NXT-GEN Ambassadors
The OFAH NXT-GEN program was launched in 2021 to provide volunteer experiences for younger people of all abilities with opportunities to offer direct input into OFAH discussions and be spokespersons and influencers while gaining valuable experience, connections, and insights into fishing and hunting and other conservation management topics.
The second group of NXT-GEN Ambassadors have recently been selected, consisting of a mixed group of newcomers and year one returnees. Check out their bios below.
- Troy BlackwellOshawa, ONTroy Blackwell
I was born and raised in London, Ontario, and am currently attending Fleming College pursuing a Fish and Wildlife Technology Diploma. As a summer student, I work for Delta Waterfowl as a seasonal Waterfowl Nesting Technician and drone pilot in Canada’s Prairie Pothole region.
Despite a late introduction to the world of hunting and fishing, I consider myself to now be an avid outdoorsman. Throughout the different seasons of the year, you can likely find me chasing ducks and geese, as well as deer and moose in the fall. In the winter I like to ice fish until thaw. In the spring I usually start my field season out in the prairies where I go after spring snow geese. In the summer I usually end up fishing for whatever I can around where I stay for my field work.
I was able to get my introduction to the outdoors through the kindness of others to take me out under their wing. In part to return the favour, I hope to spread this passion for wildlife to others, as my mentors did with me.
I look forward to some of the in person meetings later on! Thanks again for this amazing opportunity!
- Cosette Arseneault-DerapsLaurentian Hills, ONCosette Arseneault-Deraps
I am an Indigenous student studying Indigenous Studies and Environmental Studies. Currently, I am working on research called Reflections in the Water: How Indigenous Knowledge and Consent are Reflected in Fisheries Research. I grew up fishing with my dad, my uncle, and my grandpa which sparked my interest in fish. Fishing is my “happy place” and I’m lucky to fish 3-4 days a week. Now, my partner and I hunt and fish together, targeting trophy fish for sport and ethically harvesting smaller fish and large game for food.
Being a NXT-GEN ambassador, I bring a unique perspective of understanding the complex need for Indigenous co-development in fisheries and game management. I hope my experience as a NXT-GEN ambassador exposes me to how conservation policies are crafted, what kind of research informs zone-specific regulations, and how Indigenous co-development and co-management come into play for the future of fisheries and game management.
- Fazal MuhamedBarrie, ONFazal Muhamed
Fazal can be portrayed as 29 years old, working in automotive industry, angler, hunter without any background in conservation. It was no more than 3 years ago, I realized my enthusiasm towards outdoors and it was by accident. It was a milestone that I set still remember and wonders about, and I am glad that there’s no turning back.
I come from a small village in South India, where there are limited options to explore outdoors. Living currently in Barrie, ON which I call my hometown. I still regret that I didn’t started these the next day I came in Canada which was 5 years ago, wasting my two years.
This passion has a lot to offer. When I fish or hunt, or even destroying an invasive species, I enjoy the moment of being outdoors and conservational part of it. As the famous saying that it is not always about catching a fish, it’s all about the moment and it is called hunting and not killing. I am slowly, but surely learning new ways every time to preserve and to support conservation.
It was not so long ago I came to know about OFAH and NXT-GEN Ambassador program. I am very much excited to be the part of a team who has same motive as we all. Together we can preserve what we have, bring back what is gone and wipe out which doesn’t belong here for out NEXT GENERATION. Cheers!
- Adam MumbySudbury, OntarioAdam Mumby
I’m a 25-year-old machinist and father based in Sudbury, Ontario. I feel just as at home chasing grouse in the north as I did in the south watching game trails for bucks or on the water angling for rainbows, brookies or pike.
My father has been an OFAH member since well before I’ve been alive and an angler for even longer. Now we are both anglers, hunters and OFAH members along with my partner and my daughter. I grew up seeing the work the OFAH does in the pages of Ontario OUT of DOORS and I’m very excited to help contribute and continue that work so that future generations can enjoy everything our province has to offer.
- Christina CallegariEtobicoke, ONChristina Callegari
I have always had a deep admiration for nature, which led me pursue a career in conservation and sustainability. Today, I work remotely for a non-profit in Nova Scotia as a senior coordinator leading the sustainable seafood and fisheries programs.
A common thread among my personal and professional life is a passion to reconnect with nature and to our food. However, it was not until 2019 after attending a 3-day workshop called “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman” that my interest in hunting and fishing began because of inspiring women I met there. Since then, I have been eagerly learning to fish and hunt for deer, turkey, and waterfowl as a first generation hunter and angler.
As an OFAH NXT-GEN ambassador, I bring 6 years of experience working at environmental non-profits and hope to inspire stewardship of our lands, waters and wildlife while supporting access for hunters and anglers.
