Cec Heron

Cec Heron was born and raised in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, and has been a trailblazer in conservation, Indigenous governance, and advocacy. She is a member of Salt River First Nation and has worked with Indigenous Governments as a Lands Manager in the NWT, Alberta and BC.  She previously worked with Smith’s Landing First Nation as their Lands Manager, and is currently their Lands Advisor on a part-time basis.

Cec was the first woman to attend Aurora College’s Environmental and Natural Technology program and went on to build a career in land stewardship. She has worked for governments, industry, First Nations, and the Metis in various roles during her working career.  She also made history as the first female forest firefighter in the NWT.

Beyond conservation, Cec has been a strong advocate for Indigenous women, serving in leadership roles with the Native Women’s Association of the NWT, representing the territory at national and international levels.

Now retired, Cec remains deeply connected to the land, harvesting seasonal medicines and gathering materials for traditional arts and crafts.