Get Hooked

Demiesha Dennis

Demiesha Dennis (She/Her) is the Founder and Director of Brown Girl Outdoor World (BGOW). Based in Toronto, Canada, she, through her work with BGOW, is actively working to change present narratives related to change, inclusion, belonging and safety in outdoor spaces for diverse, historically excluded communities. As an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for building community and representation in outdoor spaces, Demiesha shares her love for the outdoors through various adventures, while encouraging others to get out and do the same. 

As an avid fly angler, Demiesha lends her time to serving on the Advisory Committee on Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystem Management Plan for Algonquin Provincial Park and also serves on the Friends of Algonquin Park board of directors. She does this while also taking on meaningful opportunities to introduce and engage new participants in the sport of fly fishing.

With a community behind her working to make tangible changes, she is guiding others into nature and challenging them to “Change the Narrative Through Adventure.”

Christine Luckasavitch

Christine Luckasavitch is an Omàmìwininì Madaoueskarini Anishinaabekwe (a woman of the Madawaska River Algonquin people) and belongs to the Crane Clan, and is of mixed settler ancestry including Irish, Swedish and Polish. Christine was raised in the small hamlet of Whitney, Ontario. Christine’s Algonquin ancestors have called this place home for over 10,000 years, and her settler ancestors are some of the earliest to this area. She currently resides in the area, on the banks of the Madawaska River, with her husband and their dog.

Christine is a graduate of Acadia University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and History, and is currently finishing her thesis to complete all requirements of her Master of Arts in Indigenous Studies from Trent University. She is an avid volunteer, serving as a board member for a number of organizations including the Friends of Algonquin Park and the Acadia Alumni Association.

In addition to Waaseyaa Consulting and Waaseyaa Cultural Tours, Christine is a co-owner of Algonquin Motors, a woman-led motorcycle apparel brand celebrating the Algonquin region. Christine is the former Executive Director of Native Land Digital, the Indigenous-led not-for-profit behind Native-Land.ca dedicated to providing free education of Indigenous territories and knowledge systems across the world.

Christine has worked as an archaeologist, educator, and in the realm of Indigenous politics. Christine spends most of her time on the Algonquin landscape and learning Algonquin histories, and has a keen interest in learning ancestral plant use. She is currently writing her first book, Ondjitigweyaa Madaoueskarini Omàmìwininì (Algonquin People of the Madawaska River Headwaters), a true and concise history of the Algonquin people written from an Algonquin Anishinaabekwe perspective.

Dave Furgoch

David Furgoch is a retired Fish and Wildlife Technologist and software developer. David grew up in Pembroke, Ontario and has resided in Arnprior, Ontario for the last 22 years.

David is currently the Treasurer and board member of the CRF foundation which is a research group for his eye condition. He is also a member of the Arnprior Accessibility committee and member of the Arnprior Lions club.

With the Lions clubs of eastern Ontario and west Quebec, David plays a key role in organizing the Blind Angler International Fishing tournament each year which is currently held in Arnprior.

David is an avid fisherman who enjoys traveling and playing guitar.

Rick Klatt

Rick Klatt is a retired teacher. You can see Rick on the fishing reality show called The Last Cull. (2014). Rick has been part of BAIT (Blind Anglers International Tournament) since 1992.

Frank Leaney

Frank Leaney is a program co-ordinator/addictions counsellor at Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health as well as being an avid kayak angler. Part of his passion is sharing his fishing knowledge to help others find their own tools for rehabilitation. He shares his experience as a 60's scoop survivor to inspire others to continue to find their community and is available for speaking engagements. Contacts at frankleaney@outlook.com

 Lisa Goodier

Lisa Goodier is a full-time guide at the Ottawa River Musky Factory. Lisa's passion for everything musky began over a decade ago and in six seasons she already has over 600 charters under her belt. She is a dedicated Muskies Canada member and volunteer and long time volunteer and supporter of Blue Fish Canada. She is passionate about ensuring the future of recreational fishing in Canada. Through her work with Ottawa Fish School she has become a highly proficient multi-species angler as well. A veteran of television, radio, numerous podcasts, and a sought after trade show speaker and educator, Lisa has worked with and appeared in Outdoor Canada magazine, Ontario Out of Doors magazine, Setting the Hook TV show, Getting Hooked show, the Canadian Musky Odyssey, and many more. She is a Shimano Field staffer and is very proud to be a part of the Suick pro staff team.