INTERNSHIP ALUMNI

Ananya Bhattacharya

Project Manager, Takla Nation

Program: First Nations Government Internship

Host: Takla Nation

Year: 2018

"The First Nations government internship was the stepping stone in my professional journey. It was the perfect opportunity to exercise my passion, experience the North and apply the skills I gained in my education to provide additional capacity to a First Nations community. Through my internship, I received excellent mentorship, worked on several exciting projects, made lifelong connections and learned about the rich history and culture of the First Nations peoples. Following my internship, I was offered a full-time position with Takla Nation as a research analyst and continue to work with them three years later, running a youth internship program for the community. I am thankful to Northern Development for their support through the program and would encourage recent graduates to apply for the internship."

Andalib Olee

Officer, Village of Masset, Village of Masset

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: Village of Masset

Year: 2024

"The internship offered networking opportunities and exposure to various aspects of the organization, enhancing my understanding of the industry and potential career paths. Overall, the experience was enriching and contributed significantly to my development as a professional."

Brenda Kolenbrander

Planner, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: City of Williams Lake

Year: 2018

Brian Doddridge

Chief Administrative Officer, Village of Clinton

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: City of Terrace

Year: 2016

"The internship program made me confident in my ability to thrive in the field of local government in the North. The combination of NDIT training, local government mentorship and peer correspondence is a perfect way to achieve successful outcomes."

Brooklyn Wilson

Senior Industrial Relations Officer, BC Public Service - Ministry of Labour

Program: First Nations Government Internship

Host: Takla Nation - Sasuchan Development Corporation

Year: 2020

"The internship opportunity is a great asset for the North and provides a wonderful opportunity for recent grads to discover meaningful careers! "

Chantal Wentland

Planning and Economic Development Officer, North Coast Regional District

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: Regional District of Bulkley Nechako

Year: 2020

"They say it's not what you know, it's who you know. The local government internship supported me in gaining experience and focused training opportunities while also receiving a high level of mentorship in my career. I built relationships with my generation of public servants that continue to help me diversify my skillset. I have the job as a result of the people I met during my time in the internship, that as a student I believed would just be a pipe dream. I am fortunate now to live in the 'city of rainbows', doing my part in local government to protect the social, economic and ecological values of Haida Gwaii from the ground up. I am grateful for the experiences I gained working in a northern, rural community. "

Constance Azak

Research Assistant, Nisg‘a Lisims Government

Program: First Nations Government Internship

Host: Nisg‘a Lisims Government

Year: 2018

"As a born-and-raised Nisga'a, to have been able to work for my people in this capacity has been the most rewarding and humbling experience in my professional life. I am immensely grateful to have had this opportunity. It has created the potential for me and for others like me to take an active part in our own peoples' future."

Crystal Rain Harry

Councillor, X‘atsull First Nation

Program: First Nations Government Internship

Host: Tsilhqotin Nation

Year: 2017

Dana Hawkins

Planner 2, Regional District of Central Kootenay

Program: Economic Development Internship

Host: Northern Development Initiative Trust

Year: 2013

Daniel Fish

Chief Administrative Officer, North Coast Regional District

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: District of Fort St. James

Year: 2012

David Schroeter

Director of Corporate Services, Town of Smithers

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: District of Fort St. James

Year: 2018

Deklan Corstanje

Manager of Economic Development, City of Prince George

Program: Economic Development Internship

Host: Northern Development Initiative Trust

Year: 2015

Derek de Candole

Community Energy Specialist, City of Victoria

Program: Economic Development Internship

Host: Northern Development Initiative Trust

Year: 2011

Devin Croin

Planner 1, City of Courtenay

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: City of Fort St. John

Year: 2021

"The main benefit of working as an intern was being exposed to local government through an entry-level position. In this position I was able to see how local government functions outside of a textbook and learn about the processes that are involved with planning and development. "

Dylan Sellars

General Manager of Unity Cannabis, Williams Lake First Nation

Program: First Nations Government Internship

Host: Williams Lake First Nation

Year: 2020

"The internship program offered me many opportunities to improve my abilities and grow my knowledge base. It gave me much needed experience in a field that I had very little experience in prior to the internship."

Elizabeth Cumming

Deputy Chief Administrarive Officer, Village of Port Clements

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: Village of Port Clements

Year: 2017

Emily Kaehn

Director of Corporate Services, District of Mackenzie

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: Village of Granisle

Year: 2015

Ethan Anderson

Director of Corporate Administration, District of Kitimat

Program: Economic Development Internship

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: Village of Ashcroft

Year: 2013

"Northern Developments economic development internship provided me with the best path to move from post secondary education into the job place. The internship program provides an environment that demands high level performance while also being conducive to learning and self-improvement, which makes it a great option for graduating students seeking real world experience. "

Ethan Fredeen

Chief Administrative Officer/Corporate Officer, Village of Fraser Lake

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: District of Fort St. James

Year: 2020

"I loved my internship and will reminisce on my experience. Working in a small rural community was of great benefit, I received experience that will be an asset in pursuing future ventures and connections that will continue to be a support for years to come. Applying to this internship was one of the brightest decisions I have ever made."

