Board of Directors

Elson McDougald, Founder and Director

Mr. McDougald has over 60 years of experience in the oil and gas services business. 

Mr. McDougald was recently a director of Matrrix/Stampede Drilling Inc. (“Stampede”) from 2011 to 2023. Prior thereto, Elson was the founding CEO and the Executive Chairman of CanElson Drilling Inc. (“CanElson”) from August 2008 to August 2015 until it was purchased by Trinidad Drilling Ltd. (“Trinidad”). Prior thereto, he was Chairman of Savanna Energy Services Corp. (“Savanna”) from August 2006 to May 2008. Prior to its merger with Savanna in August 2006, Mr. McDougald was the founding Chairman, President and CEO of Western Lakota Energy Services Inc.(“Western Lakota”), which he grew from a startup company in 2002 to a $650 million company at the time of its merger with Savanna. Prior to Western Lakota, Elson was the founding Chairman and CEO of Tetonka Drilling Inc. (“Tetonka”), incorporated in 1997 and sold to Bonus Resource Services Corp. for approximately $155 million in November 2000 (ultimately purchased by Nabors Drilling). Prior thereto, Mr. McDougald was the Founder, CEO, President, CFO and COO of Laredo Drilling Ltd. (“Laredo”).  Mr. McDougald was formerly a director of Phoenix Energy Services Corp., Alberta Treasury Branch, CCR Technologies Ltd., Elson Energy Enterprises Ltd., Trinidad and Stampede.

Mr. McDougald was awarded the IYINIW Lifetime Achievement award presented by Chief Buffalo, Chief Laboucane, Chief Stanley, and Chief Makokis and was awarded the IRC Circle award for his contributions to Indigenous communities in the energy sector.

Andy Popko - Vice President and Director

Mr. Popko has over 45 years of experience in the oil and gas industry and has been at the forefront of Indigenous engagement across Canada, Alaska and internationally. He began his career with AEC, which became EnCana. Andy was appointed Encana’s first VP of Indigenous Relations. Andy was seconded to the Privy Council Office in Ottawa, where he worked on the Kelowna Accord Agreement and collaborated on Indigenous policy matters related to Economic Development.  In 2008, he worked as VP of Indigenous Affairs with the Northern Gateway Pipeline project.  In 2012, he was appointed as VP of NCSG Crane and Heavy Haul, where he continues to lead Indigenous partnerships across Canada. Mr. Popko has served on the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB). He currently sits on the Board of Directors for Métis Crossing, an Indigenous tourism destination in Alberta. Andy has been recognized as an Honorary Chief of Heart Lake First Nation, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tribal Institute of Treaty 6, and received the Recognition Award from the U.S. Department of Minerals and Mines in Washington, D.C., for his work with Indigenous communities in Northern Alaska.

Stephen Buffalo – Chairman and Director

Mr. Buffalo has over 25 years of experience in the finance and energy industry and is a member of the Samson Cree Nation located in Maskwacis.  Mr. Buffalo currently serves as President and CEO of the Indian Resources Council of Canada (“IRC”), a corporation created in 1987 to support Indigenous communities to attain greater control and management of their oil and natural gas resources. The IRC currently represents > 155 Indigenous communities throughout Canada. Mr. Buffalo currently serves as the Board Chair of Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (“AIOC”). The AIOC bridges the gap between Indigenous groups seeking commercial partnerships in major projects and their financial capacity by providing up to $3Bn in loan guarantees to reduce the cost of capital for indigenous groups investing in infrastructure projects. Prior to, Mr. Buffalo was also involved with the Peace Hills Trust Company, a corporation providing banking solutions to Indigenous communities, at various levels.

Mr. Buffalo has also served on the Board of Directors for Brane Capital and also serves as a Trustee for the IRC Trust. Stephen holds a B. Admin Certificate from Medicine Hat College, a B. Admin Certificate from the University of Lethbridge, a Bachelor of Management from the University of Lethbridge and an ICD.D Designation from Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto.

Terry Munro - Director

Terry Munro is President of Munro & Associates Inc. a management consulting firm specializing in First Nations matters for over 35 years.  His firm has been retained by numerous Indigenous organizations throughout Western Canada. His firm works with Indigenous entrepreneurs to capitalize on opportunities to build strong and viable communities, economies, businesses and institutions, create employment and hasten the goal of economic self-sufficiency for the First Nations communities as a whole. Over the past two decades he has been instrumental in assisting First Nations gain control of their capital moneys and establish their own independent Trust Funds.  These particular Trusts now have a total value of over $1.5 Billion.  Mr. Munro as been recognized as an Honorary Chief of the Bearspaw First Nation.

Jeff McCaig - Director

Mr. McCaig is Chair of the Trimac Transportation Group of Companies (“Trimac”) one of the largest providers of bulk trucking services in North America and also provides complementary logistics services, including transload facility operations, distribution management, and freight brokerage, of which he was the CEO until December 31, 2015. Mr. McCaig is a director of MEG Energy Corp. (“MEG”), Grayhawk Investments Strategies Inc., an investment management company, a director and Chair of Bantrel Company, an engineering, procurement and construction company, a director and co-owner of the Calgary Flames Hockey Club and was a director of Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan from January 2001 until May 2017, when it merged with Agrium to form Nutrien. Mr. McCaig also serves as Chair of the Flames Foundation For Life and holds a degree in economics from Harvard University, a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, and a Master of Science in Management degree from Stanford University. He is also a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Chief Darcy Dixon - Director

Chief Darcy Dixon is the elected Chief of the Bearspaw First Nation and a nationally respected Indigenous leader with more than 25 years of experience in First Nations governance, policy advocacy and economic development. Under his leadership, Bearspaw has launched several successful initiatives in education, cultural revitalization, infrastructure and economic expansion. Through his guidance, his Nation has set out to achieve economic independence through the development of Bearspaw-owned businesses and Trusts. The Nation’s portfolio includes the Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino, Esso Kananaskis Travel Centre, Subway franchise, Centex gas station and convenience store, Stoney Nakoda Telecom, Clearwave Broadband Networks, partnerships with TC Energy, West Fraser and the creation of the Ozîja Thiha Legacy Trust. Chief Dixon’s deep commitment to self-sufficiency and paired with his experience navigating complex financial and policy environments, ensures a strong foundation for the further success of Bearspaw’s growing economy.

Chief Greg Desjarlais - Director

Chief Greg Desjarlais the elected Chief of Frog Lake First Nation is a strategic leader focused on building long-term economic stability and growth for his community. Under his guidance, Frog Lake has strengthened its presence in the energy sector while pursuing new opportunities in areas such as technology, land development, and sustainable resource management. Chief Desjarlais is recognized for fostering partnerships that balance profitability with accountability, ensuring that business ventures contribute to both community well-being and investor confidence.  Committed to advancing economic sovereignty, Chief Desjarlais emphasizes innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development as key drivers of success. The Nation’s portfolio includes Frog Lake Energy, Waskonaman Askih Construction, Frog Lake Travel Centre, Oilfield and Well servicing companies and others.  He has cultivated strong relationships with industry leaders and government partners, positioning Frog Lake First Nation as a trusted collaborator in major projects across Alberta and beyond. With a steady focus on creating value through sustainable investments, Chief Desjarlais is shaping a future in which Frog Lake First Nation stands as a model of Indigenous-led economic leadership in Canada.