Dr. Joe Dragon

Biography

Dragonworks helps First Nations, governments, academic institutions, and businesses tackle complex issues and pursue promising opportunities in Canada’s North. The company has a deep interest in the North and works closely with leaders as a trusted advisor to help them reach their goals.

The company was founded by Dr. Joe Dragon, a member of Smith’s Landing First Nation, in 2020 after a career spanning over 28 years in the territorial and federal public service. Dr. Dragon has worked in various leadership positions with the territorial government in Yellowknife (departments of Resources, Wildlife, and Economic Development and the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs) and with the federal government in Ottawa (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Treasury Board Secretariat, and National Defence). Most recently, Dr. Dragon was the Deputy Minister of Environment and Natural Resources followed by an appointment as Deputy Minister of Infrastructure where he was also Chairman of the Board for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation.

Dr. Dragon holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University and a PhD in Wildlife Ecology and Management from the University of Alberta and is a graduate of the Government of Canada’s Accelerated Executive Development Program. Dr. Dragon currently sits on several Board of Directors including the Canadian Mountain Network (Chairman), The Gordon Foundation (Director), and Honouring Nations Canada – Fulbright Canada (founding member). More recently, Dr. Dragon was appointed as a Strategic Advisor to the Vice President: Research and Adjunct Professor in the Political Science Faculty at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Dr. Dragon leverages his diverse experience, network of connections, and resources to support his clients’ success.