Evangeline Hanuse

Land Use Planning and Community Development Coordinator, Central Coast Regional District

Program: First Nations Government Internship

Host: Nuxalk Nation

Year: 2018

"My experience in the internship program was positive and I gained more out of it than anticipated. I had the opportunity to learn more about community involvement and input on local and First Nations government. "

Gabrielle Jacob

Land and Natural Resources Coordinator, Northern Rockies Regional Municipality

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: Northern Rockies Regional Municipality

Year: 2020

"I had a very positive experience with the internship program. I gained great experience in local government administration and had the opportunity to work with highly experienced managers and employees. I would recommend this program to any recent graduates interested in local government."

Gbenga Ayansola

Natural Resources Officer, L‘heidli Tenneh

Program: First Nations Government Internship

Host: Saulteau First Nation

Year: 2021

"My experience in the internship program was such a pleasant one. I was welcomed by staff members who genuinely love the land, share a common vision and are so passionate about what they are doing. The love could be felt and that created a very conducive environment for me as an intern to give my best toward the progressive works going on in the community. I have had the opportunity to work with passionate people on amazing projects."

Gerald Pinchbeck

Manager of Communications, Cariboo Regional District

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: City of Quesnel

Year: 2014

"This program is a great opportunity for anyone seeking a successful career in community service, be it at the non-profit, community, provincial, federal or international level. As a participant of the internship program, you will get to meet amazing people who are passionate about their communities and working hard to keep their futures bright. You will also be part of extraordinary opportunities and initiatives that most people just starting their careers can only dream of. I highly recommend this program. A career in local government may lead you to places which you didn't think you would reach."

Hasib Nadvi

Manager of Planning, Fraser Valley Regional District

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: City of Williams Lake

Year: 2016

Holly Adams

Development Planning, District of North Vancouver

Program: Planning Internship

Host: Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine

Year: 2014

Holly Brown

Communications Manager, Peace River Regional District

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: District of Houston

Year: 2019

"The highlight of my internship was working with an incredible senior leadership team who helped me to grow professionally and develop a diverse skillset. The internship program is an excellent opportunity to gain direct mentorship from industry leaders and become familiar with Northern B.C. "

Jason Ermineskin

Project Administrator, Aski Reclamation LP (of Saulteau FN)

Program: First Nations Government Internship

Host: Saulteau First Nation

Year: 2019

Jessica Bagnall

Director of Corporate Services, District of Sooke

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: Town of Smithers

Year: 2017

"The Trust's internship program kick-started my career in local government through providing me with the opportunity to intern at Northern Development and with the Town of Smithers. Through these roles I was able to obtain direct mentorship and develop key competencies which have served me in future roles in local government. The network of Northern Development intern alumni have also been a key resource and some of my peers are now lifelong friends. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been the opportunity to become a mentor through the program and share my personal experiences and skills with another intern, assisting them with their professional development. The internship programs are critical in providing new graduates with an opportunity to develop themselves professionally and are an excellent avenue for those wishing to invest in their future. "

Jia Hui Zhang

Planning and Grant Analyst, City of Williams Lake

Program: First Nations Government Internship

Host: Williams Lake First Nation

Year: 2021

"I could carry my curiosity and practice hands on skills. My experience in the First Nations government internship with Williams Lake First Nation opened my mind to different careers and aspects of First Nations governments. The experience helped to prepare me for things that I can expect once I enter the world of my professional planning work. It is important to highlight just how supportive the mentors are and how welcoming and generous my colleagues were in giving time, advice and guiding my professional development. Working as an intern is one of the best decisions I made as a young professional. "

John Anku

Human Resource Generalist, Southeast Resource Development Council Corp.

Program: First Nations Government Internship

Host: Tsay Keh Dene

Year: 2021

Jordan Tidey

Economic Development Manager, County of Grande Prairie

Program: Economic Development Internship

Host: Northern Development Initiative Trust

Year: 2014

Kendra Kinsley

Corporate Officer, District of Summerland

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: Regional District of Bulkley Nechako

Year: 2017

"The internship program provides youth with pathways to meaningful careers in the North. Working in a wide variety of departments during my time in the internship enabled me to develop both practical skills and meaningful relationships to grow further professionally and advance in local government."

Leah Labarrere

Planner 2, City of Prince George

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: District of Chetwynd

Year: 2021

Liana Stepan

Planning Assistant (Graphics), Squamish Lillooet Regional District

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: Squamish Lillooet Regional District

Year: 2021

Lina Gasser

Chief Administrative Officer, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: District of Fort St. James

Year: 2015

Madelaine Swift

Director of Corporate Services, District of Houston

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: City of Quesnel

Year: 2019

"This internship helped me determine that I want a career within local or First Nations government. Without my experience in the internship I do not think I would feel as strongly about working in this field."

