WHO WE ARE
Governance
The RAD Network is guided by Indigenous values, perspectives, and lived experience through our Leadership Circle and supported by our growing Operations Team. The Leadership Circle guides the strategic direction, goals, and approach of the Network while the Operations Team operationalizes our vision, implementing the approach and managing our work baskets.
Team
The Leadership Circle includes David Flood (Wahkohtowin Development), Steven Nitah (Nature for Justice), Gwen Bridge (Gwen Bridge Consulting), Terry Dorward (IISAAK OLAM Foundation), Samantha Whiteye (Carolinian Canada – Indigenous Leadership Pillar), and Dani Warren (Great Bear Carbon Credit Ltd).
In addition to our current leaders, we also acknowledge and extend our gratitude to Trish Nash, Kim Neale, Patricia Saulis and Eli Enns who contributed their time and knowledge to the inaugural Leadership Circle. We are grateful to each for their unique contributions and commitment to the network. We thank 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, Darcy Riddell, Erin Dixon, Mary-Kate Craig, Chelsea Martin and Lara Powell, with gratitude to previous and ongoing woven contributions from Leigh Fox, Britney Supernault, Julee Boan, Karim Rizkallah and other RAD friends.
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.
