THE TEAM

Merrell-Ann Phare

Founder and Host

Merrell-Ann Phare is a lawyer with the Phare Law Corporation, a writer and the founding Executive Director of the ‘Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER), a national First Nation charitable environmental organisation.

She is the author of the books ‘Denying the Source: The Crisis of First Nations Water Rights’. and ‘Ethical Water: Learning to Value What Matters Most’.

As Chief Negotiator for the Government of Northwest Territories, Merrell-Ann lead the negotiation of transboundary water agreements in the Mackenzie River Basin and the creation of Thaidene Nene, a national and terrritorial park in the east arm of Great Slave Lake.

She is legal counsel and advisor to a number of First Nation and other governments and organisations and regularly speaks on water issues and First Nations.

Michael is the principal of North Raven where he works collaboratively on water protection and governance, renewable energy development, building efficient government, expediting land claims and strategic planning.

As MLA and Minister of numerous portfolios in the Government NWT, his roles have been diverse, reflecting his broad interest in bettering the lives of northerners. He is a co-convener of the Collaborative Leadership Initiative in Manitoba. He is a member of the Forum for Leadership on Water and now advises Indigenous governments, and private, public, and NGO sector clients on environmental and Indigenous issues.

Michael Miltenberger

Founder and Host

Production Support

  • Deborah Bowers: Writer
  • Hannah Gehman: Audio & Tech