Don van Hout, Expedition Leader

Don van Hout is a member of the Pembina Institute's Energy Watch team, and the leader of the Athabasca expedition. He has led similar expeditions in Alberta designed to celebrate wild spaces in an effort to connect people with the natural environment and generate support for healthy river ecosystems. Don has helped to raise awareness of the Athabasca River and other wild spaces through film, media and other activities that have reached an audience of over 1.25 million people. He has been recognized by the Alberta Recreational Canoe Association for "significant work on environmental stewardship serving recreational paddlers and the broader Alberta public." Don grew up in the town of Athabasca. Don has studied internationally, and holds a Bachelor of Applied Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership. He is also an experienced nature interpreter and experiential educator.

Schaun Goodeve, Safety and Risk Manager, Expedition Member

Schaun Goodeve has been engaged in watershed issues his entire life. Growing up on the Holland River in Ontario, Schaun became keenly aware of agricultural practices threatening watershed quality. In seeking to address such threats, Schaun has organized numerous watershed cleanups and restoration projects in Canada and abroad. Schaun is an avid water recreationalist, and has sailed, paddled and scuba dived all over the world. Yet it has been his passion for whitewater canoe tripping that has provided him with a unique perspective on watersheds and the need for environmental protection. Schaun finds balance between his passions for recreation and conservation by working as a whitewater professional and consulting on planning for sustainable tourism. He currently works in the Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership program at Mount Royal College in Calgary.

Laura Griffin, Ground Support Crew

Laura Griffin is a student at Mount Royal College enrolled in the Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership program. She also works part-time as a naturalist at the Weaselhead Park in Calgary promoting the importance of watersheds and healthy ecosystems to school groups. Born and raised in Calgary, she spent most of her childhood either at swim practice or in lakes and rivers, which led to a love of water, and some unusual nicknames. She hopes that being a part of this expedition will be an enriching part of her education and will give her a chance to help bring awareness to one of Alberta's invaluable ecosystems.