About

Dana Bush is a vegetation ecologist with a B.Sc. in plant biology from the University of Calgary, and a M.Sc. in Reclamation and Remediation from the University of Alberta. Ms Bush has worked as a consultant for 14 years, as a vegetation ecologist, and as a traditional knowledge liaison for 10 of those years. She has worked with the Dene (Chipewyan), Cree and Métis Communities from Bonnyville to Fort Chipewyan, meeting with band councilors, interviewing Elders, and writing environmental impact assessments that accurately and fairly reflect their concerns and observations.

SUMMARY OF SKILLS
Ecological Background – twelve years field experience with vegetation surveys and rare plant surveys in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories.

Consultation -  experience with volunteer groups (Alberta Native Plant Council and Adopt-a-Plant Alberta), government (Endangered Species Conservation Committee), and industry.

Aboriginal Relations – ten years experience working with aboriginal communities, meeting with band councilors, interviewing Elders, and writing environmental impact assessments that accurately and fairly reflect their concerns and observations.

Project Management – process and manage data, write reports, develop and track budgets, coordinate contracts and field surveys.

Technical Skill – proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and familiar with Access. Standard First Aid, CPR Level C, WHMIS, Bear Awareness, ATV Training, and a Class 5 Driver’s License.

Communication – excellent communication skills, including writing technical papers, articles and books for a variety of audiences. Comfortable speaking at professional conferences and meetings as well as with community groups.

EDUCATION

2006 – Aboriginal Consultation – in house training for Gateway Pipeline
2006 – Range Health Assessment – Cows and Fish
2003 – Riparian Health Assessment for Streams & Small Rivers – Cows and Fish
2000/4 – Moss Identification (2004), Lichen (2004), Sedge (2001), Willow (2001), and Fern (2000) – Prairie & Northern Plant Diversity Centre.
2000 – Aboriginal Awareness Training – Ripple Effects Ltd.
1998 – M.Sc. in Reclamation and Remediation – Department of Renewable Resources, U of A.
Thesis: Native Seed Mixes for Diverse Plant Communities
1978 – B.Sc. Plant Biology with Minor in Art – University of Calgary

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

  • DS Environmental Environmental Consulting Inc (2008) – Third party review of Shell Jackpine Mine Expansion and Pierre River Mine Expansion. Prepared for: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation.
  • JacquesWhitford / AXYS Environmental Cons. Ltd. – Practice Lead, Vegetation, (2006-2007); Vegetation Ecologist, (1996-2007) and FMA Heritage Resource Consultants (A subsidiary of JacquesWhitford / AXYS Environmental Consulting Ltd.) – Community Liaison (2000-2007)
  • Coordinated multidisciplinary teams, with soils, wildlife, air, groundwater, heritage resources, GIS, and traditional land use,
  • Designed and managed field programmes
  • Conducted vegetation surveys in Prairie, Parkland, Mountain, and Boreal Natural Regions in Alberta and in Saskatchewan, British Columbia and the North West Territories
  • Documented Traditional Environmental Knowledge (TEK) with aboriginal communities
  • Developed budgets and prepared proposals

PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

AXYS Environmental Consulting and FMA Heritage Resource Consultants (1998 – 2007) Numerous Traditional Land Use Assessments. Recent reports are summarized below:

  • Cold Lake First Nation (Imperial Oil: Nabiye and Mahihkan North SAGD; BlackRock Orion SAGD; Foster Creek Pipeline)
  • Métis Zone II (Imperial Oil: Nabiye and Mahihkan North SAGD; BlackRock Orion SAGD; Foster Creek Pipeline)
  • Fort McMurray No. 468 First Nation (Surmont SAGD; Corridor Pipeline; OPTI Long Lake SAGD; JACOS Hangingstone SAGD).
  • Smaller projects with Chipewyan Prairie First Nation, Fort McKay First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Heart Lake First Nation, and Mikisew Cree First Nation.
  • Dersch, Ave, and C. Dana Bush. 2008. Identifying Traditionally Used Plants in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Prepared for the Cumulative Environmental Management Association, Sustainable Ecosystems Working Group, Traditional Use Plants Task Group, Fort McMurray, AB.