WHO WE ARE
Team
The Leadership Circle guides the strategic direction, goals, and approach of the Network. The current Leadership Group includes David Flood (Wahkohtowin Development), Steven Nitah (Nature for Justice), Terry Dorward (IISAAK OLAM Foundation), Samantha Whiteye (Carolinian Canada – Indigenous Leadership Pillar) and Gwen Bridge (Gwen Bridge Consulting). We also acknowledge and extend our gratitude to Trish Nash, Patricia Saulis, Kim Neale and Eli Enns who contributed their time and knowledge to the inaugural Leadership Circle. We are grateful to Patricia Saulis for first envisioning the idea to host our Full Moon Network gatherings and for her role as Convenor of our Spring 2023 gathering, “Envisioning the Indigenous-led Conservation Economy” on Wolastoqiyik Territory.
The Operations Group consists of Randi Russell, Mary-Kate Craig, Darcy Riddell, Chelsea Martin, Lara Powell, Britney Supernault and Julee Boan. We extend gratitude for woven contributions from previous core working group members including Wynona Acco-Barron, Kevin Smith, Dani Warren, Audrey Popa, Santiago (Santi) Ramirez Said, Saba Thackurdeen, Rebecca Rogerson, and Sophie Sanniti among others.
Ash Basket Network Model
Inspired by teachings shared with us by Wolastoqiyik Knowledge Carrier Terry Young, the RAD Network employs an “ash basket” network model. Like an ash basket, a network depends on its many strands, woven together to create a strong and flexible container with a purpose to carry something forward. The RAD Network is supported through collective, braided (or woven) contributions from Network Partners and relationships rooted in reciprocity. These woven contributions enable us to advance the goals of RAD Network and advance work through our core Operations Group, with collaborators and partners, under the guidance of our Indigenous Leadership Circle. We are advancing Reciprocity Dialogues within our circles to ground our work in reciprocity, integrity and care.
