Joel has been a tireless leader dedicated to the GHCO for 13 years, with a remarkable track record of successful initiatives and completed projects that have positively impacted the lives of the Gitanyow Huwilp.

Joel’s commitment to preserving tradition and culture reflects a profound respect for Gitanyow’s rich heritage. He advocates for the community’s rights and well-being, ensuring that all levels of government hear Gitanyow’s concerns and that future generations are protected.

Joel is an avid hunter, fisher, trapper, and loves playing and watching sports.

Debbie is a lifelong advocate for Indigenous rights, justice, and self-determination, and works to advance the recognition and implementation of Indigenous governance systems, land stewardship and the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).

Her leadership is grounded in the belief that Indigenous Peoples must be at the center of decision-making about their lands, waters and futures. With decades of experience in negotiations, policy, environmental protection and community-driven governance, she draws on strategic approaches and an unwavering commitment to upholding Indigenous law and sovereignty.

Debbie fights systemic racism and advocates for transformative change in Canada’s justice system in memory of her late cousin, Dale Culver, who died in police custody in 2017.

Melissa has been a dedicated member of the GHCO Finance Department for 16 years. Her expertise includes payroll, receivables, payables, reporting and more.

Beyond work, Melissa embraces traditional activities with her family and is committed to the well-being of the community.

Laurie Rodgers (T’ip Xaadim hlbin) from Wilp Haijimsxw serves as the Wilp Communications Officer for the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs. She strengthens communication between leadership, Wilp Executives, and community members through clear, timely, and culturally grounded messaging that reflects Gitanyow values and priorities.

Laurie’s background as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Royal Inland Hospital and as an Early Childhood Educator with special needs training has built her foundation in compassion, collaboration, and clarity; skills she now applies to community communications. Motivated by a deep respect for her roots, Laurie brings cultural awareness and a commitment to respectful communication to GHC projects. She strengthens internal connections and creates open lines of communication between each Wilp and the wider community.

Sidney lives and works on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen speaking Peoples in Victoria. She is a former journalist and academic. Prior to moving to BC, she worked in the humanitarian sector. In her reporting, her focus has been on Indigenous land rights, extraction, and the environment.

In 2023, she produced a short documentary on adverse climate impacts on Indigenous communities in BC that part of the International Emmy Award-winning series, Point of No Return. Her academic work focused on the gendered impacts of mining in Mongolia, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. She holds PhDs in Comparative Literature and in Psychology and Human Development.

For the past 25 years, he has led as head biologist at Gitanyow Fisheries and served as program director for over a decade. Mark actively contributes to Gitanyow’s vision for a thriving Lax Yip (Territory) and advises local and regional bodies such as the Skeena Fisheries Commission, Nass Watershed Technical Committee, and the First Nations Fisheries Council.

Additionally, Mark manages Git Wet’ Sustainable Fisheries, driving sustainable economic fisheries in northwestern BC.

Kevin has 20+ years of experience in resource management across northwest B.C. His expertise encompasses habitat assessment, population enumeration, and species conservation, notably salmon, moose, grizzly bear, and northern goshawk.

Leading the Gitanyow Lax’yip Guardian’s program for over a decade, Kevin spearheaded a successful moose recovery initiative, establishing Gitanyow as a leader in indigenous wildlife management in Canada.

A proficient communicator and analyst, Kevin adeptly guides Gitanyow leadership in navigating complex resource management challenges towards achieving Wilp Sustainability goals.

With 26 years as a registered professional biologist in B.C.,  Jordan’s background includes research at the Sea Around Us Project at UBC, as well as private consulting and contracting for provincial and federal fisheries.  He adeptly combines extensive field knowledge with strong organizational and technical writing skills to manage projects and mentor field staff at GFA.

Melissa graduated with a Bachelor’s in biology from the University of Victoria in 2019 and has been dedicated to full-time work with GFA since.

Melissa’s primary focus is spearheading projects to recover Kitwanga sockeye and advance various other fisheries science and management initiatives.

With 24 years of dedication to GFA, Les began his career at the Meziadin Fishway. He later transitioned to localized work, contributing to significant projects like the Northwest Transmission Line and Gitanyow Moose Harvest Study.

As the lead technician, Les mentors new team members, emphasizing the importance of adapting skills to unique environments.

With advancements in technology like video monitoring, Les has witnessed how it enhances species identification, offering a clearer view of salmon health and aiding in identifying small fish. His passion lies in the intricacies of the job, from stream walks to encountering a grizzly sow’s bluff charge, and the annual ritual of counting salmon—each year reaffirming his commitment to his community and future generations.

Dustin brings nine years of invaluable experience to his role. He has contributed to various projects, including Bear Sneer, wildlife monitoring, controlled burns, archeology walks, and more. His extensive training covers a wide range of areas, from Hydrology to Swift Water Rescue.

Additionally, he generously volunteers his time for the Gitanyow Christmas Committee and coaches the U13 Boys basketball team, showcasing his commitment to community involvement.

Greg holds the Chiefs name Wii Litsxw for Wilp Wii Litsxw of the Lax Gibuu Clan.

For more than two decades, Tara has been dedicated to advancing sustainable development and operationalizing free, prior and informed consent for Indigenous peoples.

Drawing on her Master’s degree in Political Science and her upbringing in Gitksan Ayookxw (laws), Tara has worked for a number of First Nations governments, academia, the provincial government, philanthropic organizations, and most recently for the GHC.

Tara works and leads on multiple Wilp Sustainability initiatives including the Gitanyow Lax’yip Land Use Plan, Meziadin Indigenous Protected Area, Aks Ayookxw (Water Policy), and the Wilp Sustainability Assessment Process.

Tara is also the point of contact for all engagement/consultation/consent applications from colonial governments and proponents.