Adrian Anderson

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Adrian is a broad minded chartered professional, who thrives on bringing together successful teams to deliver transformational projects to solve complex sustainability and energy challenges.

His role at Arup is to secure and deliver projects that will ensure a cleaner, more affordable, more resilient energy system focusing on industrial emissions in particular.

Following 5 years working in UK’s water and waste water sector, he spent 4 years spearheading the entrance to India of a low carbon specialist contractor. Then 4 years working in the Middle East to enhance the environmental benefits from industrial projects. Then the past 5 years, prior to coming to Canada, developing the UK’s industrial clusters to ensure both net zero and clean growth can be achieved.

Adrian’s aspiration is to leave a legacy of empowered colleagues, friends and collaborators who can take action towards a sustainable future energy system.

Leoni Rivers

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Leoni is a registered member of the Squamish Nation and Gitxsan Nation. Leoni’s Gitxsan name is Ksigegiasu. Leoni is in the Fireweed Clan, in the Wilp (House Group) Hanamuxw from Gitsegukla, Gitxsan Territories. Leoni has a Bachelor of Arts in Education, UBC, a Diploma of Public Sector Management and a Certificate in Administration of Aboriginal Governments both from the University of Victoria. Leoni Rivers has several years of experience in the area of Indigenous Affairs and working collaboratively with First Nations and Métis communities in Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon.

While being an Indigenous Business Advisor and Negotiator, Leoni supported the development and implementation of policy and operational guidance documents with regard to the Indigenous Affairs agenda for various government(s) and private companies including Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines Project as a Director of Aboriginal Relations, BCR Group of Companies as a Director of Aboriginal Relations, Acting Senior Negotiator for the Province of British Columbia, and Program Officer for Heritage Canada.

Currently Leoni is working with the Alberta Energy Regulator as Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations. Leoni’s work continues in Reconciliation as Relationship space supporting the organization in the understanding and awareness of Indigenous Knowledge within the Regulator from an Indigenous worldview within a western worldview. The First Peoples of Canada have a rich and diverse culture that should never be forgotten.

Eric Pelletier

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Eric Pelletier is a professional geologist with 12 years of experience working in the environmental and resource development industries. Eric currently serves as a Director for the Battery Metals Association of Canada (BMAC) and Mining Sector Lead with Montrose Environmental Group. He brings experience in resource exploration, hydrogeological and environmental consulting, and specific expertise in critical minerals and carbonate reservoir-hosted subsurface lithium brines. As a founding board member of BMAC, Eric is a strong advocate for accelerating the development of a battery metals industry in Canada necessary to develop and deploy decarbonizing technologies. He has contributed to key BMAC initiatives, including ecosystem mapping, critical minerals strategies, and the battery metals roadmap report. This work has centred on advancing the development of a holistic and circular lithium ion battery value chain in Canada which upholds the highest environmental, social and governance standards.

Eric’s technical expertise spans hydrogeology, petrology, carbonate sedimentology, and basin analysis. He has undertaken projects in environmental impact assessments, aquifer characterization, monitoring and sampling, aquifer testing, mapping, and resource delineation and quantification. Throughout his career, Eric has supported a range of projects in the mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. He is well-versed in the challenges faced by industry proponents in North America, having navigated these in his previous role with LiEP Energy Ltd., a start-up he co-founded to develop North American lithium brine plays and extraction technology.

Eric holds a Master of Science degree in Carbonate Sedimentology from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Mount Royal University. His passion for earth science and its critical role in shaping energy solutions continues to drive his work in the battery metals and mining sector and his commitment to environmentally responsible resource development.

Leoni Rivers

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Leoni is a registered member of the Squamish Nation and Gitxsan Nation. Leoni’s Gitxsan name is Ksigegiasu. Leoni is in the Fireweed Clan, in the Wilp (House Group) Hanamuxw from Gitsegukla, Gitxsan Territories. Leoni has a Bachelor of Arts in Education, UBC, a Diploma of Public Sector Management and a Certificate in Administration of Aboriginal Governments both from the University of Victoria. Leoni Rivers has several years of experience in the area of Indigenous Affairs and working collaboratively with First Nations and Métis communities in Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon.

While being an Indigenous Business Advisor and Negotiator, Leoni supported the development and implementation of policy and operational guidance documents with regard to the Indigenous Affairs agenda for various government(s) and private companies including Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines Project as a Director of Aboriginal Relations, BCR Group of Companies as a Director of Aboriginal Relations, Acting Senior Negotiator for the Province of British Columbia, and Program Officer for Heritage Canada.

