Naawi-Oodena: At the Heart of the Community, at the Heart of the Continent | Presented by Chief Gordon BlueSky + Danielle Desjarlais

Rendering of Naawi-Oodena development.
  • Headshot of Chief Gordon Bluesky wearing traditional Indigenous headwear.

  • Chief Gordon BlueSky, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Chairperson, Treaty One Nations

    Chief Gordon BlueSky was elected to serve his home community of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation (BON) in 2022 and re-elected by acclamation in 2024. He was recognized by the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association in 2016 for excellence in Lands Management that has contributed and influenced the field of land management beyond their community.

    Prior to his election, Chief BlueSky worked as the Director of Lands for the Treaty One Development Corporation (T1DC). This was a very fitting role for BlueSky due to his involvement with the Kapyong Barracks land claim during the early years of its initiation by BON in the early 2000s. During his time at Treaty One, BlueSky successfully led negotiations to finalize the “Gaawijijigemangit Agreement”, the Municipal Development Services Agreement with the City of Winnipeg which secures the provision of basic infrastructural services for the Naawi-Oodena Treaty One Joint Reserve.

    Prior to his time with T1DC, BlueSky had 18 years of experience working with BON, Fox Lake Cree Nation, and the Treaty Land Entitlement Committee of Manitoba. In these roles he championed the work on important land claims, with a primary focus on reserve creation as well as land, environment, and resource protection.

  • Danielle Desjarlais standing in front of a blue wall

  • Danielle Desjarlais

    Danielle Desjarlais is a Cree member of Peguis First Nation and is currently an Architectural Intern with Brook McIlroy. She is a member of the Indigenous Design Studio within the firm, and has extensive experience in the design of a range of project types. She completed her Master of Architecture in 2022 and Bachelor of Environmental Design at the University of Manitoba. While working at Brook McIlroy, Danielle’s project experience has included the design for the Awen’ Indigenous Gathering Place in Collingwood, the Humber College Indigenous Cultural Markers, the University of Winnipeg Library Revitalization, and the Algonquin College Institute for Indigenous Entrepreneurship. Her work draws on regional influences, culture, and relevant histories and she believes that it is valuable to feature and share the pride of Indigenous culture through the built environment.