territory, is a community volunteer, and advocate for the environment and active transportation.

Deon Hassler - Circuit Rider Trainer

Deon is a past president and board member of SFNWA. He is a certified Level 2 water systems operator. He works for File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council as a Circuit Rider Trainer. He has been a certified water treatment plant operator since 2010. He won the First Nations Water Leadership Award in 2019 and the 2020 Al Reimer Award. The Al Reimer Award was established to acknowledge an operator member of Western Canada Water who has provided distinguished service to the profession through the Association and the Provincial Operators Association. The recipients of the Al Reimer Award have provided faithful and meritorious service in public water and wastewater works.

Dr. Robert Patrick - Source Water Protection Planning

Robert (Bob) is an Associate Professor at the University of Saskatchewan in the Department of Geography and Planning.