Staff
Gord Vaadeland – Executive Director
Gord was born and raised on a cattle ranch near Big River, Saskatchewan. He lives on the southwest boundary of the Prince Albert National Park with his family. They love the wild, free ranging bison in and around the Prince Albert National Park and wake up to them in their back yard on many occasions. Horses have been a part of Gord’s life since before he can remember and he currently operates Sturgeon River Ranch, an adventure tourism company that allows guests the opportunity to view wild bison while on horseback in the Prince Albert National Park. It’s also a working ranch – they raise Quarter Horses on their 5000 acres.
Gord works as Executive Director for both CPAWS-Saskatchewan and the Sturgeon River Plains Bison Stewards (SRPBS). Additionally, Gord serves as Watershed Awareness Advisor for the Provincial Council of Agriculture Development and Diversification Boards (PCAB).
Gord has twice been cast as “Sidekick” on OLN’s adventure reality show Mantracker, which was filmed at the Ranch. He was also featured in the Discovery World HD series, The National Parks Project and the Global-TV documentary, Branded. Gord’s work with the free ranging bison has been featured on CBC-Radio’s As It Happens. Gord’s work and the Ranch have also been the feature of several high profile newspaper and magazine articles around the globe. Gord’s vast and unique experience has led to him receiving numerous invitations to give presentations across North America and around the world.
Kjelti Anderson – Communications and Projects Coordinator
Kjelti moves with a profound sense of belonging to this world – with intrinsic affinity to the serene song of the meadowlark or the harrowed howl of the wolf, she too seeks to resound. Like the unending cascade of water over smooth stone, her voice echoes in the living litany ringing through the forest as an ode to the unfolding of all creation within us.
Kjelti cultivates a passionate relationship with Mother Earth, manifested artistically and professionally. Through a permaculture lens, she sees the potential for truly sustainable human habitat while creatively resisting the resignation that humanity's fate is ultimately one of dominance and depletion. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies and Environmental Justice from Malmö University and has worked as a cultural and environmental activist in many grassroots organizations in Canada and Europe. She now lives in Battleford, Saskatchewan; Treaty Six territory - a stone’s throw away from the confluence of the mighty Battle and North Saskatchewan Rivers.
Board of directors
A volunteer Board of Directors guides the direction of CPAWS Saskatchewan. This Board is independent of the CPAWS National Board of Trustees; however, it operates within all national policies and guidelines.
Sue Michalsky – Chair
Merv Hey – Treasurer
Evan Sorestad – National Board Member