COASTAL FIRST NATIONS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Haida Gwaii Watchmen Program Manager
Job Titles:
- Program Manager for the Coastal Stewardship Network
Aroha Miller is the program manager for the Coastal Stewardship Network (CSN), one of Coastal First Nations' programs which acts as a conduit between the Great Bear Initiative and the stewardship offices. The CSN helps with everything from Guardian support, safety planning, tools, training, professional development, resources, uniforms, the regional monitoring system, data management and more.
"This is a huge achievement, it's a massive achievement. It's powerful to see the Guardians and their families and Nations, proud to be in this moment," says Miller. "But it should never have had to be done. The authority to care for their own resources and territories has always been with the Nations and they have had to adapt and flex to fit into colonial systems, rather than the other way around."
Miller attended both community celebrations in Klemtu and Bella Coola where she says she didn't stop smiling all week.
"To all the people who made it, and are trying to make it happen, kudos, because it's stepping out of alignment with the current colonial system, and it's important to do it and to move forwards together," Miller says. "You can feel how much the Guardians understand the weight of what they're taking on, protecting their resources for their people and for future generations - it's a big deal."
Job Titles:
- Communications Coordinator
- Media Enquiries
Job Titles:
- Chief Councillor, Skidegate Band Council
Born and raised on Haida Gwaii, Billy Yovanovich has remained committed to protecting and sustainably managing the region's cultural and natural resources his entire life.
Billy has been a leading voice with the Skidegate Band Council for 12 years, first as an Elected Councillor and now as the current Chief Councillor, and he has shared his strong commitment for cultural and environmental stewardship as a Board member with Coastal First Nations for most of that time.
Since 2017, Billy has acted as a Director with the Gwaii Trust Society, which helps to manage a multi-million-dollar fund for the benefit of all people of Haida Gwaii. In his spare time, Billy is an avid fisherman.
Job Titles:
- Program Manager - Partnerships and Innovations
Job Titles:
- Community Member
- Member of the BOARD of DIRECTORS
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Chief Councillor, Gitga'at Nation
Bruce Reece has been a proud community member serving as a leader for years. He currently manages the Gitga'at Guardian team and lives in Hartley Bay. Bruce carries full knowledge of the territory and engages and reviews marine safety, and always encourages education for our youth.
Bryn Armstrong is a Climate Action Coordinator for the Kitasoo X'aiXais Nation. Bryn is currently focused on heat pump installations and creating an updated community energy plan. Bryn brings a diverse to her position which includes a BSc in Biology and has been working with the community since 2019. In her spare time, Bryn enjoys rock climbing and hanging out with her dog.
Job Titles:
- Fisheries Reconciliation Bio - Regional Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Receptionist
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Chief Councillor, Wuikinuxv Nation
Chief Danielle Shaw was elected to lead the first all-woman council of the Wuikinuxv Nation in 2020. Before becoming Chief Councillor, Danielle worked toward self-governance and growth for the Nation in diverse ways, including her role as Wuikinuxv Stewardship Director until 2019. Danielle studied at the School of Business at Capilano University for business administration, and has applied those learnings to support her Nation in many areas, including treaty development, a traditional foods and Wuikinuxv Health Administration.
In 2020, Danielle was awarded the Murray A. Newman Award for Significant Achievement in Aquatic Conservation, which recognized her dedicated contributions to marine protected areas, integration frameworks reflecting Indigenous Ways of Knowing, sustainable policy and advocacy contributions, and leadership of the Wuikinuxv Nation.
Job Titles:
- Business Corporations Manager
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of BC Parks
David Ranson is the Executive Director of BC Parks' Provincial Services Branch, which looks after a number of departments, including Indigenous Relations. Ranson says the pilot project has been "a long time in the works" as their team has been working to create a framework to enable the delegation of park ranger authorities while the Guardians have been busy completing the necessary training courses. Ranson says the agreement represents the recognition of the "rightful authority as stewards of the land."