Currently Leoni is working with the Alberta Energy Regulator as Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations. Leoni’s work continues in Reconciliation as Relationship space supporting the organization in the understanding and awareness of Indigenous Knowledge within the Regulator from an Indigenous worldview within a western worldview. The First Peoples of Canada have a rich and diverse culture that should never be forgotten.

Suzanne Life-Yeomans

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Suzanne Life-Yeomans is a member of the Liidlii Kue First Nation but was raised in Cowichan Tribes Territory on Vancouver Island (BC).  She holds a master’s degree in business, bachelor’s degree in law, Indigenous Corporate Relations Diploma, and she also has a vast array of certification from other institutions in British Columbia. Suzanne has over 25 year’s experience working with First Nation communities focusing on Aboriginal Consultation, Lands, Policies, Governance, Economic Development and Communication. She has worked for: BC Government, AB Government, Six Nations, Cowichan Tribes, Khowutzun Development Corporation, Enoch Cree Nation, Montana First Nation and many others over the years.

Suzanne currently is the Chair of the First Nation Women on Economic Security Council (Government of Alberta), and she sat as a member of the Alberta Joint Working Group for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, and Girls (MMIWG).  She served as the chair for LEDAC, and she was a member of the Town of Ponoka – Economic Development Board and Ponoka Youth Centre Board (Big Brothers and Big Sisters).  She strives to help Indigenous people and communities to ensure their Treaty and Aboriginal Rights are not infringed upon.  She is a lifelong learner that values the Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

Sinmi Adeoye-Esene

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Sinmi Adeoye-Esene is the founder and CEO of Daniola, a company transforming the mining industry by advancing transparency, traceability, and ethical sourcing. Since 2017, Daniola’s innovative platform has empowered buyers and suppliers to track the management of minerals and metals from mine to possession, ensuring integrity and accountability throughout the supply chain.

Sinmi is also the co-founder of the BIPOC Foundation, which fosters entrepreneurship opportunities for diverse communities and strengthens economic diversification in Western Canada. Additionally, she serves as an International Partner at the World Business Angels Investment Forum, collaborating on global initiatives that support economic development.

A passionate advocate for ESG principles and responsible natural capital impact investing. Sinmi is committed to advancing meaningful change in the critical minerals sector. Her leadership and innovative vision continue to foster a more equitable and forward thinking future for industries and communities alike.

Sascha D’Souza

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With over a decade of experience in engineering and construction, Sascha excels in developing effective solutions for customers and stakeholders. He has delivered several projects with interdisciplinary teams and continues to leverage this experience when evaluating and deploying new solutions. He holds a diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Calgary.

Currently serving as a Senior Engineer on FortisAlberta’s Emerging Customer Solutions team, Sascha’s expertise lies in identifying and implementing emerging trends and proven technologies. His focus is on supporting customers and optimizing the existing grid to ensure reliability and efficiency.

Patricia Bailey

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Patricia Bailey is a dynamic systems thinker and accomplished strategic leader with over 18 years of experience delivering transformative outcomes across post-secondary, corporate, and non-profit sectors. Renowned for her expertise in reputation management, stakeholder engagement, and change leadership, Patricia has been a trusted advisor to C-suite executives, adeptly navigating complex crises and driving impactful organizational change.

In her current role as Director of Strategic Engagement at Pathways Alliance, Patricia spearheads initiatives in energy, labour, policy, and climate, strategically aligning Canada’s climate goals with industrial decarbonization. She holds a Master’s in Leadership and Organizational Change from Royal Roads University and augments her academic achievements with certifications in negotiations, sustainability, and systems leadership.

Patricia’s proven ability to craft inclusive strategies, build collaborative partnerships, and achieve tangible results has earned her a stellar reputation as an innovative leader dedicated to driving progress and creating impact and value.

Paola Casillas

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Paola is a first-year fellow with EFL and currently serves as a Business Officer and Economist with Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan). In her current role, she serves as the primary support to the Director General of Operations in leading the Green Prairie Economy (GPE) Project Table – a collaborative initiative involving 13 federal departments aimed at identifying and advancing impactful projects that contribute to the greening of the Prairies economy. Paola has held several key roles in her 7 years with PrairiesCan, including policy analysis, project management for grants and contributions programs, data analytics and reporting. Paola holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Economics from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in Mexico City and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Alberta. She is dedicated to supporting the region’s transition to a resilient and low-carbon future.