If someone had told Lisa Young ten years ago that she would be the Executive Director of UINR, she might have thrown you out of the helicopter that she was in, doing a survey of the moose population in the Cape Breton Highlands!
In those days, UINR hadn’t even started and Lisa was a young biologist fresh from her studies at York University. She was working as a field technician doing research with Parks Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources on moose in the Highlands. As a biologist at Eskasoni Fish and Wildlife Commission in 2001, Lisa was in the right place at the right time when Charlie Dennis was looking for a manager for a new organization that he was working on–Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources.
Little did she know at the time that UINR would grow into a leader in Mi’kmaq natural resources and environmental issues. This did not happen overnight and, from the beginning, Lisa was involved in writing and developing proposals for initiatives such as the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management program, hardwood forest management, the Natural Resource Officer program and Mi’kmaq Natural Resource Mapping project.
For six years, Lisa was UINR’s General Manager and Director of Administraton before becoming Executive Director in 2007. One of the highlights in Lisa’s training was participating in Aboriginal Leadership and Management Development training at the Banff Centre.
As Executive Director, Lisa’s job includes assisting staff in project development and management, as well as participating in developing the UINR’s overall objectives and direction.
When Lisa is not wearing her UINR hat, she enjoys family time with her husband Buddy Young and their two young children, Maria and Spencer.
The most rewarding part of working at UINR has been having the opportunity to be involved in such a wide range of environmental issues.  It’s quite an experience to be able to work with so many different facets of government, industry and community.
lisa@uinr.ca

If someone had told Lisa Young ten years ago that she would be the Executive Director of UINR, she might have thrown you out of the helicopter that she was in, doing a survey of the moose population in the Cape Breton Highlands!

Lisa1In those days, UINR hadn’t even started and Lisa was a young biologist fresh from her studies at York University. She was working as a field technician doing research with Parks Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources on moose in the Highlands. As a biologist at Eskasoni Fish and Wildlife Commission in 2001, Lisa was in the right place at the right time when Charlie Dennis was looking for a manager for a new organization that he was working on–Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources.

Little did she know at the time that UINR would grow into a leader in Mi’kmaq natural resources and environmental issues. This did not happen overnight and, from the beginning, Lisa was involved in writing and developing proposals for initiatives such as the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management program, hardwood forest management, the Natural Resource Officer program and Mi’kmaq Natural Resource Mapping project.

For six years, Lisa was UINR’s General Manager and Director of Administraton before becoming Executive Director in 2007. One of the highlights in Lisa’s training was participating in Aboriginal Leadership and Management Development training at the Banff Centre.

As Executive Director, Lisa’s job includes assisting staff in project development and management, as well as participating in developing the UINR’s overall objectives and direction.

lisa and ministerWhen Lisa is not wearing her UINR hat, she enjoys family time with her husband Buddy Young and their two young children, Maria and Spencer.

The most rewarding part of working at UINR has been having the opportunity to be involved in such a wide range of environmental issues.  It’s quite an experience to be able to work with so many different facets of government, industry and community.

lisa@uinr.ca

Ten questions

Chose an animal native to Unama’ki.

Bears. I have always been interested in studying/working with bears.

Favourite season?

Fall. I like the crisp smell in the air and the cooler days. I don’t like the heat of summer

What is the best part of your work?

I feel that I am working for an organization that has the potential to make a real impact on restoring the health of our environment and communities. Chose a quality you admire in others.

I like people who are honest and forthright.

Favorite beach?

My favourite beaches are tropical, sandy beaches, but spend my summers at Ben Eoin.

Last book you read?

Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

What’s for supper tonight?

Supper tonight is on the road–travelling to a meeting in Halifax–but last night we had ribs and mashed potatoes.

What is your favourite website?

Recently my favourite site is allposters.com. I am busy decorating our new home.

What did you do in the last week to help the environment?

I use biodegradable cleaners to clean my house–favourite brand is BIO-VERT.

Chocolate or chips?

Most days it’s chocolate, but chocolate and chips go well together!