"It's the first time the province, a law enforcement agency, has delegated Crown power in this way," Ranson says. "So much knowledge has come from our relationship with the Nuxalk and Kitasoo Xai'Xais Nations, because of their deep connection to the land, the animals, their places, that they share with us. It deepens our western science approach, our Crown-land management approach, making it stronger, deeper, richer, to learn of the personal connection of people who have lived here for thousands of years."
Nuxalk Guardian Roger Harris says he's proud to be working alongside his daughter who works in their territories as a ranger with BC Parks. Photo by Emilee Gilpin Guardians and park rangers finding ways to work together to preserve and protect. Photo by BC Parks
Denni Clement is from ʔAq'am, a Ktunaxa Nation community located in the Kootenay region of BC. She is a facilitator, planner, researcher, writer, community engagement, and sustainability specialist. Denni led the creation of ʔAq'am's comprehensive community plan from 2009 to 2011, and has contributed to ongoing planning efforts since. Denni's facilitation style is grounded in Ktunaxa teachings from ʔAq'am Elders and Knowledge Holders. She is able to understand diverse Indigenous protocols and has created safe, creative engaging spaces for Indigenous peoples for over 10 years. Denni holds a Bachelor of Arts with distinction from the University of Victoria and is a dancer performing regularly with Indigenous women's groups in Victoria.
Job Titles:
- Chief Councillor, Old Massett Village Council
Job Titles:
- Chief Councillor, Kitasoo Band Council
For more than two decades, Doug Neasloss has worked to protect wildlife and ecosystems in Kitasoo Xai'xais territory and throughout the Great Bear Rainforest. For 11 years, he has acted as both Chief Councillor and Stewardship Director for the Kitasoo Xai'xais Nation.
Doug played a central role in helping the Kitasoo Xai'xais Nation become a leading example of sustainable ecotourism, driven by the success of the Spirit Bear Lodge and a strong commitment to stewarding the region's abundant cultural and natural resources. He shared the same commitment to cultural and environmental stewardship as a past representative with other organizations and planning bodies, including the Minister's Wildlife Advisory Council, Nature United and Destination BC.
As a strong voice for protecting iconic bears in Kitasoo Xai'xais territory and across BC, Doug played a lead role in the successful effort to end trophy hunting in the Great Bear Rainforest and across BC. He remains the Executive Director for the Spirit Bear Research Foundation and Board member for the Grizzly Bear Foundation.
Job Titles:
- Senior Communications Advisor & Community Storyteller
Job Titles:
- Nuxalk Guardian Watchman Manager
Job Titles:
- Senior Bookkeeper / Bookkeeper
Job Titles:
- Member of the BOARD of DIRECTORS
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Member of the Ts'Aahl Eagle Clan
- President of the Haida Nation
- President, Haida Nation, Haida Gwaii
Elected President of the Haida Nation and a member of the Ts'aahl Eagle Clan, Gaagwiis has been involved in the governance of the Haida Nation since 2010. He has served the community as a manager, leader and educator, including managing Haida Heritage sites, visitor interactions, tourism infrastructure and planning related to Haida culture and language, and Indigenous tourism development on Haida Gwaii, the Northern BC region and provincially.
Gaagwiis was one of inaugural instructors of the Haida Gwaii Higher Education Society (Haida Gwaii Semester in Reconciliation Studies) and is a graduate of Royal Roads University with MA in Tourism Management. His Masters research project examined the landmark Gwaii Haanas Agreement as a demonstration of reconciliation in action. His research, which explored the effectiveness of the agreement at meeting employment and training objectives from a Haida community perspective, was recognized with a Governor Generals Gold Medal award in 2018.
During his time with the Council of the Haida Nation, Gaagwiis has served on SGaan Kinghlas/Bowie Seamount management board and as a member of the Archipelago Management Board of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site.
Gillian has over 20 years of experience leading complex projects for clients, and over 10 years of experience working directly with Indigenous communities and organizations. Since 2012, Gillian has served Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative as the Climate Action Project Manager.