Matthew Bascom

Grant Coordinator, Peace River Regional District

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: Peace River Regional District

Year: 2022

Melissa Chiamaka Onwuliri

Quality Service Analyst, Community Living BC.

Program: First Nations Government Internship

Host: Saulteau First Nation

Year: 2024

"The internship program has left a lasting impact on me. Throughout the program, I had the privilege of learning from seasoned professionals, honing my skills, and forging valuable relationships. Working as an intern with Saulteau First Nations provided me with a solid foundation. I experienced personal and professional growth through mentorship, support, skill development, and cultural immersion, which significantly contributed to my career development. I embraced corrections, criticism, and suggestions as avenues for progress and enhancement. My focus during the internship centered on evidence-based strategic thinking, implementation, and improvement. My overall internship experience was invaluable, and I am grateful to NDIT and Saulteau First Nations for the opportunity."

Michael Coulson

Transit Planner, City of Prince George

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: District of Taylor

Year: 2017

Michael Dewar

Chief Administrative Officer, District of Houston

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: City of Prince Rupert

Year: 2016

"I am very grateful for the experiences I gained through Northern Development’s local government internship program. It exposed me to a career that I find very rewarding and provided me with the resources, supports and experience to thrive in local government."

Naomi Setah

Finance Clerk, XeniGwet‘in First Nation

Program: First Nations Government Internship

Host: Halfway River First Nation

Year: 2019

Nelson Silveira

Economic Development Officer, Town of Essex

Program: Economic Development Internship

Host: Northern Development Initiative Trust

Year: 2014

Nicholas Redpath

Senior Planner, Regional District of Nanaimo

Program: Planning Internship

Host: Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine

Year: 2014

Nicole Capewell

Planner II, City of Penticton

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: City of Quesnel

Year: 2016

Purnesh Jani

Planner I, Community Development Planning, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Alberta

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: City of Quesnel

Year: 2021

"One of the key benefits of participating in the internship program, is that it allowed me to gain a sufficient understanding of how local governments function. I had the opportunity to contribute to diverse projects and build relationships with my peers. I greatly value the opportunity to have had a hands-on learning experience with such an excellent team. Unique to the internship program, is having the ability to work in several different departments and participate in diverse projects. It was excellent to be able to learn from and have immediate access to so many experts."

Rachel Baron

Executive Assistant, Economic Development and Natural Resources , Williams Lake First Nation

Program: First Nations Government Internship

Host: Williams Lake First Nation

Year: 2022

Rafid Shadman

Planner 1, Fraser Valley Regional District

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: City of Williams Lake

Year: 2020

"My experience in the internship program was amazing. I learned so much and far exceeded the goals I had set out for myself. Going through this program has really strengthened my love of planning and given me the confidence to progress in my career faster than I otherwise could have. I appreciate the unique opportunity this internship gave me to start working in local government right after finishing my degree."

Rhiannon Barbour

Planning Natural resources, Highland Council

Program: Economic Development Internship

Host: Northern Development Initiative Trust

Year: 2013

Rowan Paulsen

Economic Development Officer, Lheidli T’enneh

Host: District of Mackenzie

Year: 2024

"Through this program, I have built up my confidence and a support network to use as a foundation for whatever challenges I have ahead of me. I have work experience that isn't generic or does not have to be pieced together. I can say "AP Clerk experience" or "Executive Assistant/Legislative Clerk experience" and that is true."

Robyn Carle

Chief Administrtive Officer, Village of Hazelton

Program: Economic Development Internship

Host: Northern Development Initiative Trust

Year: 2011

Sai Hong Chan

Asset Management Technologist, City of Williams Lake

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: City of Williams Lake

Year: 2024

"My internship journey was unforgettable and amazing. I achieved most of my goals and, more importantly, had fun. Working for the City was meaningful and enjoyable, not only because of the wonderful coworkers but also because of my passion for contributing to this community. I highly recommend this internship program. It exposed me to different groups of people, settings, and situations. I learned and improved much about my skills, strengths, and weaknesses."

Samuel Harris

Finance Manager, Kitselas First Nation

Program: First Nations Government Internship

Host: Kitselas First Nation

Year: 2017

"This internship provided a mutual benefit for myself and the host government. The internship program facilitated an opportunity to further grow my experience in the field and receive hands on training and mentorship, while providing additional capacity to the host. "

Shaun Cormier

Project Manager, Sasuchan Development Corporation

Program: Economic Development Internship

Host: Northern Development Initiative Trust

Year: 2015

Shelley Termuende

Communications Advisor, Qathet Regional District

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: Village of Queen Charlotte

Year: 2016

Tyla Pennell

Director of Corporate Services, District of Taylor

Program: Economic Development Internship

Host: District of Taylor

Year: 2013

Tyson Baker

Planner 1, City of Delta

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: District of Stewart

Year: 2018

Walsham Tenshak

Director of Economic Development and Communications, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine

Program: Local Government Internship

Host: Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine

Year: 2021

Will George

Director of Community Services, Town of Smithers

Program: Economic Development Internship

Host: Northern Development Initiative Trust

Year: 2015