MEET THE TEAM AT NSITE’N

“Honoring our Past – Embracing our Future”
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Robert Bernard
Executive Director, NSITEN
Email:  nsiten.rb@gmail.com 

 
Mr. Robert Bernard is the Executive Director for the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network (NSITE’N).  Incorporated as a not for profit volunteer organization in 2017, NSITE’N has been established to help support the growth of new and existing Indigenous owned businesses through training, development and a higher level of participation in the  mainstream tourism industry in Nova Scotia.  Robert has been one of the cornerstones for the growth of Indigenous tourism in the Atlantic Region since his first involvement started in 2011. 

Robert’s initial involvement came as part of the development of the Unama’ki Tourism Association in 2010-11 which led to the coordination of an Unama’ki trade mission to the 2012 International Aboriginal Tourism Summit in Whistler, BC.  From there he joined the national board of the Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada as the official Nova Scotia mandated representative in 2012.  In 2014 he was then elected to the Executive Committee of ATAC and was instrumental in bringing the International Indigenous Tourism Conference to Membertou First Nation in 2016.

This is where he was nominated and elected as the first National Chairperson for the current Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC).  He served one (1) very active term travelling around the world promoting the organization and the greater partnerships needed to grow Indigenous tourism in Canada and other Indigenous nations worldwide. 

In 2018 he took on the role as the Atlantic Indigenous Tourism Coordinator until 2021 when he decided to come back to work full time as the Executive Director for NSITEN.

Stephanie Moreau
Development Coordinator
Email:  nsiten.sm@gmail.com 

Stephanie Moreau is the Development Coordinator for the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network (NSITE’N).  Stephanie’s main responsibilities include- strategic planning, research, project planning and guiding implementation.  Stephanie works closely with the Executive Director to identify funding, training and capacity development opportunities for the organization’s tourism businesses.  Stephanie works with partners to help identify and work on mutually beneficial strategic priorities.  Stephanie works with the NSITEN team to help support and promote business development opportunities to NSITEN members to support the growth of Indigenous tourism in the Nova Scotia Region.  

Stephanie has worked in a variety of roles in Municipal Government. She most recently has spent the last 5 years in the position of Tourism Development Officer for the Municipality of Cumberland.  Stephanie has been working with the NSITEN team for 2 years and has in-depth knowledge and understanding of the mainstream tourism industry and will be helping with all aspects of the development of the organization alongside our Executive Director.

Since starting in the NSITEN Development role in the past two years with the organization, she has been busy helping to guide the development of the NSITEN 5 Year Strategy, the Sustainable Cultural Tourism Strategy as well as leading the development of multiple projects that the organization has undertaken.  These include  multiple funding applications and ongoing projects.

Jordynn Bernard
Communications Coordinator
Email:  nsiten.jb@gmail.com 

Jordynn Bernard currently works under contract as the Communications Coordinator for the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network (NSITE’N) and is proudly from We’koqma’q First Nation.

She moved to Halifax in 2006 originally to study photography at NSCAD University. Now a business owner- she’s since expanded her skillset within the digital media world including social media management, website development and communications. 

Jordynn has a strong belief in cultural preservation and representation and finds her work to be extremely rewarding as she helps contribute in creating opportunities for other Indigenous people.

Jordynn’s role within the NSITEN team is to support and maintain a strong level of communication within the NSITEN membership as well as the team department while executing and monitoring communications strategies and creating public relations and marketing materials.  She will also help coordinate promotional events and campaigns.

Graham Marshall
Industry Liaison Coordinator
Email:  nsiten.gm@gmail.com 


Mr. Graham Marshall works under contract as the Industry Liaison Coordinator for the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network (NSITE’N).  

Graham has been promoting our Mi’kma’q culture for the past 30+ years internationally.  He is a Membertou Band Councillor. He is an original member of the Mi’kmaq drum group ” Sons of Membertou.”  Graham sits on the board of Directors for Cape Breton University Alumni, and the board of directors for Atlantic Memorial Park.

Graham will assist the organization and is our direct contact to building stronger relationships within our Mikmaw owned community business enterprises and direct communication with the Chief’s and Councils in Nova Scotia. He will continue to build many of the key and important connections with our communities, our businesses and mainstream tourism industry partners.

He will also continue to promote while NSITEN’s priority goals and objectives continue to support the authentic growth of Mi’kmaw cultural tourism development.

Amanda Dugas
Business Development Officer
Email:  nsiten.ad@gmail.com 


Amanda Dugas works under contract as the Business Development Officer with Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network (NSITE’N) to help support Mi’kmaw businesses to operate and be successful in the tourism industry in Nova Scotia. 

She will help businesses by guiding them through the process of applying for accreditation and funding opportunities. She also provides NSITE’N with administrative support on special projects. Amanda believes in teamwork, community and the beauty of Mi’kma’ki. Amanda has a diverse career with a background working with nonprofits, and more recently in education. She is currently a student at Cape Breton University in the Bachelor of Arts Community Studies program. 

 

Kelly Paul
Tourism Development Officer
Email:  nsiten.kp@gmail.com 


Kelly Paul is a member of Membertou First Nation.  She is currently pursuing a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management at Cape Breton University.

With a strong drive for personal and professional growth, she is also working towards obtaining a Business Administration degree.

 

Although relatively new to the industry, Kelly has gained valuable experience in hospitality and tourism through internships and work placements.  These experiences have provided her with a unique blend of skills and a deep understanding of the hospitality and tourism industry’s dynamics.

Kelly’s interest in Indigenous tourism was sparked during work and experiences with communities across the country. This ignited a passion within her to contribute to the development and delivery of authentic and memorable experiences that showcase the strength and resilience of Mi’kmaw culture and traditions, recognizing the importance of fostering economic growth and creating meaningful connections between visitors and community.

With a genuine desire to contribute to the growth and success of Mi’kmaw cultural tourism, Kelly is excited to embark on this new journey with NSITEN (Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network) and to play an active role in promoting and preserving her Mi’kmaw culture.