GITKSAN WATERSHED AUTHORITIES - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Programs Manager
- Technical Advisor
Job Titles:
- Coordinator / Born and Raised
in the Hazeltons, Charlie is of the Fireweed clan, house of Wii Gyet Charlie has worked with the GWA since 1992 and has over 28 years of experience and knowledge of Gitksan and modern fisheries operations. Charlie began fisheries in the 70's commercial fishing for a few summers with his Grandfather and then worked at Oceanside Cannery. In 1984 Charlie participated in the Gitksan and Wet'suwet'en Fisheries Technician Training Program. Gitksan culture, traditions, values and laws are important to him and guide his actions within the GWA.
Since 2005 Gordon has worked with the GWA in the GIS and Mapping Department, bringing with him over 20 years of experience working with maps and GIS and an educational background in Advanced GIS studies from Okanagan College. As a local born in Hazelton to the Giskaast (Fireweed) clan, he started with the Ministry of Forests in Hazelton. From there, Gord joined the Gitksan Treaty Office when they first acquired their GIS and have worked with various Gitksan organizations since then.
Gord's current role is to produce maps for the GWA and SFC staff, as well as updating and maintaining Gitksan territory maps. In a typical day Gord will work on Hydroacoustic Mapping, Fish Passage and Culvert Assessment Mapping, Fish Habitat Assessment Plan Mapping, LNG Impact Mapping, Proposed Mining Impact Mapping, and Updating Gitksan Territory Maps. Gordon enjoys working with the ever-evolving technology, as GIS software is constantly changing and there are always new opportunities to learn. The best part about his job is knowing that he is doing his best to document the geographical history and land claims of the Gitksan people.
Born in Bella Bella, BC, Marj is of the Raven clan from the Heiltsuk Nation and has worked for the GWA since 2008. Prior to working for the GWA, Marj obtained her certificate in Applied Business Tech with Accounting at NWCC and was employed by Carnaby Sawmill for 13 years. Some of her jobs there were the Lumber Grader, Forklift Operator and Cutoff Saw Operator. After the sawmill closure in 2001, Marj worked and managed a home-based family business until it's closure in 2014. As the Executive assistant, Marj is tasked with office reception, handling requests and quarries efficiently, arranging and coordinating meetings and events, taking minutes and making travel arrangements, and acting as the liaison between internal staff at all levels.
Taylor is a member of Lax Gibuu wilps xGwoimtxw. She obtained a BSc. in Natural Resource Conservation, majoring in Science and Management and is now working to complete her MSc. in Salmon Ecology & Conservation at UBC while working for GWA. She started with the Technical Department in January 2017, helping to facilitate communications with the community regarding the Gitksan Food Fishery and planning processes. Taking on new roles since her last term with GWA has brought her to managing research and restoration projects as well as more field work, yet her central role still remains to be an acting liaison between the technical research body of the GWA and the Gitksan to bolster the involvement and agency of our hereditary leaders within our watershed
Job Titles:
- Senior Fisheries Technician
From Hazelton, Tim is of the Fireweed/Killerwhale clan, and has been with the GWA since 1998. Prior to filling his current position, Tim obtained Fisheries Technician certification from Malaspina College, helping him achieve nearly 19 years experience as a Fisheries tech to date. Within the GWA, he has worked with the Slamgeesh project, which started out with several years of remote camp work. Tim then moved on to doing hydro acoustic surveys throughout the Gitksan territories and simultaneously working on other salmon stock assessment projects. During these times, the Kispiox Fish Hatchery was also in operation, in which Tim had a hand in all aspects of its operations.
Now as a Senior Fisheries Technician, his role is to supervise and run field crews for various fisheries research projects, run the water quality and quantity program, and manage and maintain field equipment. Day to day, Tim focuses his attention to running the salmon stock and habitat assessment program and the water Q&Q program, this includes writing technical reports for each of the programs he is involved in and organizing for the field season. Recent years, working on Fish Habitat Restoration Initiatives were his daily priority. With a great love of the outdoors, participating in fieldwork and learning new skills out in the field has drawn Tim to his position.