Who We Are
Canine Action Project (CAP) is a Canadian Registered Charity working closely with First Nations across Treaty 6 Territory in Saskatchewan to provide community animal health programs focused on dogs and cats. We are proudly an Indigenous-founded and Indigenous-led organization. Canine Action Project programs focus on access to veterinary care, knowledge sharing, and individualized support for each of our partner First Nations. In working towards improving the health of animals, we are helping to achieve healthier, safer communities.
Canine Action Project was founded in 2011 by Kelly Phipps and Monique Schultz and became a Canadian Registered Charity in 2013. After realizing that simply removing or ‘pulling’ dogs from First Nation communities wasn’t going to solve dog overpopulation concerns, we began hosting large volume spay/neuter veterinary clinics in 2013. Again, it was quickly realized that only focusing on spay/neuter was another band-aid and short term solution to a larger, systemic issue. Through collaboration with our partner First Nations, veterinary professionals, animal welfare professionals, and community members, we have created an integrated, community-led and culturally sensitive approach to assist First Nations in achieving long-term and sustainable dog management practices.
Vision
Securing a healthier tomorrow for First Nation peoples and animals by honouring the wisdom of those who came before us.
Mission
Empowering First Nations to strengthen the connection between human and animal health and wellbeing.
Our Values
Sustainability
Empowerment
Connection
Integrity
Compassion
Accessibility
Strategic Objectives
Knowledge Sharing
Partnerships
Animal Health
Governance and Operational Excellence
Say hello!
Meet our team
Staff
Monique Schultz
Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director
Monique@canineactionproject.com
Monique is a proud Métis woman who's passion for helping people and their animals has helped found and grow Canine Action Project into a leading organization focused on Dog Management in partnership with First Nations in Saskatchewan. She resides near Lashburn, SK with her husband and children along with their crew of critters.
Meagan Schmitz
Co-Executive Director
Meagan@canineactionproject.com
Meagan is of Métis, French and Scottish ancestry, born and raised in north central Saskatchewan. She has 13+ years of experience in the animal welfare industry, from humble beginnings at a pet boarding kennel, to an animal shelter, and now working with First Nations to help humanely manage their dog populations. Meagan volunteered at her first CAP spay & neuter clinic in 2014 and has been with the organization since. Her favourite part about CAP is seeing pets that were spayed/neutered many years ago still thriving in their communities with their families.
Laura Civica
Knowledge Sharing Coordinator
kscoordinator@canineactionproject.com
Laura is a white settler with Italian and Scottish roots with a background in education who loves animals, learning, and work related to ensuring Treaty obligations are upheld. When they're not working, Laura is probably walking their two big silly dogs, doing crafts with the neighbourhood kids, or hanging out in their backyard. Laura is joining us thanks to a generous grant we received from the Future Generations Foundation.
Board of Directors
Amy Parenteau
President
President@canineactionproject.com
Amy is a Métis woman born and raised in a small town in central Saskatchewan. She began working in the animal industry at 13 years old, with now more than 13 years in the industry. She has been a volunteer with CAP since 2015. She currently lives in Martensville, Sk with her daughter while she attends university.
Laura Zmud
Vice President
VicePresident@canineactionproject.com
Laura grew up in rural central Saskatchewan and has been a volunteer with CAP since 2015. Obtaining her Masters in Social Work, her professional and volunteer work is rooted in supporting human-animal connection and well-being, as well as work ensuring Treaty and Inherent Rights are honoured and upheld. She is proud to be a small part of the incredible CAP team!
Melissa Lukan
Treasurer
Treasurer@canineactionproject.com
Melissa lives in Rosthern, Sk with her husband, 2 children and their dog. She works as an accountant in Saskatoon. Melissa loves being outside with her kids and helping out in her community as much as she can when she can!
Sara Forsyth
Secretary
Secretary@canineactionproject.com
Sara has been a volunteer and board member with CAP since 2015. Serving in different capacities has allowed her the opportunity to witness CAP's impact over the years. Throughout her time with CAP, she especially enjoys meeting animals and their caretakers. Sara believes relationships between people and companion animals are mutually beneficial and critical to well-being.
Lindsey Lavoie-Pozniak
Member at Large, Director of Knowledge Sharing
Knowledge@canineactionnproject.com
Lindsey grew up in small town Saskatchewan, and has a passion for helping others. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family. During Covid, she took up a new hobby of knitting blankets which evolved into pet beds and stuffies. Her passion for helping others led her to CAP, where she joined the board in 2024. She looks forward to being part of an amazing organization!
Melanie Olynick
Member at Large, Director of Partnerships & Fund Development
Partnerships@canineactionnproject.com
Melanie Olynick was born and raised in a small town in northeast Saskatchewan. She has been a dedicated volunteer with the Canine Action Project since 2024. With over 26 years of nursing experience — 22 as a Registered Nurse and 4 as a Licensed Practical Nurse — Melanie brings a strong background in community health and a deep passion for animal health and wellbeing to her role on the board.
Vacant
Member at Large, Director of Animal Health
Contact us for further information about this vacant position!
Please email: cap@canineactionproject.com
Lead Volunteers
Sarah Thurston
Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteers@canineactionproject.com
Janelle Hren, RVT
Medical Manager
Medical@canineactionproject.com
Dr. Amanda Turner
Lead Veterinarian
Dr. Sarah Bater
Lead Veterinarian
Our role toward meaningful Truth and Reconciliation
We recognize the deep impact colonization has had on the relationship Indigenous people and First Nation’s have held with their dogs and community animals. We also recognize the ways the animal welfare industry has historically and contemporarily contributed to these harms of colonization; this can be viewed in the idea that dogs on reserves need to be ‘rescued,’ ‘saved,’ and removed from Nations and their families. We work from a place of understanding that dogs and animals on reserves do not need to be ‘rescued’ or ‘saved’ and removed from their communities, but rather, they deserve to have strong, positive relationships and connection to their community, and we aim to support this.
As an organization, Canine Action Project recognizes our responsibility and commitment to meaningful action related to Truth and Reconciliation, the 94 Calls to Action and the 231 Calls for Justice. While working towards a deeper understanding, our Board and volunteers engage in on-going reflection and education to move forward in a good way. This includes attending community events and bringing in speakers and facilitators to host workshops for us. If you have questions about our organization’s commitment to this work, please contact us.