Treaty 2 Territory – Shawn Gurke is the GIS/Tech Helper (Specialist) for the First Nations in Treaty 2 Territory. Immediately after completing a Business Administration Diploma at Red River College Shawn founded his own company at the age of 20 – Kasmere Lake Outdoor Adventures, Ltd. in Northern Manitoba where he had spent his summers working as a fishing/hunting guide.
Shawn later expanded his experience by taking on his family’s group of companies including several fishing/hunting lodges, a small air service, bulk fuel, freight forwarding and logistics company. During this time his business network came to rely on his expertise which started a natural evolution into consulting. Consulting with communities, business and Government Shawn was instrumental in the creation of 2 Provincial Parks (Colvin and Nueltin) in order to ensure protection of the pristine wilderness that has always been sacred to him.
Shawn is married to Amanda and are parents to Samuel, Nate and Olivia and currently reside in Alonsa, Manitoba with ties to Bacon Ridge and Ebb and Flow.Shawn worked most recently as the Manager of the Alonsa Conservation District (Now Westlake Watershed District) and worked to successfully bring the organization ahead by working in Environment and Infrastructure.
During this time Shawn’s love of mapping and the outdoors along with his desire to use technology to improve the environment led him to start his own company: Eagle Aerial Imaging, Ltd. was formed in 2017. The company focuses on surveying, mapping, environment and consulting. When Shawn is not performing duties for Treaty 2 he can be found (often with Amanda and children in tow) using the latest in UAV and surveying technology to serve his rapidly expanding clientele base that includes engineering firms, government, agriculture and environmental organizations.
Shawn is also a Volunteer Fireman, Skating Rink President, Hunter Safety Instructor, avid Hunter and Outdoorsman. Shawn has always enjoyed music as a creative outlet and is an accomplished drummer. Shawn curls in the local league and enjoys spending time with friends which almost always incorporates Shawn’s love of cooking and hospitality.
Shawn has already made a positive contribution to FNT2T by attending and providing technical overview to a response to the provincial government on a Cattle feedlot operation that we feel will significantly impact our local nations located in and around the watersheds where the new channel is being constructed.
Welcome to the Natural World Circle and to the FNT2T Team Shawn. Miigwetch!
Last modified: April 16, 2020
