Leah Harrison

In Memory: Dave Nordquist

In Memory of Dave Nordquist (1968-2025) A Leader in Indigenous-Led Cumulative Effects Assessment

The Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects (ICCE) mourns the sudden passing of Dave Nordquist on November 10, 2025. Dave was a visionary leader, dedicated steward, and tireless advocate for Indigenous-led cumulative effects management who leaves an extraordinary legacy across Canada and beyond.

Dave devoted nearly three decades to Adams Lake Indian Band (ALIB), beginning as their first ALIB member Natural Resource Manager in 1997 and most recently serving as Senior Stewardship Officer. A registered professional forester, he created and led programs spanning forestry, fisheries, wildlife, and cultural heritage—always with an unwavering commitment to protecting Secwepemc lands and waters for future generations.

Dave’s leadership work in holistic cumulative effects assessment transformed how many Indigenous communities engage with environmental stewardship. Working with ICCE Technical Advisory Committee member Barry J. Wilson, Dave developed the groundbreaking ALIB Cumulative Effects (CFx) Framework—an 11-year journey of integrating Western science with Traditional Knowledge. This framework provides a dashboard for measuring environmental, social, and cultural impacts across ALIB’s traditional territory, establishing a model for Indigenous-led assessment that respects both Indigenous wisdom and scientific rigor.

From ICCE’s inception, Dave was a steadfast supporter and active participant. He attended the very first ICCE Forum in Calgary in 2019 and remained deeply engaged with ICCE’s mission to advance cumulative effects practice across Canada. He presented at the 2025 Vancouver ICCE conference and the audience was captivated by his stories of ALIB’s cumulative effects journey. A video from this year’s conference, featuring Dave sharing ALIB’s decade-long cumulative effects work, will remain available on the ICCE website as testament to his vision and leadership.

Dave’s influence extended far beyond ALIB and ICCE. He shared his knowledge generously at international forums including the International Association for Impact Assessment conferences in Vancouver (2022) and Bologna, Italy (2025), and at numerous workshops across British Columbia. His leadership philosophy centered on “being” rather than “telling” with great generosity. As an example, he insisted that simulation models ALIB built cover all of Secwepemc’ulecw so every community would benefit from these tools.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dave served as Past President of the National Aboriginal Forestry Association, member of UBC’s First Nation Council of Advisors for the Faculty of Forestry, Board of Directors BC Tomorrow Society and he was a longtime assistant coach with Chase Minor Hockey Association. 

Dave led by example with humility, generosity, and an unrelenting dedication to the land and people of Secwepemc’ulecw. His legacy will continue inspiring Indigenous-led stewardship and cumulative effects practice for generations to come.