Experience North 2021 (Summer)

Lindsay Bain

With familial ties in northern and southern Ontario, Lindsay grew up between Kenora, Dryden, Sault Ste. Marie, Burlington, and Stratford before moving to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she graduated high school. Currently enrolled in the fourth year of her BA (Advanced) in Global Political Economy at the University of Manitoba, she has held research and teaching assistant positions in economics and labor studies, leadership, and organizational behavior. Her research interests are interdisciplinary and varied though include public and social policy, inequality and poverty, Indigeneity and decolonization, political economy, political theory, ethics, and epistemology. She is a grateful recipient of the William and Nona Heaslip Scholarship and was Valedictory graduate of the inaugural cohort of the President's Student Leadership Program at the J. W. Burns Leadership Institute, Asper School of Business. In her free time, Lindsay is an avid supporter of sloth conservation and rehabilitation efforts; she has two symbolically adopted sloths named Jack and Humpty Dumpty. Lindsay is excited to join NPI as a Policy Analyst in Treaty Implementation, and is looking forward to finding new ways to improve and give back before next steps in academics with Master's graduate studies.

Lindsay is a Policy Analyst.

Andrew Jalak

Andrew will be entering his third year of study at Wilfrid Laurier University, with a focus of communications studies in Waterloo Ontario. Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie Ontario, Andrew has developed a great knowledge of Northern Ontario and the beauty this fine land has to offer, through opportunities and travels over his 20 years. Andrew's thirst for travel has not held him within our rocky mountains, but to many places across the world, some of his favourites being' Paris, Liverpool, London and Portrush in Northern Ireland. Not only is Andrew an avid traveler, but he is also very into sports, both as a participant and spectator. Growing up playing hockey, much like many Canadians, this is his sport of choice, still playing at the recreation level at Wilfrid Laurier. As a fan his favourite team is the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL. His love for sports does not just end there, he also enjoys watching the Toronto Raptors of the NBA, and also playing golf. During the summer months, you can find Andrew spending time out at camp with his family, friends and of course his chocolate Labrador, Dolce.

Avery Cole

Avery Cole is a graduating Global Development Studies and Indigenous Cultures and Languages B.A (Hons.) student at Queen's University. As a Global Development major, Avery is passionate about working with rural communities to create meaningful change. Her areas of interest in research lie with community-based social development for marginalized communities, the environment, and Indigenous cultural revitalization. Originally from Waterloo, Avery is excited to become more familiar with the beautiful landscapes of Northern Ontario during her placement at Kirkland Lake. Having grown up camping across Southern and Northern Ontario with her family, Avery is an avid canoer, hiker and all around nature lover and looks forward to visiting the abundant lakes and provincial parks surrounding Kirkland Lake. In her spare time, Avery also enjoys flying and is a long-time member and volunteer glider instructor at the Toronto Soaring Club.

Avery is a Policy Analyst.

Emma Dingle

Emma Dingle was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. She is a first-year university student enrolled in a Bachelor of Global Business and Digital Art at the University of Waterloo. With a passion for graphic design, Emma often liaises with arts organizations in her community which has provided her with extensive experience in social media management and digital art. Certified through the British Association of Teachers of Dancing, Emma enjoys spending her free time teaching dance and can often be found singing, dancing, and performing.

Emma is a graphic designer. 

William Dunstan

William Dunstan, born and raised in Ottawa, is entering his fourth year in the Public Affairs and Policy Management program at Carleton University. In addition to an interdisciplinary academic background, he brings with him prior experience in public policy through having previously worked with the federal government and a think tank. In his free time, William enjoys cycling and hiking, and is also involved in intercollegiate debate. William is very excited to come to Northern Ontario. On a personal level, he is thrilled with this opportunity to explore the vast and beautiful North. On a professional level, he looks forward to working in a policy environment outside of a big central Canadian city and to learning more about the challenges and opportunities facing rural and northern communities.

William is a Policy Analyst.

Holly Parsons

Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Holly moved to Australia and graduated with a B.A. in Politics & Policy Studies and International Relations from Deakin University in Melbourne. Holly gained experience in research, policy analysis, and advocacy while working at grassroots NGOs in Australia and Indonesia. Now, back in Canada, Holly is enjoying her NPI Summer Placement in Sioux Lookout as a Policy Analyst. On the weekends, you can find Holly hiking, camping, kayaking, and exploring the majestic Canadian Shield. Holly loves to travel, ski, read books, cook vegan recipes, and be outdoors. 

Holly is a Policy Analyst.

Clairissa Pietron

Clairissa Pietron was born and raised in Hamilton, ON and surrounding areas. She graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Criminal Justice and Public Policy in 2018. She also holds a Master's in Political Science specializing in Rights, Justice, Citizenship, and Identity from the University of Guelph, of which she recently graduated in 2021. In her graduate studies, Clairissa was engaged in policy issues impacting inequality and environmental justice. In her free time, Clairissa enjoys being outdoors, travelling (when permitted), reading and crafting.

Clairissa is a Policy Analyst.

Gillian Sgambelluri

Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Gillian Sgambelluri has been a lifelong true North citizen. Gillian is currently pursuing post-secondary education at Lakehead University in the Honours Bachelor of Commerce program. Specifically, Gillian's program has allowed her to develop accounting and finance skills that she plans to put into practice at her position as Assistant Accounting Officer at Northern Policy Institute. She is very eager to advance her career at NPI whilst gaining knowledge about her community and giving back to where she was raised. In her spare time, you can almost always find Gillian at the dance studio where she enjoys teaching and participating in some classes of her own. Throughout the summer, she loves to be out in the sun swimming with her dogs at camp. 

Gillian is an Accounting & Operations Assistant

874 Tungsten St.

Thunder Bay, ON.

P7B 673

1520 Queen St E.

SSM, ON.

P6A 2G4

140 Government Rd, E.

Kirkland Lake, ON.

60 9th St.

Hearst, ON.

P0L 1N0

25 Fifth Ave.

Sioux Lookout, ON.

P8T 1A4