Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Published Monday, November 12, 2007

HAY RIVER RESERVE - Keith Marshall remembers feeling positive when he first arrived in Hay River on a July day in 2003.

"It was one of those times when I got off the plane and had a good feeling about the place," recalled Marshall, the chief executive officer with K'atlodeeche First Nation on the Hay River Reserve.

Keith Marshall is the chief executive officer with K'atlodeeche First Nation on the Hay River Reserve. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Back then, the weather was warm and the air was fresh, and he liked the views of the river.

Marshall was visiting town while considering a job as director of community health and allied services with the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority.

After accepting the position, he worked at the health authority for three years before moving to the KFN 15 months ago.

Marshall was born and grew up in Sydney, Nova Scotia, and lived and worked in that province for much of his life.

However, he said he has had no problem adjusting to life in the North.

"I think I've adapted," he said, adding he doesn't think it's a matter of time before someone feels like a Northerner. "I think it's a question of how you adjust."

Marshall said it's also important to respect the community and the culture when working for a First Nation.

"I see myself as a guest in this community," he said.

Marshall brought an impressive resume to his latest job.

The 56-year-old has bachelor degrees in arts, education and social work, a master's degree in social work, and a diploma in business administration, not to mention two years of law school.

Before arriving in Hay River, Marshall worked with Eel Ground First Nation and Burnt Church First Nation, both in New Brunswick; spent 10 years with the then Department of Indian and Northern Development; was manager of employment equity and diversity with the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency in Nova Scotia; and spent three years on the National Parole Board.

In the year before coming north, he taught at a community college in Springhill, N.S. - singer Anne Murray's hometown.

Marshall said he brings all of that experience to his job as CEO with K'atlodeeche First Nation.

"There are so many interesting things I'm able to work on here to support the First Nation to move forward," he said.

As CEO, he is involved in a wide variety of areas, such as economic development, policy and planning, social programs, finance and administration, land claim negotiations, adult education, daycare services, housing, and youth and recreation programs.

"It is challenging," he said of the work.

Marshall said he enjoys being part of the development of the First Nation.

Away from work, one of Marshall's main passions is singing.

In fact, he is hoping to form a community choir in Hay River and has been talking to other interested people about the idea.

Back in Nova Scotia, Marshall performed in musical theatre. He was the voice of the man-eating plant in Little Shop of Horrors and had other roles in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and Oliver.

Marshall said he misses singing on stage.

"I'm not a big karaoke fan," he said.

Marshall lives in Hay River with his wife, Gail. The couple has four children, all in university.

Marshall said he will be CEO as long as he is needed by K'atlodeeche First Nation.

One of his goals over the next few years will be to train a band member to take over the position.