John Desjarlais Jr. Nehinaw (Cree)-Metis is a visionary from Kaministikominahikoskak (Cumberland House), Saskatchewan. He carries a passion for sustainability, diversity, and change. Originally trained as a Mechanical Engineer, John started his career in the mining industry in 2001. Led by his curiosity, supported by mentors and driven by his ability to ask bigger questions, John took an interest in community development, economic reconciliation, and Indigenous capacity building.

These passions come to life in his current role as General Manager of Great Plains Contracting (primarily owned by FHQ Developments), as well as his service on various boards, councils, and committees, including as President-Elect of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientist of Saskatchewan. As a lifelong learner John has completed a Master’s in Business Administration and is in the process of completing a Master’s Degree in Governance and Entrepreneurship in Northern and Indigenous Areas (GENI).

In this episode John bravely explores the space of economic reconciliation, the challenge of unbridled capitalism, and the cost to society and the natural world when Indigenous world views are excluded from our economic paradigm. John calls us to bold action as he dives into tangible solutions for sustainable development and actioning equity issues. He takes us out of our myopic view of time, reminding us to think about the impact of our decisions over seven generations. John’s voice rings with truth as he urgently reminds us that when it comes to Indigenous Engagement and Participation “we are past doing the right thing for social sake. It is an economic and sustainability imperative”.