GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT, AND DECISION MAKING

The Niagara Escarpment Biosphere is managed by the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network. A renewed strategic management infrastructure has been developed in partnership with Plenty Canada. The network has established a board of directors that is based upon a co-governance model with Indigenous peoples, and features a diverse group of members from along the Niagara Escarpment from south to north, and north to south.

Board of Directors

Charlene Winger-Jones, is co-chair of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network. She is an elder, Hereditary Council member, Water Walker & Climate Reality Leader, from Neyaashiinigmiing.

Victoria Serda, Mino gezheb, I’m one of the Co-Chairs of our nonprofit board along with Charlene, and am a fourth generation friend and settler ally of the Anishnaabeg around Waussau-Gummauh, now known as Georgian Bay. I live in Saukiing Anishnaabekiing (Saugeen Ojibway Nation territory) in  Wiarton with my husband Jaime and daughter Corrina, both of Nahua descent, and grandson Creegan, who is a Band member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. I have actively been a Climate Leader and Mentor in the Climate Reality Project since 2007, and sit on the board of the Canadian charity. I was honoured to receive the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement for Voluntarism in Ontario Award in 2013 and a Paul Harris Fellow award by the Southampton Rotary Club in 2017. I have a degree in democratic education and a post-graduate certificate in Indigenous Governance and Administration. Having helped found many organizations, such as the Bagida’waad Alliance, SauGreen for the Environment, the Grey Bruce Sustainability Network, and the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network, I am happy to share my knowledge with others. I was also an elected Municipal Councillor in Saugeen Shores and a Strategic Advisor to the Band Council of the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation. My heart is in nature – both with hiking around G’chi Bimadinaa (the Niagara Escarpment) with my family, and hiking in wild places while reconnecting with All Our Relations around us.

Caley Patrick Nadjiwon Doran comes from Saukiing Anishinaabekiing territory and he lives in Sauble Beach. He is an Anishinaabe Interpretive Guide with the Cape Croker Park Anishinaabe Cultural Experiences program. After a 20+ year career in the hospitality industry, managing restaurants and large teams, Caley chose a new path connected to his passion for Mother Earth and he now follows the footsteps of his ancestors. You can find Caley guiding hikes and land-based learning across Saugeen Ojibway Nation.

Kerry Kennedy, a passionate educator, enjoys working and volunteering with grassroots organizations in Niagara and along the shores of Lake Huron to protect and restore healthy ecosystems, while educating the next generation of conservationists. Working with the Lake Huron Coastal Centre, she coordinates the Coastal Conservation Youth Corps in the summer, and during the school year works as an outdoor guide at the District School Board of Niagara’s outdoor education centres. Connecting people and nature are themes that also extend through her roles as Past President of the Niagara Falls Nature Club and in her outreach efforts around Twelve Mile Creek, volunteering with the Niagara Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada. Kerry is a board member of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network.

Annette Sandberg is a historical researcher and writer from Simcoe—Grey County, Ontario. Her storytelling comes to life through her Live and Zoom presentations, creative writing, Guided hikes, and Nature photography of the ancient Niagara Escarpment and surrounding area. Annette grew up on the Niagara Escarpment on a 200-acre farm near the Blue Mountains and now resides in nearby Collingwood. Her love for the area developed as a child with curiosity and wonder of the earth, sky, and all living inhabitants of both the land and water. This has led her to research and document the ancient history of the Niagara Escarpment – Ontario’s most prominent Land feature, starting with her 900km trek on the Bruce Trail from Queenston to Tobermory in 2016. In 1990, this ancient land formation was designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

About the Board and the Organization

The Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network is an incorporated not-for-profit under provincial law. It’s board of directors currently consists of members of the previous Transition Leadership Committee, members of Plenty Canada who are assisting and advising the NEBN in its development, members who have deep experience with UNESCO, and others selected collectively by the Board of Directors for their credentials and capacities to serve our goals and objectives. Several additional positions remain to be filled, which a Governance and Nomination sub-committee will conduct with the involvement of our network partners. Board terms are for three years. The organization’s commitment is to be as transparent as possible while ensuring work gets accomplished efficiently, without political interference, and that reflects diversity, experience, skillsets, professionalism, and functionality.