At Your Service

This all started with a complete infatuation with fishing and hunting. Growing up around Lake Superior there were many opportunities to chase trout and salmon which led me into the guiding world. I attended the University of Waterloo, graduating with an MS in Biology, specializing in polar bears. This led to an amazing job as a biologist in Canada’s high arctic, tagging walrus, whales and doing some pretty wild fieldwork. But the outfitting world pulled me back, I took a guiding job at Scott, and quickly moved into the office: this will be my 11th year as GM and I love every minute of it. Most importantly, the people I get to spend my summers with, the guests and staff, are simply amazing. In between seasons I’m based in White Fox, SK with my wife and labs, fishing, running a waterfowl outfitting business in BC and adventuring around the world.

When it comes to making Scott Lake a second home, Dani knows a thing or two. Being at the lodge since 2012, she continues to return to the North, always amazed by it’s pristine beauty. Originally born in Ontario, she attended the University of Guelph and has continued to take courses related to her interests: yoga, wine and nutrition. Working at Scott Lake gave her the opportunity to fall in love with Saskatchewan, travel the western side of Canada and explore many other countries. From backpacking to volunteering to fishing trips, Dani always finds herself in beautiful parts of the world. You can find her with her dog Halle, exploring new countries, teaching yoga, keeping up with the hospitality industry or talking about what’s next at Scott Lake. She is always looking forward to seeing her Scott Lake Family and welcoming those new to the island.

The things Amelia loves most in the world are people, food, and travel. That curiosity has led her across the world, from the Serengeti desert to Machu Picchu, meeting great people and learning about different cultures. Hospitality has always been the industry for her. It has allowed her to embrace the adventurous lifestyle and pursuing her interests as a bonus. Growing up in Ontario, she received a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Guelph in Hospitality and Tourism Management and from there she’s had the opportunity to work at some of the highest rated hotels and restaurants in the country. Currently, Amelia lives near White Fox, SK with her little family whom you may recognize around the island (both the tallest member of our team and the smallest), where she enjoys the Canadian wilderness and the occasional escape from winter. Amelia’s experience is showcased in coordinating and training the hospitality team.

This will be Ben’s first year working at SLL on the Maintenance Team, but he has been working as a carpenter for much of his life. Ben completed his red seal at just 23. Ben had been working for his family business for years when he decided to buy the company in 2017 and successfully maintained the high standards his father had set for several more years. Ben decided to pursue a new path and venture into seasonal lodge work. We are happy to have Ben join the Scott Lake team this season. When he isn’t working, Ben and his partner enjoy camping and hiking with their dog.

Ayden grew up in Laird, SK, a small village located an hour north of Saskatoon. Ayden can best be described as an old soul and will bust a move on the dance floor if Elvis is playing. He has worked primarily as a mechanic but has numerous skills and a large array of experience and knowledge that will serve him very well on the SLL maintenance crew. Ayden is excited to be a part of this expansive team that keeps the island running smoothly.

Born in Antigua & Barbuda, Chef O’Shea Dunning was raised in a family that loved cooking. He developed a passion for cooking by watching, helping, and learning alongside his mother. He attended Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Institute, where he studied hospitality management with a focus on culinary arts. Chef O’Shea moved permanently to Canada in 2016 to be with his family. His career highlights include positions at Canadian Brewhouse, Corporate Chef and Executive Chef at Regional Recreation Corporation of Wood Buffalo, Alberta. Prior experiences include work in the British Virgin Islands, opening a new Plantation Hotel in Bequia, and as Executive Chef at the Sandals Resorts International in Antigua. His vision is always to create an atmosphere where his team enjoys their work while improving their culinary knowledge. He leads by always having a customer service focus and his cooking reflects his constant inspiration. Chef O’Shea enjoys working around his home, planting crops, camping, and flying drones. You may catch him saying a quote he’s known for: “living the dream”!

Zoe first worked at Scott in 2019 and we’re thrilled to have her back for another season. She’s looking forward to hearing the loons call, watching colourful sunsets, and connecting with old and new friends. With a deep passion for living fully, Zoe embraces every opportunity to explore and experience all that life has to offer. She began traveling at 19 and has since adventured all over the world, living in Australia, Wales, and Costa Rica. Eventually she found a place to call home in Nelson, where she loves to snowboard, bike, hike and camp. Zoe has taken many courses to expand her knowledge in massage therapy including bodywork, yoga and most recently, her RMT certificate. Zoe’s biggest passion is surfing and she is hoping to go to Nicaragua this fall for a surf trip.

Valerie is from SE Manitoba where the Sandilands Provincial Forest hosts a beautiful paradise for hunters, foragers, and ATV enthusiasts. Valerie has a soul for adventure and true passion for travel. After several years of experience in the hospitality industry, she decided to open a charming hotelito and restaurant in Nicaragua. When Valerie met Nuggs and heard his stories of Scott Lake and the island’s pristine, remote beauty she was intrigued. After moving back to Manitoba to be near family, she spent time in property management and attending classes for hospitality/special events. Despite fishing every summer, Valerie has surprisingly never caught a fish! So she is very excited to work on an island where “the fishing gets real”. Valerie is looking forward to exchanging fishing stories, serving fabulous new friends, and working alongside a fun and dedicated team. 

This will be Emily’s first season in the kitchen at Scott Lake but she is very familiar with the world of cooking and baking. Emily has been working in the food service industry since she was 15 and has loved everything about it. Emily graduated from the Pastry Arts Program at Holland College in PEI. She is working towards her red seal and aspires to teach ESL in the off season. In her free-time, Emily enjoys camping with her partner and their rescue dog, Titus. We are excited to have her light up the kitchen with some of her favourite pastries and plates.

Claire first joined the SLL crew back in 2017 when she fell in love with the island, the people and being outside. After spending several summers operating a mobile coffee business with her husband, Claire is thrilled to be back at Scott. Travel is an important part of her life: she spent a year in Europe working on organic farms, as well as visiting Japan, Mexico and beyond. Claire worked several winters on the hospitality and management team at Chatter Creek Mountain Lodges in BC. A graduate of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Claire has a passion for painting/drawing and all things creative. This creativity leads to her other interests in the hospitality field: craft cocktails, coffee, and wine. Claire is looking forward to sharing her passions with the guests and staff here at SLL.

This Quebec native has been in the food service industry since she was 18 years old. Veronique has a degree in Culinary Arts and Nutrition. She has worked as a Chef, Sous Chef and pastry chef in various restaurants, lodges, hotels and private yachts in Canada, Scotland, the Caribbean and Australia. In addition to her cooking experience, Veronique also worked as a food inspector for the City of Montreal where she ensured that hygiene regulations were respected. She spends her winters in Mexico pursuing fitness, gardening, travel and hiking. Veronique is looking forward to joining this new culinary team in Northern Saskatchewan.

Jackie is no stranger to Scott Lake but this season will be working in a new role. She started her adventure at Scott back in 2015 on the hospitality team. Since then, Jackie has been pursuing education in Medical Massage Therapy and running her own business in Nipawin, building her skills as an RMT. After dipping her toes into maintenance work last summer, she has decided to shift gears and join the maintenance team this season. Jackie’s strong work ethic stems from her family-owned outfitting business. In the off season when not working, Jackie can be found outside guiding whitetail in the fall, running her trapline in the winter and doing as much sewing and canning she can fit in between. She looks forward to seeing so many familiar faces and helping to keep the island running smoothly this summer.