Desiree Norwegian, CPA, CMA
Chief Executive Officer, Atunda
Manager, Indigenous Relations, AECON (Westree, ON)
Desiree Norwegian is a member of Liidlii Kue First Nation, she is part of the Dene clan from Northwest Territories. Desiree graduated with a bachelor’s in business administration with a specialization in accounting along with obtaining a Chartered Professional Accountant designation.
Desiree’s is currently working as the Manager, Indigenous Relations for Aecon in their nuclear division and is driving her passion for Indigenous engagement, rights, equality and reconciliation, gender diversity, and teach/talk about building a cleaner energy future and the huge advantage that nuclear power plays in our society (green power, medical isotopes, small & advanced modular reactors, and great careers in stem & skilled trades).
Desiree’s experience as a business owner in the nuclear sector and all the work she has done to bridge the gap between industry and Indigenous communities is a huge asset to the Aecon team and she is currently leading the way by carving a path within their projects for more Indigenous participation/inclusion through education, equity, employment, and business opportunities/partnerships.
Desiree’s passion and strong desire to make a difference for our generation and for the next seven generations has led her to advising on provincial and federal policy and sitting on many non-for-profit boards such as, Canadian Council of Indigenous Business (CCIB) and Build a Dream, she also is a Board of Director for Canadian Nuclear Laboratory.
Two of the Dene teachings are 1) take only what you need and share everything you have and 2) the knowledge you are given is not yours, it is to be passed on. Being guided by her Dene roots she inspires and shares her knowledge of everything she is taught in hopes of inspiring all people around her. She is always more than welcome to chat about opportunities, passions, or finding your why and how to change our world, every person counts!