LHDC Governance
Board of Directors

Dean Kakakaway is a member of Keeseekoose First Nation with extensive experience in learning, education, leadership, governance and administration. He and his wife share a blended family of seven grown children and welcomed their ninth grandchild in December of 2023.

An educator for more than two decades, Dean has always loved teaching and growing his own knowledge through education. Throughout his journey, he has always stayed connected to home, and is grateful for his community’s support. Dean is a graduate of the ITEP Program at the University of Saskatchewan, where he also earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, with a focus on Indigenous Leadership.

After seven happy years teaching at Keeseekoose Chiefs’ Education Centre (KCEC), Dean joined the Keeseekoose Alumni Board, where he maximized his interests in data and numbers to help develop and implement a range of guidelines and procedures. He then became Trustee and Chairperson of KKTLE Holdings Corporation, working diligently to develop a solid action plan and develop new opportunities for growth. Dean and his fellow eleven trustees created new legal leases, purchased new maintenance equipment, paid outstanding land taxes, and much more. He is especially proud of KKTLE’s graduation incentive, which provides $1000 to all successful graduates who complete the application.

Business- and goal-oriented, Dean is looking forward to sharing his knowledge with LHDC to benefit the people of Keeseekoose Nation and provide a legacy for future generations.

Carl Ninine has an extensive background in entrepreneurship as a business owner, executive leader, and finance/accounting professional. From Southend in northern Saskatchewan, Ninine is a proud Cree-speaker and Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation member. He brings varied and extensive knowledge to his many roles, backed by experience in executive leadership in private and public enterprise and entrepreneurial development and a solid professional and educational background in accountancy and finance.

As an entrepreneur, Ninine has operated in finance/capital markets, construction, project management, and, most recently, in wastewater treatment. On his own or with partners, Ninine has been a founder in all companies in which he has been an owner, positioning his investments to innovate and operate across diverse industries. He is known for engaging across all business sections and is a hands-on leader, willing to roll-up his sleeves, and also to take responsibility for the day to day running of the commercial, legal, financial and outside relations.

Maynard Sonntag’s remarkable career includes leadership roles in both public and private sectors. Prior to his current role as Interim CEO of FHQ Developments, Maynard served as the President and CEO at Silver Sage Housing Corporation, showcasing his expertise in the housing industry. His outstanding contributions to public service are exemplified by his tenure as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan. Maynard’s dedication earned him the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.

In 1991, Maynard was elected to the Saskatchewan legislature as the representative for Meadow Lake. This trust from his constituents led to re-election in 1995, 1999, and 2003. During his time in government, he held various significant portfolios, including Property Management, Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training, Highways and Transportation,

Elder Ted Strongquill is a former Keeseekoose First Nation Council member who also farmed for many years. He and his wife are dedicated to helping Keeseekoose grow and believe that working together is the key to building the Nation. He provides the Little Heaven Board of Directors with important guidance as they plan for sustainable growth for future generations.

“Our Creator gave us Lands and Resources to share and provide for the needs of our peoples. We must use these wisely in creating economic and business development so our people will have a healthy economic future.”