Our People
Our Board of Directors
The Board of Directors for the Arctic Gateway Group have been selected by our ownership group and include representation from the communities we serve.
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Mayor, Town of Churchill
Co-Chairman, Arctic Gateway GroupThe Honourable Mayor Michael Spence was born and raised in Churchill, Manitoba. After graduating, he was employed with Federal Public Works Department and Churchill pre-fab housing plan. From 1976 to present Mayor Spence has developed three successful ongoing businesses, including ownership of a very successful local full service hotel.
Among Mayor Spence’s businesses achievements is Wat’chee Expeditions, a specialized eco-tourism company that provides guided activities into Wapusk National Park from his lodge in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. Of particular interests to visitors are the denning polar bears that can be observed during the operating season, which extends from mid-February through March.
Mayor Spence was elected as Councillor in 1989 and served on Churchill Economic Advisory Committee and also served as the chairman of the Churchill Regional Health Centre Board. In 1992, Mayor Spence was re-elected and installed as Deputy Mayor. Mr. Spence was elected Mayor in 1995 and has served consecutively in that capacity since. Mayor Spence is very active in the promotion of Churchill, tourism, and preservation of Northern Culture and Heritage. So much so, that in the past he has served on the Travel Manitoba Board. Mayor Spence has also been a member of the Manitoba Hydro Board since 2002 and has serves on the Advisory Council to the Order of Manitoba.
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Director, Arctic Gateway Group
Born and raised in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Cal has spent most of his life experiencing Manitoba’s northern communities. Cal served two terms as Mayor of Flin Flon and former Chair of the Northern Regional Health Authority. In addition, Cal is the chair of several other initiatives and organizations in the north, including the Flin Flon and District Assessment and Referral Service, and most recently, the MMDF Application Review Committee. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the Mining Association of Manitoba, Community Futures Greenstone, and the Flin Flon Junior Bombers of the SJHL.
Recently retired, Cal worked as the HR Special Projects Superintendent at Hudbay Minerals Inc. Cal is the proud father of two beautiful grown daughters, Sydnie and Mallory, and grandfather to four wonderful grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys time with his family at the cottage and the occasional game of golf.
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Chief, War Lake First Nation
Board Member, Arctic Gateway GroupChief Betsy Kennedy is the Chief of War Lake First Nation, a role she has served for five terms since 2006. After completing her postsecondary education with a focus in Social Work, Ms. Kennedy also served as a Councillor for War Lake from 1998 to 2006.
Ms. Kennedy was born in Herchmer, MB (Mile Marker 412 of the Hudson Bay Railway), the eldest granddaughter of the founding Chief of War Lake Adam Dick. With her family’s roots running deep with the Railway, Ms. Kennedy continues to be an advocate for the communities it serves, and has made building infrastructure to benefit the economic wellbeing of the War Lake First Nation her goal as Chief.
As a Board Member for the Arctic Gateway Group, Ms. Kennedy’s educational background and experiential knowledge in health, northern development and land entitlement assist in understanding the North’s needs and challenges from a First Nations perspective, and was as key part of the negotiations that brought the Hudson Bay Railway and the Port of Churchill into the Arctic Gateway Group.
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Director, Arctic Gateway Group
Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Gary Rennick began his career with CN Rail immediately after high school. While ascending through the ranks over his 37-year tenure, he earned a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta and held key senior leadership roles in Economics & Planning, Costing, Marketing & Sales, Financial Planning, Transportation, and Operations—working in major hubs across Canada, including Jasper, Edmonton, Montreal, Winnipeg, and Saskatoon.
Since retiring from CN, Gary has been instrumental in multiple startup ventures, as well as a five-year term as COO of Omnitrax, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s early success in Canada and the U.S., with a particular focus on the Hudson Bay Railway and the Port of Churchill. He continues to be committed to the success of the Arctic Gateway Group and the key role it will play in the future of Canada and it’s North.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Gary is deeply committed to his community. He serves as a Board Member and Treasurer for both the Greater Vernon Museum & Archives and the Rise Community Association in Vernon, British Columbia. In his free time, he enjoys golfing and creating engaging video content for digital and social media platforms.
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Director, Arctic Gateway Group, Representing Opaskwayak Cree Nation
Chief Maureen Brown, born March 28, 1960, in The Pas, Manitoba, stands as a historic figure for the Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN), having been elected as the very first female Chief on September 21, 2023. This achievement represents a profound historical milestone for OCN, signaling a significant progression in governance and inspiring future generations of leaders within the community and beyond. Her leadership is deeply rooted in a lifelong dedication to her people, guided by the foundational principles of the Seven Sacred Teachings—Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, and Truth—and a steadfast commitment to achieving Mino Pimâtisiwin, or "the good life," for all OCN members.
Under her leadership, Chief Brown is actively shaping the future of Opaskwayak Cree Nation by integrating traditional values with modern governance. Her commitment to the Seven Sacred Teachings and the principle of "Leading for Seven Generations" ensures that all decisions are made with a long-term, sustainable vision for the community's prosperity and cultural integrity. This approach, which combines traditional wisdom with contemporary practices, presents a powerful model for Indigenous self-determination, demonstrating how First Nations can build strong, vibrant communities on their own terms.
Chief Brown's extensive background in public service underscores her preparedness for this pivotal role. Her experience includes four terms as an elected Councilor for OCN, five years as Vice Chair of Post-Secondary Education for the Province of Manitoba, and three years as President of the OCN Blizzard board.
She serves as a Director for the Arctic Gateway Group and The Pas Tri-Community Foundation, extending her influence and advocacy across regional and provincial initiatives. Her vision for OCN is forward-looking, emphasizing youth empowerment as the community's strongest competitive advantage, fostering unity and accountability, and championing sustainable development grounded in cultural values. Under her leadership, OCN is actively pursuing initiatives that enhance accessibility, promote cultural healing, and strengthen community identity, setting a positive trajectory for generations to come.
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Director, Arctic Gateway Group
Paul oversees a family office with investments as President at Tevir Capital Corp which has investments in various businesses including insurance, media, entertainment and industrial companies.
Mr. Rivett currently serves as Chair on the boards of GreenFirst and Chorus Aviation. Paul is also the CEO of Western Investment Company of Canada and Vice Chair of Gold Reserve Ltd.
Mr. Rivett has previously been Chair of a number of notable boards, including Torstar, Recipe Unlimited, and VerticalScope, along with Vice-Chair of Fairfax Africa. Several other past Board roles include at PEAK Athletics (Bauer & Easton Sports), TeamSnap, Golf Town & Sporting Life, Dexterra, NorthStar Gaming, AGT Foods, MEGA Brands, Resolute Forest Products, Canadian Press and The Brick.
Mr. Rivett holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Toronto, a master’s degree in industrial relations from Queen’s University, and a Law Degree from Queen’s University. He is also a Canadian Securities Registered Portfolio Manager.
OUR STORY
Arctic Gateway Group is owned by a partnership of 41 Indigenous and Bayside communities, including 29 First Nations. This local ownership model ensures that the economic growth of the Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway directly benefits the communities who call the North home. Instead of profits leaving Canada, they are reinvested in Northern communities through reliable rail service, financial benefits, workforce training, and good-paying jobs—most of which are held by Indigenous workers.
Contact us and join the journey.
Arctic gateway group’s operations are located on Treaty 5 & Treaty 1 territories. Our member communities reside throughout Treaty 1, Treaty 5, Treaty 6, & Treaty 10 Territories, the original lands of the Cree, Dene, Ojibway, Oji-cree, and homeland of the Métis Nation and ancestral territory of the Inuit.