- Emma NortheyLittle Britian, ONEmma Northey
I was born in raised in Little Britian, Ontario, growing up surrounded by nature spending all my time outdoors. I am so grateful to have a family who carried on and passed down traditions of fishing, hunting, camping, canoeing, and just simply exploring nature. That sure influenced me. In the spring you can find me battling mosquitoes as I identify plants and turkey hunt; in the summer bass and trout fishing; the fall deer and duck hunting and; in the winter hiking and ice fishing.
I have three college diplomas, Ecosystem Management, Fish and Wildlife Technician, Fish and Wildlife Technologies and a joint honours, degree with Biology and Environmental Resource Sciences.
I currently live in Peterborough and work for a world wide consulting company as a Terrestrial Biologist. I am lucky enough that I get to mix a bit of my hobbies with work. I really do sleep, eat and breathe the outdoors.
As a young woman in the role of an OFAH NXT-GEN ambassador, I hope to bring a unique perspective from my scientific and research-based background, along with my career and sheer passion for the outdoors to ensure that we have hunting, fishing, trapping, sporting dog, and more, experiences for the next generation to come behind me and all of us NXT-GENers.
- Thomas BenoitOttawa, OntarioThomas Benoit
I was born and raised in Wallaceburg, Ontario, and I cut my teeth in the outdoors by exploring the surrounding fields, rivers, and lakes of southern Ontario. I eventually moved to Ottawa, where I completed my M.Sc. in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa.
I’m very passionate about many aspects of the outdoors, and I would describe myself as an outdoors generalist where, throughout the year, you might find me at the base of a tree, on a boat, in a blind, or on a frozen lake. It is with this passion that I want to advocate for our outdoor heritage and the multi-faceted value that hunting and fishing bring to wildlife and habitat conservation. As a returning OFAH NXT-GEN ambassador, I hope that my scientific training, coupled with my enthusiasm for the outdoors, will bring a fresh perspective to tackle the challenges faced by our cherished outdoor sports.
- James ChambersHavelock, ONJames Chambers
I am 28 years old, recently a new father and reside in Havelock, Ontario. I moved to the Peterborough area from Southern Ontario in 2013 to attend Fleming College where I graduated from the Environmental Technician program. I have always had a strong passion for the outdoors and conservation but I would consider myself a first-generation hunter. I grew up regularly fishing with my father but was not exposed to hunting until later in life. With the abundance of hunting and fishing opportunity near my home, angling and hunting has become a year-round obsession. As a NXT-GEN Ambassador I hope to bring the perspective of a first generation hunter who has navigated though the challenges that people face when first starting into hunting.
- Allison HannahKingston, ONAllison Hannah
My name is Allison Hannah. I am a recent graduate of Queen’s University, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Political Studies, a Certificate in French for Professionals, and a Certificate in Law. I have always been quite passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion, which has since been amplified through my education. I make an active effort to address issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all spheres of my life to ensure a welcoming environment for all, irrespective of gender, race, sexual orientation, or abilities.
I currently reside in Kingston, ON, but I was raised in the country just north of the city. I grew up surrounded by avid hunter and anglers which has in turn helped shape my love for the outdoors. I am very grateful to have been able to share my passion for hunting and fishing with my friends and family and to use it as an opportunity to spend quality time and create core memories with loved ones. Most of my outdoor endeavors tend to focus on deer hunting (bow, rifle, and muzzle-loading), and fishing smaller lakes around the Kingston area. I also enjoy playing outdoor sports, camping, hiking, and paddleboarding.
Not only am I excited to bring my experiences and passions to OFAH, but I am looking forward to broadening my knowledge in topics surrounding conservation and the traditions of fishing and hunting.
- Grier RagotBarrie, ONGrier Ragot
Growing up in a family of anglers and hunters, conservation was a big part of how I was raised. Spending my summers on Georgian Bay and being raised around our local conservation club resulted in a deep respect and appreciation for the land and resources that surround us.
In 2022 I graduated from the Dual JD Program at the University of Windsor and the University of Detroit Mercy. Throughout law school, I channeled my love for the outdoors into my studies with a focus on environmental law, human rights law, and Indigenous legal studies. I also had the privilege of working as a Student Attorney at Detroit Mercy’s Environmental Legal clinic.
My hope is to bring my experiences and passion for environmental policy to the OFAH NXT-GEN program and help to make the outdoors community more welcoming and accessible to marginalized and at risk communities impacted by conservation policies and regulations.
- Jeff PyeStoney Creek, OntarioJeff Pye
Jeff is a father, angler and hunter currently residing in Stoney Creek.
Jeff is a member of the Long Point Area Fish and Game Club, where he volunteers with the Norfolk County Pheasant release program which the club organizes annually.
