Justin Delorme | CEO
Justin Delorme is CEO of Kahkewistahâw Economic Management Corporation (KEMC), focused on developing economic opportunities on behalf of Kahkewistahâw First Nation (KFN). A proud KFN Member, Justin’s most recent position was as KFN’s Director of Operations, where he gained substantial experience in leadership and operational management. Prior to that, he served two terms as the Trust Chairperson for the Kahkewistahâw 1907 Specific Claim Trust. Justin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Administration with a major in Marketing from the First Nations University of Canada and is currently pursuing an Executive Master’s in Business Administration at Simon Fraser University. He is honoured to work for his Nation and is dedicated to advancing the community’s interests and goals for development.
Candace Wasacase | COO
Candace Wasacase, a proud member of Kahkewistahâw First Nation and daughter of George and Gayle Wasacase, is KEMC’s Chief Operating Officer. A skilled facilitator and entrepreneur with academic credentials from the University of Saskatchewan and the Edwards School of Business, Candace brings significant expertise in economic development, human resources, and community development to her role with KEMC. Throughout her career, Candace has excelled as a consultant and advisor with a unique specialization in Indigenous community relations, economic development, and cultural space development. She has been recognized for her work on the renewal of Wanuskewin Heritage Park, the creation of the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre and other significant projects, including being honoured by the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects for her impactful contributions. As KEMC’s Chief Operating Officer, Candace’s leadership, experience, and vision are focused on driving new opportunities for growth that benefits KEMC, her fellow members of KFN, and all the communities we serve.
Richard Schramm | CFO
Richard Schramm joined KEMC’s executive team in September 2024. Designated as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Richard has extensive experience, financial analysis, accounting, management, strategic development, risk management and controls experience gained through a range of positions over his 35+ year career. Prior to his position with KEMC, Richard spent two decades as Director of Facility Management and Director of Finance for the Saskatchewan Government & General Employees Union (SGEU) and 15 years in the photocopier industry and reporting on the stock exchange. In addition to his CPA and CMA designations, Richard holds a Masters of Trust Management Standards from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. He is excited about KEMC’s plans for development and committed to protecting the interests of its community stakeholders by ensuring due diligence and accountability related to the management of KEMC’s assets and business portfolio and evaluation of new opportunities. Born and raised on a farm northeast of Regina, Richard lives just north of Balgonie on Treaty 4 territory between Piapot and Muscowpetung First Nations.
Mik Cupial | Economic Advisor
Mik Cupial has over a decade of law practice experience advising business clients on a range of complex legal matters including mergers and acquisitions, energy, mine and major infrastructure project development, as well as a broad range of corporate and commercial matters and business including due diligence, acquisitions and mergers. He has been involved at the founder level of a number of successful companies operating in industries ranging from energy to trucking, construction, manufacturing and agriculture, and has frequently advised start-up and growth stage organizations in all aspects of the business growth cycle from business planning to asset and business due diligence, tax and governance structuring, capitalization, operations, and exit events. Mik also has extensive experience in managing, scheduling, coordinating and controlling construction projects related to energy project development, agriculture projects and commercial land development and has successfully led and completed multiple large scale projects in both Saskatchewan and Manitoba. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from the Edwards School of Business and Juris Doctorate from the College of Law, both from the University of Saskatchewan.
Jenna Watson | Business Development Associate
Jenna Watson is KEMC’s Business Development Associate. A proud member of Kahkewistahâw First Nation, Jenna has a background in business strategy and community engagement and a passion for fostering Indigenous economic growth and development. While serving as a member of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, she played a pivotal role in Indigenous engagement planning and projects. Jenna’s expertise in building strategic partnerships and ability to navigate complex business environments have been instrumental in her success. She holds a Bachelor of Administration with a major in Marketing from the First Nations University of Canada and is an active community advocate for Indigenous economic empowerment. Jenna is committed to driving sustainable economic initiatives that benefit KEMC and the broader community as a whole.
KEMC Board of Directors
Evan Taypotat, Chair
Michael Bob, Director
Iris Taypotat–Scribe, Director
Cory Alexson, Director
William Kaysaywaysemat, Director
Senator Amanda Louison, Director
Robert Woods, Director
Olawuwo Oni, Director