Engagement

Whitney Buhr is a seasoned engagement professional with a strong background in Indigenous–Canadian history and more than a decade of experience leading public participation and community engagement initiatives. As Director of Engagement at the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC), she builds trusted relationships with corporate partners and Indigenous nations and groups across Alberta. Her leadership has supported more than $1.2 billion in successful and prospective Indigenous equity partnership.

Before joining AIOC, Whitney supported Indigenous and stakeholder engagement at a midstream company, where she developed a national operational engagement framework, advanced reconciliation-focused training initiatives, and supported engagement on an Indigenous-led 50/50 partnership to acquire a major stake in the Trans Mountain expansion.

Whitney holds a Master of Arts in History from the University of Victoria, specializing in Indigenous history, and has completed the CFA Institute’s Investment Foundations Certificate. She volunteers with the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) and has supported reconciliation-focused initiatives with Young Women in Energy.

Her work is grounded in collaboration, cultural awareness, and a commitment to advancing meaningful partnerships that foster economic and social opportunity.

With over 13 years of experience at the intersection of industry, government, and communities, Shafak Sajid is dedicated to building meaningful relationships and driving impactful change. A recipient of the Young Women in Energy Award, Shafak excels in strategic planning, and relationship building. She is known for her innovative approach to integrating diverse perspectives, fostering collaboration, and delivering actionable results in complex environments.

Shafak started her career in Karachi, Pakistan, focusing on health, education, and micro finance projects in communities throughout the country. Shafak moved to Calgary in 2011 to pursue her Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Calgary. Her career has included policy research where she authored several policy reports and has been featured in print, broadcast, and radio outlets across Western Canada.

Shafak then focused her career leading community engagement and stakeholder relations at CAPP and Pathways Alliance. Beyond her professional career, Shafak is also an avid traveler, a tennis enthusiast, and an active volunteer in Calgary's arts community.

Mario is a proud member of the Bigstone Cree Nation of Treaty No. 8 Territory. He is a NAIT graduate with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration with a major in management. Mario has several years of experience with Indigenous relations and over twenty years in the energy industry, more specifically in civil earthworks.

Mario has worked for non-profits, industry, and local governments with roles such as Business Industry Liaison, Project/field coordinator, Field Supervisor and Foreman. Within those roles he developed an extensive network and built key relationships with First Nation communities, different levels of government, Indigenous organizations, and numerous companies in various sectors.

Mario’s personal mission is to foster meaningful relationships built on trust and respect, bridging the gap between Indigenous and corporate communities, and work towards the advancement of reconciliation by Indigenous inclusion in the Alberta workforce. He is a proud father of two beautiful children and is passionate about learning and reconnecting with his culture.

Thalia brings over 15 years of experience working in the Alberta energy sector serving in both technical and non-technical capacities as a Geophysicist, Community Liaison, Consultation & Regulatory Advisor and Indigenous & Community Relations Manager. She has supported the development and execution of oil and gas upstream planning for technical and non-technical risk, by serving on integrated teams for both large and mid-sized energy companies. She also has created and implemented an Indigenous Relations strategy, rooted in meaningful partnership with Indigenous Nations, for an energy industry service company.

Thalia is passionate about transferring the knowledge that she has gained throughout her career to the youth through mentorship with programs such as Calgary Youth Justice Society’s In-The-Lead, along with the many Indigenous summer students from the various organizations she has been with.

Thalia was raised in Treaty 8 Territory in what are now known as Grimshaw, Peace River and High Level and is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. She spends time with her beautifully blended family being a swim parent, hiking in the mountains, camping, and participating in outdoor sports, as a guest in Treaty 7 Territory, moh’kinsstis (Calgary), where she calls home.