Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Victoria St Jean

Hay River,NT

Summary

Dynamic Lands Director at Katlodeeche First Nation, adept in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. Successfully enhanced project efficiency and budget management while fostering cross-functional collaboration. Leveraged traditional knowledge to drive land protection initiatives, ensuring compliance with regulations and community involvement. Proven leader in operations management and program development.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Lands Director

Katlodeeche First Nation
05.2018 - Current
  • Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
  • Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
  • Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
  • Develop and manage lands and resources initiatives to ensure KFN jurisdiction and environmental protection;
  • Where necessary, facilitate negotiations to secure and increase KFN jurisdiction and land protection;
  • Ensure the use and application of traditional knowledge as a guiding framework in all aspects of lands and resources management;
  • Manage lands and resources budgets;
  • Supervise lands and resources personnel;
  • Keep Chief, Council, the KFN CEO, and membership informed of and engaged in lands and resources initiatives.

Indigenous Outreach Worker

Grande Prairie Friendship Centre
09.2016 - 04.2018
  • Acted as a key cultural advocate, supporting Indigenous students in post-secondary education by integrating traditional knowledge, values, and community into academic life.
  • Cultivated strong partnerships with Indigenous communities, Elders, and Councils to foster collaboration and enhance educational opportunities.
  • Promoted cultural awareness across campus by organizing events, ceremonies, and initiatives that celebrated and honored Indigenous heritage and traditions.
  • Served as a trusted advisor and resource connector for students, helping them access academic, financial, and community supports.
  • Contributed to institutional strategies aimed at reconciliation, equity, and the inclusion of Indigenous worldviews in curriculum and student services.
  • Performed a range of administrative tasks including scheduling meetings with community partners, maintaining accurate student records, preparing reports, managing budgets, and tracking program outcomes.

Lands Manager

Katlodeeche First Nation
08.2003 - 08.2013
  • Coordinated land lease applications on the Hay River Dene Reserve, assisting applicants, reviewing submissions for compliance, and preparing permits, leases, and authorizations for Council approval.
  • Ensured all land use applications aligned with approved land use and forest management plans and complied with federal and territorial legislation.
  • Conducted environmental reviews of proposed activities, assessed potential impacts on traditional resource users, and recommended mitigation measures.
  • Liaised between KFN, industry, and government agencies to facilitate communication and regulatory compliance.
  • Maintained and updated digital and physical records of land leases, traditional land use, and natural resource data for the Reserve and traditional territory.
  • Created and managed GIS-based maps and databases, conducted statistical analyses, and researched traditional use histories.
  • Provided regular public communications through newsletters, notices, and community meetings to inform KFN members of ongoing land and resource activities.
  • Gathered community input and concerns related to land use proposals and integrated them into decision-making processes.
  • Supported the development and implementation of land and resource management plans, including contract oversight and technical report preparation.

Education

Certificate - Aboriginal Studies

College of The New Caledonia
Prince George

Diploma - Tourism And Hospitality Management

Grande Prairie Regional College
Grande Prairie, AB
04-2016

Professional Lands Management Certification - Land And Resources

University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon
04-2009

Skills

  • Decision-making
  • Operations management
  • Staff development
  • Staff management
  • Strategies and goals
  • Project management
  • Problem-solving
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Analytical thinking
  • Program management
  • Budget control
  • Budget management

  • Crisis management
  • Time management
  • Goal setting
  • Project coordination
  • Contract management
  • Issues resolution
  • Contract negotiation
  • Financial reporting
  • Government relations
  • Multitasking and organization
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Task delegation

Languages

English
Full Professional

Interests

  • I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community
  • Exploring famous landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions in a new destination
  • Cooking
  • Food Tourism
  • Camping
  • Genealogy
  • Kayaking
  • Embracing outdoor adventures such as hunting and fishing
  • Passionate about balancing physical health with mental and emotional wellness
  • Regularly practice mindfulness and meditation for overall wellness
  • I enjoy cooking for friends and family gatherings
  • Music
  • DIY and Home Improvement
  • Volunteering
  • Fundraising Events
  • Reading
  • Personal Development and Self-Improvement
  • Creative Writing

Timeline

Lands Director

Katlodeeche First Nation
05.2018 - Current

Indigenous Outreach Worker

Grande Prairie Friendship Centre
09.2016 - 04.2018

Lands Manager

Katlodeeche First Nation
08.2003 - 08.2013

Certificate - Aboriginal Studies

College of The New Caledonia

Diploma - Tourism And Hospitality Management

Grande Prairie Regional College

Professional Lands Management Certification - Land And Resources

University of Saskatchewan
Victoria St Jean