Fisher River Cree Nation Chief & Council and the Fisher River Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors are excited to welcome Clifford Kirkness, Russell Mallette and Patrick McKay to our team.
CLIFFORD KIRKNESS, Lands Governance Director, Fisher River Cree Nation (Pictured Left)
Clifford is a member of Fisher River Cree Nation, who grew up in the community. Cliff and his partner Rebecca are parents to 2 sons Atticus and Izaias. Professionally Cliff is a Certified Engineering Technologist with over thirteen years experienced in project management, construction engineering and environmental engineering working within both the private and public sectors. Cliff has worked closely with engineers and biologists to negotiate, construct, and deliver a variety of wetland restoration, conservation, highway reconstruction, bridge construction, environmental remediation, as well as housing and subdivision projects.
RUSSELL MALLETTE (RUSTY), Information Technology Manager, Fisher River Cree Nation (Pictured Middle)
Russell’s spirit name is Running Black Horse and is a proud Ininew napew from Ocheki Sipi. His parents are Teresa Mallette and Russell Mallette,and his Grandparents were Reginald (Dootch) and Betty Murdock, and Sam and Vera Mallette. Throughout Russell’s career path he has worked many jobs; he was a Youth Worker, Maintenance Personnel, and even a Dishwasher, just to name a few. While exploring the workforce Russell stumbled upon a job in Information Technology. He enjoyed this area of focus so much he has been working in this field for 15+ years. Russell is proud to say that this line of work has taken him to every First Nation community in Manitoba. Being in the Information technology field has also given him the opportunity to move home with his family and work with our people. Russell is honoured to have been given this opportunity and is thankful that his children will get to grow up surrounded by family. Russell was taught the importance of family, laughter, and community from those that surrounded him. All the good values that were instilled in him, he instills in his children and will get to experience all the great things we have here in Ochekwi Sipi. “It’s great to be home.”
Kinanâskomitin
PATRICK McKAY, Director of Operations, Fisher River Economic Development Corporation (Pictured Right)
Patrick’s professional career has given him valuable experience in working with and understanding Economic Development from a First Nations perspective. His educational background consists of an Honors Diploma in Computer Applications for Business. He also holds a certificate in Project Management through the Manitoba Construction Sector Council. He values and strives for accountability, teamwork and communication. Patrick humbly welcomes the responsibility of working with the nation to continue the progress that the Fisher River Economic Development Corporation has made to date.
Patrick also looks forward to his homecoming of sort as he is originally a member of Fisher River Cree Nation, who is extremely excited at the opportunity to reconnect with the community and family.