As a second generation hunter and angler, Jeff is a strong advocate for mentorship within the outdoors community, as he himself has benefited tremendously from those willing to spend time in the field and on the water passing down insight and techniques required to be a successful hunter, angler and most importantly, conservationist.
As a father with a young family, Jeff joined OFAH NXT-GEN to promote OFAH’s values and ensure that not only this generation of young hunters and anglers have appropriate access to recreational hunting and fishing opportunities, but also the next.
- Natalie MechalkoOwen Sound, ONNatalie Mechalko
I am a 24-year-old University of Waterloo graduate with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Environment, Resources & Sustainability Honours Co-op with a minor in biology and diplomas in Ecological Restoration and Environmental Assessment. Currently, I am a Forestry and Trails Coordinator with Grey County where I work with various land managers and local trail organizations to manage County forests and address issues around accessibility, user conflict and sustainability.
Growing up in rural Ontario, I spent most of my time outdoors mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing, paddling and fishing. With a background in fisheries and wildlife ecology, I took Hunter's Education in effort to further understand hunting as a management tool. Ever since, I have been looking for opportunities to obtain experience with small game hunting and trapping - I participated in my first turkey hunt in 2021! I'm excited to learn more about OFAH through the NXT-GEN program and further explore interactions between hunters and non-hunters, hunting awareness and communication in public lands and hunting and fishing access.
- Brooke WrightRoslin, OntBrooke Wright
Conservation has shaped who I am as an individual today. Being raised by parents who are both anglers and hunters I had the privilege of developing a connection to my surrounding environment at a young age. This passion only grew as I got older which led me to pursue and obtain a degree in Environmental Resource Science at Trent University.
Not only is protecting and advocating for Ontario's conservation a lifelong passion of mine but I also see it as a responsibility. As the next generation, I feel a duty to tune in and seek out solutions that will help minimize current climate change effects. I look forward to continuing my role as a NXT-GEN ambassador for a second year. This program has been a great way to connect with a diverse group of people working towards creating a greater change.
- Grayson GoodmanThunder Bay, ONGrayson Goodman
My name is Grayson Goodman. I;m from Thunder Bay, Ontario. I am a proud angler, hunter and trapper from Zone B. My grandfather and father taught me all about the vast open wilderness of Ontario, as I am from the Lake Nipigon First Nation. Hence that is why I live and breathe the outdoors. I ice fish for lake trout in the winter months on the border lakes followed by catching speckle trout and walleye in the spring. My favourite time of year is when moose and duck hunting season starts, followed by deer hunting in November at my family cabin in Pinewood, Ontario. If you are looking at getting into outdoors I would look no further than our beautiful Province of Ontario.
- Kelsi DoughtyPlum Hollow, ONKelsi Doughty
Hi! I’m Kelsi Doughty. Growing up, I was always outside,whether it was with my grandfather rifle hunting for deer, bass fishing, or splitting wood in the summertime. I always knew from a young age I had a passion for the outdoors. This passion grew around the age of 16, I took up migratory bird hunting, turkey hunting and bear hunting. I was hooked on goose hunting after my first lay down blind hunt, I've never looked back! In 2019, I attended Fleming College in Lindsay to continue growing my passion for the outdoors, I took the two year Fish and Wildlife program, and a dual diploma in Environmental Technology. Shortly following graduation, I found myself working for an Environmental Consulting firm out of Kingston as an Environmental Technician, and I continue to widen my love for environmental protection, and natural sciences.
I'm a lifelong angler and hunter, always looking to gain a different perspective, or learn new skills. My passion for the environment has led me along my path in life. I want to give other women, and the younger generation, the same outlook I have on hunting and angling. I believe that everyone should have the same access to build and grow their passion for nature and everything it has to offer. I'm so excited to be able to bring my passion and knowledge for the outdoors to the OFAH NXT-GEN program as an Ambassador.
- Akhil DavisGreater Toronto AreaAkhil Davis
I was born and raised in the southern part of India (Kerala). Came to this beautiful country five years ago to achieve his dreams and to build a bright future. I don’t have any outdoor educational background. Even though, I grew up in a village that has a lot of backwaters, ponds and rivers that means a lot of fishing opportunities. I started my fishing journey in my early childhood with a bamboo rod, line, a small hook and a bag of worms. Now fishing is not just a hobby for me, it’s a part of my life.
When I came to Canada, I wasn’t very aware of the fishing opportunities here. I watched thousands of YouTube videos and spent many hours each day to understand the opportunities and methods. Now I have started my own YouTube and Instagram pages (KERALA BORN CANADIAN GOOSE) to raise awareness about the opportunities, laws and importance of this great sport.
It’s a great honour to be a part of this group as a NEXT-GEN ambassador. I hope I can easily understand the problems of initial entry into this sport especially for immigrants and can provide helpful suggestions from my experience.
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