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Meet Our Team

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Clarence Cachagee

He/Him

Executive Director/Founder

Cree

Clarence Cachagee, from Chapleau Cree First Nation, is a community leader, author, and founder of Crow Shield Lodge, a non-profit organization focused on land-based healing and teaching. He has worked in social services, supporting Indigenous communities in areas like homelessness and education. His biography, North Wind Man, shares his personal journey of overcoming trauma and oppression, and his path to becoming a helper and leader.

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Tom Karges

He/Him

Lands Team

German, Polish, Irish

Tom is a retiree from a long career in the tool and die industry, now bringing his passion and love for the outdoors to the Lands Team at Crow Shield Lodge. He values the opportunity to collaborate with what he describes as “the best people” on the team, highlighting the supportive and inspiring work environment. Outside of his professional role, Tom loves to bushcraft, camp, bike ride, hike, snowshoe and travel around Canada.

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Ben Willsteed

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He/Him

Community Navigator and Lands Team

Anishnabe

Ben is Anishinabe with family ties to Rainy River First Nation. His diverse background includes IMA training, restorative justice and circle work. As a Forest School practitioner and ceremonial firekeeper, Ben is deeply connected to both traditional practices and natural environments. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his pets, exploring the outdoors, and expressing his creativity through art.

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Justin Dusseault

He/Him

Lands Team

Cree, British

Justin is an important part of our land team. You can find him outdoors, maintaining our land sites to ensure cleanliness and safety for community members accessing workshops and ceremonies. His passion for the outdoors keeps him rock climbing or adventuring in nature when he’s not at the lodge.

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Brandon Moser

Zongeh Oday Wuh Nini

He/Him

Lands Team

Anishnabe

Brandon is a valued member of the Lands Team at Crow Shield Lodge and is a ceremonial Firekeeper.  He is dedicated to expanding his cultural and linguistic knowledge, actively learning both Ojibwe and German. Brandon’s passions include archery, hunting, trapping, arts, crafts and music. He also has a deep affection for his pets and the land.

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Shelley Schanzenbacher

She/Her

Program and Administrative Support

German/Scottish/Irish

Shelley has a background in Mediation and Conflict Management and Leadership Coaching Certification (CPPC ACC). Her commitment extends to supporting the Grand River Water Walk, where she contributes to environmental and community wellness initiatives.  Shelley embraces life's lessons from her loyal dog, Findlay, learning daily how to be a better human.

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Sue Nally

She/Her

Operations and Events Coordinator​

Irish

Sue is of Irish descent - a first generation Canadian born outside of Ireland. Sue speaks French, Portuguese, Spanish and is currently learning Irish! Sue has a BA in English Literature. Post-Grad Diploma in Event Management and Board Governance Credential. When Sue is not supporting Crow Shield Lodge,  she runs the IRL Festival celebrating Irish culture, enjoys Roller Derby, swimming, crafting, being on the land and seeing live music.

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Alissa Gee

She/Her

Media and Marketing

Kanienʼkehá and Mixed Settler

Alissa combines creativity and strategy in her role at Crow Shield Lodge, focusing on social media, email marketing, and event planning. With a knack for photography and videography, she does her best to capture the lodge's essence.

Outside of work, Alissa enjoys painting, playing video games, and is passionate about land restoration. She finds joy in relaxing outdoors, connecting with nature whenever possible.

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Carleigh Cachagee

She/Her

Financials

Cree

Carleigh is the CSL financial advisor, handling the behind the scenes that ensures our programming can stay operational. Carleigh is of Cree/Dutch Mennonite background from Chapleau Cree First Nation. Much like the rest of the family here at CSL, she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and paddle boarding, and can even be found baking or crafting should the mood strike.

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Nick Bejarano

He/Him

Helper

Mestizo Chicano and German/Irish

Nick is a PhD student at University of Waterloo. In addition to his commitment to academia, he enjoys reading and is always eager to learn new things. He enjoys hiking and engaging in outdoor activities, reflecting his love for nature and exploration. Nick’s enthusiasm for learning and the outdoors is a driving force in both his professional and personal life.

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Avery Proulx

Wasah Nimikee Kway

She/Her

Program and Administrative Support

Anishinaabe and Mixed Settler

Avery holds a Master of Social Work with a focus on Indigenous studies. Her professional training includes certifications in First Aid & CPR and Suicide Risk Assessment and Management with Youth. She values spending quality time with like-minded individuals and groups who share core values and beliefs. Avery is creative and expresses this through arts and crafts, including beading, dreamcatchers, and painting.  She also finds joy in spending time outdoors, connecting with Mother Nature.

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Skye

She/Her

Program and Administrative Support

Oneida/Ojibway

Skye is a dedicated Program and Admin Support professional at Crow Shield Lodge, where she plays a vital role in organizing community programs that align with the lodge's core pillars. With a passion for accessibility, Skye strives to ensure that all community members can engage with and benefit from the programs offered. Passionate about her heritage, she enjoys basketball, beading, and learning about her ancestors. Skye loves walks with her dog and spending time by the water, all while advocating for decolonization and community connection.

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Angie-Lee Coture

Moonflower

She/Her

RECE and Cultural Facilitator

Mud Town Métis

Angie- Lee Coture (Moonflower) is a new CSL family member, acting as RECE and Cultural Facilitator. Coming from Owen Sound, Angie-Lee is a proud member of the Metis nation that was located in the historical settlement known as Mudtown that enjoys her time outdoors on both land and water.

As an Indigenous woman, Angie-Lee was raised to walk beside community, and that community included everyone. She feels that the work we do at CSL relates to her own morals and values, especially that reconciliation is holding space for all nations to learn and grow together.

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