Jan 29, 2019
Wanuskewin’s NEW CEO
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: Wanuskewin is thrilled to announce Darlene Brander as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective March 4, 2019. Ms. Brander was appointed to the position following a comprehensive national search that attracted a strong field of candidates.
Lafferty is quoted: “We had nearly 100 applicants from across Canada apply for this position, and we are thrilled to welcome Ms. Brander back to Wanuskewin. She began her career here many years ago and brings with her a wealth of experience that will positively impact the growth of this important place. Darlene has demonstrated a deep commitment to Wanuskewin and the people we serve. Her reputation as a community leader along with her strong sense of business expertise make us confident that she will lead Wanuskewin well into the future.” Brander leaves her position as Director of Human Resources for Athabasca Catering Limited Partnership, a 100% Saskatchewan First Nation-owned company that offers remote site catering services after 7.5 years with the company. In addition to her positive track record of increasing retention of Indigenous talent and improving service delivery for clients, Brander is an active community volunteer. She serves on the boards of the Nutrien Children’s Discovery Museum of Saskatchewan, the Canadian Association of Police Governance and is Chair of the Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners.
Brander is quoted: “As an Indigenous woman, I am honored to be Wanuskewin’s next CEO and lead an organization where the story of the land and its first people can be shared as a collective narrative. Wanuskewin has been a gathering place for Indigenous peoples for more than 6000 years, and it will continue to be a gathering place for the generations to come. I look forward to working with the staff, Elders and board to honour the Park’s past, thrive in the present and realize the future. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I am humbled to be a part of Wanuskewin Heritage Park.”
Nearly two years ago, Wanuskewin publicly launched Thundering Ahead, a capital fundraising campaign and renewal project. Brander joins the project as construction of an expanded facility is underway and will help to build the team and strategy as Wanuskewin prepares for its grand reveal in Summer 2020. All aspects of the project are expected to be completed by then, including the building expansion, exhibit reintroduction, grassland restoration, and the first bison returned. The bid for UNESCO World Heritage designation will follow.
“The Board of Directors would like to thank the Elders for their contributions to the selection process in hiring Ms. Brander, and to the senior management team for their leadership during this time of transition. We are looking forward to continuing to work with this group of talented individuals as we move forward.”
