Lenore Swystun is the Founding Director and Principal Partner with Prairie Wild Consulting, and a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) and Sociologist. Lenore is a planning and research professional with over 30+ years of experience in comprehensive regional and community planning and engagement, facilitation, indicator development, needs assessments, governance and planning, sustainable and environmental planning, cultural and heritage planning, planning with Indigenous communities, policy development, housing and more. Lenore has guided and mentored a collaborative-based team and network of Prairie Wild associates who work together to deliver projects drawing from their various skill sets, experiences, and passions. Lenore is also on faculty part-time at the University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Polytechnic, teaching sociology and related community development, planning and cultural studies courses.

In addition to her professional work, Lenore is committed to giving back to her community and is involved with various local, provincial, national, and international organizations. She has served 20+ years with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO in various capacities, including as an executive member; she served as a board member with the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce; sits on the City of Saskatoon Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee; is the Vice-Chair and Civics Coordinator of her local community association; and hosts a community radio show, Civically Speaking, where she shares her insights on various civic issues.

Education

• MA, BA (Hons), Sociology (Inter-disciplinary) University of Saskatchewan: ******Rural, agricultural, urban and regional development, gender studies, cooperative enterprises, community economic development and economic diversification
• Cooperative Education Program – Department of Commerce, Cooperative Entrepreneurship Certificate

Professional Designations and Memberships

• Registered Professional Planner, RPP
• Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners, MCIP
• Member of the Saskatchewan Professional Planning Institute, SPPI
• Member of the International Association of Public Participation, IAP2

Achievements and Awards

• Award of Excellence in Reconciliation, Saskatchewan Indigenous Economic Development Network and Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance, 2020
• Saskatoon Folkfest Jay Kalra Diversity Award, 2019
• Provincial Planning Award of Excellence in Planning Practice, Saskatchewan Professional Planners Institute (SPPI), 2017
• Co-Recipients, President’s Award for FutureFORWARD Task Force, 2016
• Recipient of Fraser-Gatrell Memorial Award for Distinguished Contribution to Planning, 2015
• Recognized as one of Saskatoon’s top women entrepreneurs at the SABEX awards, 2014
• Dr. James Pooler Award for Planning Achievement, University of Saskatchewan, 2012
• Recipient of the Athena Award for Leadership, 2009
• Saskatchewan Centennial Medal, recognizing significant contributions to society and honours outstanding achievement, 2005
• Community Activist of the Year, 2004 and 2006

Volunteer Involvement and Service

• Board member of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, 2020-Present
• Board member of the Saskatchewan Professional Planners Institute, October 2020-Present
• Board member on the Saskatoon Folkfest, 2020-Present
• Long-standing member of the City of Saskatoon Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee
• Host and Producer, Civically Speaking, Dedicated civic platform ½ hour show airs internationally through FM 90.5 CFCR