Over the last 10 years, Gillian has led CFN-GBI's efforts to support member Nations (Wuikinuxv, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xai'xais, Nuxalk, Gitga'at, Metlakatla, Old Massett, Skidegate) in their efforts to end dependency on fossil fuels and advance climate adaptation, include the development of the Indigenous Climate Action Network. Gillian is a volunteer with the Hollyburn Cross Country Ski Club, and enjoys spending time outside with her family.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator for the Gitga'at First Nation
Hermann Meuter is the climate action coordinator for the Gitga'at First Nation in Hartley Bay. Hermann has been working in this role since 2019 and was able to successfully implement ICCP programs for the community, including energy savings products, fridge/freezer exchange and most importantly heat pumps. Every occupied building in Hartley Bay, residential and commercial, is now equipped with an air source heat pump. He is currently working on a water security project for Hartley Bay to increase climate resilience for the Nation. Ideally, that will lead to a hydroelectric project, which will allow the Gitga'at to drastically reduce dependency on diesel and reduce carbon footprint. Hermann immigrated to Canada from Germany in the late 1990s. He has been researching whales in Gitga'at territory for the last 20+ years and has been adopted into the Gitga'at raven clan. His name is Liitsk ne'ex. He is an avid soccer fan and still enjoys following his favourite soccer team in the German Bundesliga.
Kevin Brown is a Climate Action Coordinator for the community of Old Massett, Haida Gwaii, where he was born, raised, and lived most of his life, apart from attending post-secondary education and training for the various positions held, including his current position. Kevin brings a diverse knowledge and experience to his position which includes working for both his Village Council and Senior Government, Council of Haida Nation on Haida Gwaii for the last 40 years. These include Executive Assistant, Land Use Planning Coordinator, Floor Manager Fish Plant, Sous Chef, Exec Director, OMVC Development Corp, Payroll Clerk, Economic Development Officer, Community Fisheries Coordinator, and Salmon Enhancement Manager. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys the beach, racket sports, volleyball, supporting worthy community events, movies, music, hockey, travel, scratch cooking and being an active "Chinni" (grandfather).
Job Titles:
- Accounts Payable Administrator
Job Titles:
- Member of the Heiltsuk First Nation
Leona Humchitt is a proud member of the Heiltsuk First Nation and lives in Bella Bella-a remote, isolated community located in the central coast of British Columbia. The population is 2500, with 1300 living on reserve. In 2014, she was elected to the local Heiltsuk Tribal Council to a 4-year term. In 2017, she retired with 27 years pensionable service as Office Manager of the Bella Bella RCMP. She is currently taking SFU's Executive Masters of Business Administration tailored for Indigenous Business and Leadership and will complete the program in October, 2019. In June 2018, Leona was re-elected to another 4-year term with Heiltsuk Tribal Council. She and her husband Tom will celebrate their 20th Wedding Anniversary this year. They have four beautiful daughters - Flora, Kristy, Mercedes and Cheryl, and one son, Thomas Benjamin. Leona and Tommy relish in the new status of being grandparents. Maggie, Cassian, Charlie and Addie are their precious treasures. It's a whole new level of love and makes her work in leadership that much more meaningful.
Job Titles:
- Climate Action Administrator
Lori Saunders, Ximximuslayc, is Sutslmc and Tsilhqot'in from the territories Kimsquit and Xeni Gwet'in. Lori is the Clean Energy Coordinator for Xeni Gwet'in First Nations Government. She is a Massage Therapist who occasionally does massages for her community when she has the time and capacity. Lori has completed the Indigenous Environmental Leadership Pathways Program at Royal Roads University, participated in the Global Youth Climate Training, and has been accepted to the LCOY Canada 2023 Youth Advisory Council. Lori enjoys beading, practicing embroidery, weaving cedar bark, reading, and being out on the land. She loves learning about traditional medicine, cultural history, and traditional practices and protocols.
