Rena Squirrel
Councillor
Rena is Tetlit Gwich’in and Liidii Kue Dene, a mother of two, and has called Hay River home for over 25 years. After graduating from Diamond Jenness Secondary School she moved to Edmonton, AB to further her education. She attended the University of Alberta where she obtained a Degree in Secondary Education and a Degree in Native Studies.
In 2022 she was awarded a scholarship to pursue a Master’s Degree in Environment and Sustainability (majoring in Energy Security) at the University of Saskatchewan and will be graduating in December 2024.
She has over ten years of experience in the building industry in Alberta and the Northwest Territories. She started multiple businesses and created many jobs that continue to operate today.
Her volunteering experience in the north goes back over 20 years, she’s an honorary board member with the Indigenous Sport Circle NT, sits on the Steering Committee for Dene Nahjo, and coaches students from Chief Sunrise School.
Rena is passionate about strengthening Hay River’s economy, enhancing local energy/food security, environmental protection, and developing meaningful engagements to reconcile relationships between Indigenous peoples and all Canadians.
Rena is proud to call Hay River home and is thankful to be in a position to work for our people and community.
Mahsi Cho.