Richard Bolton, M.N.R.M
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Richard is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba: Treaty 1 Territory, on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Metis, Cree, Dakota, and Oji-Cree Nations.
Richard has over ten years of experience in the environmental field working with First Nations and rural communities on natural resource management projects and community planning processes. He has worked in private consulting, for government agencies, and ENGOs; has a master’s degree in Natural Resource Management from the University of Manitoba; and a bachelor’s degree in environmental geography and anthropology from the University of British Columbia. |
Richard’s academic background, combined with his hands on experience in with natural resource management provide him a foundation for working with stakeholders from diverse cultural backgrounds to reach a common goal. This is exemplified by the numerous environmental and municipal-type service agreements he has helped develop between First Nations and local governments across Manitoba. He is inspired by supporting sustainable development in rural Indigenous and local communities that is rooted in their distinct cultural identities and aspirations.
Learn more about Richard...
Why does your work matter?
I want to be a resource to First Nations communities to support their work in overcoming the environmental and social issues they face. This type of success is good for communities and for Canadian society as a whole. More specifically, the work I do supports local leadership (from Indigenous communities and municipalities) develop joint decision-making processes surrounding land use, the environment and development. I think having local decision makers sit down and talk with each other is what we need to get to a more sustainable economy and sustainable environment. This can be done in a way that is respectful and doesn’t infringe on eachother’s rights. In this “age of reconciliation”, what is key is that it’s the local decision makers that are making the calls about land use in their area, and that those people need to be talking to eachother. That’s where the real change happens. I think having a neutral party help facilitate those discussions is key for helping to promote that dialogue, break-down old stereotypes, and work toward positive relationships.
What is one of your biggest learnings in your career thus far?
I keep learning more and more about just how extensive the constraints are for First Nations operating under the Indian Act – a really antiquated piece of legislation. Although a number of important amendments have been made, I truly believe the original Act was designed in a way to not allow First Nations to succeed. It is humbling to learn the ways First Nations leaders navigate this legislative context and still find successes in spite of the challenges that are faced by it.
How did you come to work at CIER?
When I moved back to Winnipeg after my undergrad I had my eye on CIER. Years later, I landed a joint position with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and CIER to pilot the Community Infrastructure Partnership Project in Manitoba. That position eventually became a full time position at CIER.
Do you have a role-model/teacher/mentor?
I have had a number of role models throughout my career. My boss and supervisor for my undergrad thesis Duncan McLaren; the way he approached his archaeology work with First Nations was inspiring. He was also someone that role-modeled ways to do good and ethical environmental consulting work. He was someone I could play music with and showed me that healthy work-life balance was possible if you played your cards right!
My master’s supervisor, Iain Davidson-Hunt, taught me a lot about the importance of process. He provided a good example of how to approach projects in a collaborative way that allows for a co-designing of the research questions and methodology. He showed me you can have clear and specific research objectives but the process can be quite open to ensure it is meeting everyone’s needs.
Also, a CIER Board member, Peigi Wilson. She is a super intelligent, proud, Métis woman, an amazing facilitator and lawyer by training. I don’t think I’ve met anyone better at cross cultural facilitation. She has a way of finding common ground in difficult situations, especially in a cross cultural context.
Where do you feel most at home?
Sitting in front of a fire with your camp set up on a lake in North Western Ontario somewhere in the bush.
What are you doing when you’re not at your desk?
Walking my dog, playing music with friends, planning my next surf trip with my brother.
I want to be a resource to First Nations communities to support their work in overcoming the environmental and social issues they face. This type of success is good for communities and for Canadian society as a whole. More specifically, the work I do supports local leadership (from Indigenous communities and municipalities) develop joint decision-making processes surrounding land use, the environment and development. I think having local decision makers sit down and talk with each other is what we need to get to a more sustainable economy and sustainable environment. This can be done in a way that is respectful and doesn’t infringe on eachother’s rights. In this “age of reconciliation”, what is key is that it’s the local decision makers that are making the calls about land use in their area, and that those people need to be talking to eachother. That’s where the real change happens. I think having a neutral party help facilitate those discussions is key for helping to promote that dialogue, break-down old stereotypes, and work toward positive relationships.
What is one of your biggest learnings in your career thus far?
I keep learning more and more about just how extensive the constraints are for First Nations operating under the Indian Act – a really antiquated piece of legislation. Although a number of important amendments have been made, I truly believe the original Act was designed in a way to not allow First Nations to succeed. It is humbling to learn the ways First Nations leaders navigate this legislative context and still find successes in spite of the challenges that are faced by it.
How did you come to work at CIER?
When I moved back to Winnipeg after my undergrad I had my eye on CIER. Years later, I landed a joint position with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and CIER to pilot the Community Infrastructure Partnership Project in Manitoba. That position eventually became a full time position at CIER.
Do you have a role-model/teacher/mentor?
I have had a number of role models throughout my career. My boss and supervisor for my undergrad thesis Duncan McLaren; the way he approached his archaeology work with First Nations was inspiring. He was also someone that role-modeled ways to do good and ethical environmental consulting work. He was someone I could play music with and showed me that healthy work-life balance was possible if you played your cards right!
My master’s supervisor, Iain Davidson-Hunt, taught me a lot about the importance of process. He provided a good example of how to approach projects in a collaborative way that allows for a co-designing of the research questions and methodology. He showed me you can have clear and specific research objectives but the process can be quite open to ensure it is meeting everyone’s needs.
Also, a CIER Board member, Peigi Wilson. She is a super intelligent, proud, Métis woman, an amazing facilitator and lawyer by training. I don’t think I’ve met anyone better at cross cultural facilitation. She has a way of finding common ground in difficult situations, especially in a cross cultural context.
Where do you feel most at home?
Sitting in front of a fire with your camp set up on a lake in North Western Ontario somewhere in the bush.
What are you doing when you’re not at your desk?
Walking my dog, playing music with friends, planning my next surf trip with my brother.