FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AISES and AISES Canada Announce John Desjarlais as Inaugural Executive Director of AISES Canada
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico & REGINA, Saskatchewan (July 2026) – Advancing Indigenous Science and Engineering Society (AISES) and AISES Canada (ACAN) are pleased to announce the appointment of John Desjarlais as the inaugural Executive Director of AISES Canada, effective July 1, 2026. The AISES Canada Board of Directors unanimously approved the appointment. In this role, John will lead AISES Canada’s next phase of growth as an independent Canadian registered charity while continuing to work towards substantially increasing Indigenous representation in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields alongside AISES.
John is Néhinaw (Cree)-Métis from Kaministikominahikoskak (Cumberland House), Saskatchewan, and a professional engineer with more than two decades of leadership across engineering, economic development, and Indigenous advocacy. He holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Saskatchewan and is a Past President of APEGS, the professional regulatory body for engineers in Saskatchewan.
A founding member of the Canadian Indigenous Advisory Council to AISES and former Executive Director of the Indigenous Resource Network, John brings deep governance experience and a long-standing commitment to increasing Indigenous representation in STEM. He previously served as Chair of the AISES Canada Board, where he played a key role in shaping the organization’s governance and strategic direction, stepping down from the board to assume the Executive Director position.
“John’s leadership through ACAN’s earliest days has been foundational, and there is no one better positioned to guide this next chapter,” said Sarah EchoHawk, President of AISES. “His commitment to Indigenous students and professionals, and his understanding of what it takes to build lasting institutions, make this an exciting moment for AISES Canada and for the broader movement to advance Indigenous representation in STEM.”
“I’m delighted that John Desjarlais will serve as AISES Canada’s inaugural Executive Director,” said Melanie Howard, Treasurer of the AISES Canada Board of Directors. “Having known him for more than a decade, I’ve seen firsthand how his energy and dedication to increasing Indigenous participation in STEM are genuinely infectious. I can’t think of a better person to represent AISES Canada across the public, private and academic sectors nationwide.”
“It is an honor to take on this role at such a pivotal time,” said John Desjarlais. “AISES Canada has the opportunity to build something enduring for Indigenous students, professionals, and communities across the country. I am grateful to the board for their trust, and I look forward to the work ahead.”
About AISES Canada
For nearly 50 years, AISES has served Indigenous students and professionals across the United States, Canada, and the Pacific Islands. Over the years, it became clear that Canadian members and communities needed more than a shared cross border model could offer, particularly around funding, given the real differences between charitable regulations in the United States and Canada. The AISES Board ultimately made the decision launch AISES Canada as its own Canadian registered charity. It has been a lengthy process, and an important one, creating an organization built by and for Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Today, AISES Canada is the Canadian home for AISES’ mission of substantially increasing Indigenous representation in science, technology, engineering, and math. ACAN serves Indigenous students, professionals, educators, and communities across Canada through chapters, scholarships, national gatherings, and youth education initiatives.
AISES Canada National Gathering 2027
AISES Canada will host its next Canada National Gathering in Winnipeg in 2027, bringing together Indigenous students, professionals, educators, and community members from across the country for connection, culture, and celebration of Indigenous excellence in STEM. Registration will open in the coming weeks. To learn more and stay informed, visit aises.org/ACAN.
About AISES
AISES is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples in the United States, Canada, and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math studies and careers. For decades, AISES has served students and professionals through scholarships, chapters, professional development, and its flagship National Conference, building pathways to Indigenous leadership across STEM fields.
Media Contacts
AISES
Lisa Paz
Managing Director, Canadian Relations
(505) 765-1052
AISES Canada
General Inquiries: hello@aises.ca
Partnerships: partners@aises.ca