Exploring how Indigenous governments, municipalities, and communities are advancing environmental and economic development through local leadership.
Dr. Joshua Barrett is a rural development researcher, environmental professional, and municipal leader with extensive experience working at the intersection of economic development, environmental sustainability, natural resources, and community governance. He holds a PhD in Rural Studies from the University of Guelph, as well as graduate and undergraduate degrees in geography and political science from Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Joshua is a Senior Consultant with Stantec, where he leads environmental assessment and permitting work in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada, working on complex projects involving governments, communities, industry, and other stakeholders. His professional experience includes work in rural and resource-based economies, socioeconomic and environmental assessment, infrastructure development, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement.
He is also an elected municipal councillor in Conception Bay South and serves as Past President of the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation and Vice Chair of econext. Through these roles, he has worked extensively on issues related to sustainable economic development, environmental policy, rural revitalization, and collaboration between government, industry, and communities.
Joshua’s research focuses on rural economic development, governance, resource-based economies, and place-based approaches to community development. His work brings together academic research, professional practice, and municipal experience to explore practical approaches to building resilient and sustainable communities and economies in Newfoundland and Labrador and across rural Canada.
Regional Energy Manager, Nunatsiavut Government
Jamie Hewlett is an experienced energy professional with a background in both conventional and renewable energy sectors. Originally from Baie Verte, Newfoundland and Labrador, he began his career in the oil and gas industry after earning a diploma in Petroleum Engineering Technology from the College of the North Atlantic in St. John’s. He spent eight years with Imperial Oil in production operations, gaining extensive expertise in energy systems and resource management.
In April 2022, Jamie relocated to Nain, Nunatsiavut, his wife’s hometown, to raise their three children in close connection with their Inuit culture. Recognizing the profound impact of climate change and shifting energy markets on northern Labrador, he transitioned into the renewable energy sector. As the Regional Energy Manager for the Nunatsiavut Government, Jamie leads key initiatives focused on renewable energy development and energy efficiency, working to advance sustainable solutions for the region.
Keith Drover is Project Director with Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation, where he leads the development of the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Project, an Inuit-led hydroelectric project being advanced to reduce Iqaluit’s reliance on diesel-generated electricity.
Keith has more than 20 years of experience in the energy sector, with a focus on the development and delivery of major energy and infrastructure projects. His experience spans project development, engineering, commercial strategy, regulatory processes, and project execution, with particular interests in renewable energy, northern and remote energy systems, and the transition away from diesel generation.
Keith holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Ocean and Naval Architectural Engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Master of Science in Energy Policy and Climate from Johns Hopkins University.
Michelle Roche is an Associate and Environmental Professional (EP) with Dillon Consulting, with over 20 years of experience in environmental assessment, regulatory permitting, natural resource management, and environmental management systems. A Registered Professional Forester (RPF) in Newfoundland and Labrador and an ISO 14001 Lead Auditor, Michelle has supported major energy, infrastructure, and resource projects across Atlantic Canada and Nunavut.
Her work focuses on helping clients navigate complex environmental and regulatory processes while keeping project development, community interests, and practical implementation aligned. Michelle has extensive experience with renewable energy and marine infrastructure projects in Newfoundland and Labrador and currently plays a key role in advancing major projects in Nunavut, including the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Hydropower Project.
She is particularly interested in community-led development, Indigenous partnerships, and building regional capacity to support responsible infrastructure development across Atlantic and Northern Canada.
Terri leads SABRI Innovation at St. Anthony Basin Resources Inc. (SABRI) on the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland and Labrador. SABRI Innovation is Newfoundland and Labrador’s first northern and rural innovation and entrepreneurial hub for social impact. It is driven in the mission to elevate existing non-profits, create new social enterprise and support engagement that strengthens northern and rural regions in the blue economy, logistics, agriculture, health and wellness and tourism and small-scale manufacturing sectors. She brings a wealth of education and experience grounded in over 2 decades of leadership in private business, public service and rural community programming. Her expertise in community stakeholder engagement, project development, and strategic planning across business, health, and education sectors provides comprehensive insight into multi-stakeholder environments and diverse community dynamics. Terri is passionate about contributing to meaningful social enterprise, and brings strong interpersonal, organizational, and research skills, alongside a commitment to continued learning and collaboration in impactful rural community economic development.
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