Staff & Management Team

Conrad has more than 30 years of management experience in First Nations’ capital investment & finance, the natural resource sector, large national and international companies, as well as hospitality and restaurant businesses.

At Dakwakada Capital Investments LP he leads the team responsible for undertaking and managing private investment in properties, funds, and businesses on behalf of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Trust. He joined DCI in 2023 from forestry company Teal Jones, where he was Director of Indigenous Partnerships and Strategic Relations, responsible for the firm’s relationship with First Nations in whose territories that company operates. Prior to that he was CEO of the K’awat’si Economic Development Corporation (KEDC), for the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations (GNN) in Port Hardy, BC. He first joined the GNN as an economic development officer and built KEDC from the ground up – taking it from one employee and a single business line to 150 employees in six lines in a few years. He joined GNN from BC’s then Ministry of Forests and Range, where he was District Compliance Leader & Operations Manager. Growing up in Alberta, Conrad spent his formative years in agricultural and ranching. Conrad was previously a Registered Forest Technologist and also has his 4th class Power Engineer’s ticket and his Chef’s papers.

Michael leads the Human Resources function for DCI and its operating companies. With over 30 years of human resources experience across Canada and the United States, he joined DCI in 2022, relocating from Toronto.  Prior to joining DCI, his corporate HR career spanned a variety of sectors, including construction, manufacturing, technology, financial services/securities and industrial product sales. He also owned and operated human resources consulting practices in Toronto and Charlotte, NC for nearly 15 years.  He is a graduate of Sheridan College’s Human Resources Management Program, has a Master Certificate in Human Resources from Villanova University, as well as a Certificate in Non-Profit Governance.

An active volunteer in every community where he has lived, Michael is currently the President of the Yukon Wildlife Preserve Operating Society, which oversees the operation of the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, a wonderful educational facility and tourist attraction in the Whitehorse area. When not working, Michael and his wife Cynthia, a visual artist, can be found enjoying the outdoors with their two cats and dog, and Michael’s cameras.

Tanya joins DCI with more than 20-years’ experience in procurement for government organizations, primarily Alberta municipalities. At DCI she is responsible for supporting Dakwakada companies submitting bids for government contracts for everything from environmental remediation to providing custom windows and doors for new schools. Many governments at all levels in Canada are now recognizing the importance of engaging Indigenous-owned suppliers like Dakwakada companies to support the diversification and strength of their own supply chains while advancing reconciliation. When she’s not at work, you can probably find Tanya with the rescue dogs she and her husband foster, enjoying time with their four grown sons and grandson, or on her motorcycle taking in the scenery and big sky of the Alberta landscape surrounding their home in Sherwood Park.

Mellisa Kwok is a second generation Chinese Canadian, a mother of two, and a passionate community advocate. She has called Whitehorse, Yukon home for her entire life, which is located on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Mellisa has built an impressive career in the non-profit sector, bringing over 15 years of experience to her work. Her commitment to the arts and community development led her to serve for four years on the Yukon Arts Advisory Council. She also previously held the position of Region Manager for the Arctic Inspiration Prize, an initiative dedicated to recognizing and supporting northern communities. Mellisa’s passion for learning and Indigenous governance is reflected in her studies at Yukon University. She applies this knowledge to her everyday work and continues to grow as an ally for Yukon’s First Nations communities. Her role as the former Executive Director of the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce and her time as a Council Member for the City of Whitehorse show her dedication to fostering economic reconciliation and positive change in the region. Her overarching goal is to help create a vibrant, equitable community, where voices are heard, and all people have the opportunity to thrive.