Job Titles:
- Councillor, Gitxaala Nation
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- President of the Executive Committee
- Chief Councillor, Heiltsuk Tribal Council
- President of CFN - GBI, a Board
Elected Chief Councillor of the Heiltsuk Tribal Council, K̓áwáziɫ Marilyn Slett is President of CFN-GBI, a Board Director for the BC Assembly of First Nations and a member of the Vancouver Coastal Health Board of Directors. She previously held the position of the BC Assembly of First Nations Women's Representative on the National Assembly of First Nations Women's Council and Co-Chair of the Wild Salmon Advisory Council.
As Chief Councillor, Marilyn has worked tirelessly to protect Heiltsuk title and rights and the health of coastal ecosystems, since the Heiltsuk way of life depends fundamentally on the latter. She led the Nation through the catastrophic and ongoing effects of the Nathan E. Stewart tugboat spill in a culturally important harvesting area in Heiltsuk territory and participated in the Cohen Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River to protect sockeye salmon.
Marilyn was a strong voice in opposing the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Project, which was eventually quashed, and she played a lead role in ensuring the passage of the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, legislation that now protects the North Pacific Coast from oil spills.
Medrick Robinson has been a Kitasoo Xai'Xais Guardian for about six years. His uncle Clark Sr. used to be a Guardian Watchmen and he's been going out on the water with him since he was about 13 years old, he says.
"It means a lot to get this badge, it took a lot out of me. It was a lot of training, especially over the winter months," Robinson says. "Our job won't change. I love being out on the water. I've been taught since I was a kid. I know where the rocks are, everything else. It's nice to be recognized as First Nations who have the authority. I hope other Nations follow suit, that we're all on board."
Old Massett is located on Graham Island's north shore, the largest and most northern island of Haida Gwaii. It is home to Xaada families who once lived in villages spread throughout their territory. Five dialects of Xaad Kil languages are still spoken by residents. Haida people have sustained a rich culture closely connected to land and sea. Their territory is home to giant old growth cedar, spruce and hemlock, rare bird colonies, abundant sea life, and 1,068 salmon populations.
Job Titles:
- Senior Advisor - Special Projects
Job Titles:
- Chief Councillor, Metlakatla Governing Council
Job Titles:
- Fisheries Reconciliation Bio - Regional Coordinator
Yaw Smatmcuks! Nsta Xuta! Tcamatlhhts alh Snxlhh! Hello friends! Terry Webber is the Clean Energy Director at Nuxalk Nation as well as an Elected Councillor for Nuxalk Nation and Trustee for School District # 49. His Nuxalk name is Xuta. He comes from the village of Snxlhh in Nuxalk Territory. Terry was born and raised in Nuxalk Territory. Terry is currently focused on the Nooklikonnik Run of River, Solar Project, Biomass Project, Heat Pump initiative, Necleetsconnay Trail Project (re-establishing a grease trail to the Dean River) and establishing meaningful education opportunities at the Nation level and the District level.
Job Titles:
- Chief Councillor, Nuxalk Nation
- Nuxalk Nation Chief Councillor
Elected Chief Councillor of the Nuxalk Nation, Tlhmtimut Samuel Schooner has served eight years as an elected Nuxalk council member and eight years as a director with the Central Coast Regional District, three of those as its Chair.
Samuel is a strong advocate for training in trades and participated in the Nuxalk Nation's innovative on-site four-year carpentry training program with Camosun College and the Industry Training Authority. In 2020, 12 Nuxalk carpenters graduated from their four-year apprenticeships and many went on to complete their Red Seal Certification. The program has resulted in several new housing units built for community members, by community members.
During his first term as Chief Councillor, Samuel remains committed to building his Nation's potential through sustainable economic development, community-based education and training, and upholding Nuxalk's longstanding assertion of rights and title in their territory.
Nuxalk Nation Chief Councillor Samuel Schooner says the Guardians, as well as their newly appointed status, represent "a modern link to ancestral responsibilities."
Job Titles:
- Director Policy and Programs
Job Titles:
- Grants and Contracts Coordinator