Ts’qescen First Nation
Kris Archie, a Secwépemc and Seme7 woman from the Ts’qescen First Nation, is the CEO of The Circle on Philanthropy and Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. She is passionate about heart-based community work and facilitating positive change. Kris works to transform philanthropy and contribute to positive change by creating spaces of learning, relationship-building, and activation. 

Quw’utsun [Cowichan] Tribes
Lydia Hwitsum is the former Chief of Cowichan Tribes and is a strong advocate for Indigenous and human rights. She has presented at the United Nations and the Organization of American States. With over 20 years in Indigenous governance, Lydia holds a Juris Doctor degree and serves on various boards, including the Royal Roads University Board of Governors.

Fort Nelson First Nation
Lana Lowe, a Dene-Canadian from Fort Nelson First Nation, advocates for Indigenous-led governance in her ancestral lands in unceded Treaty 8 territories of northeast BC. She is the previous Director of Lands, Resources, and Treaty Rights for her community and is currently pursuing a PhD at the Faculty of Law, University of Victoria. Lana holds a master’s degree in Indigenous Governance and a bachelor’s degree in natural resource geography. 

Syilx Nation
Deana Machin (MBA, B.Sc.) brings with her two decades of expertise in First Nations fisheries management, specializing in strategic planning and Indigenous engagement. She has led significant initiatives during her roles at the First Nations Fisheries Council of BC and the Okanagan Nation Alliance with a strong focus on Indigenous rights, collaboration, and relationship-building.

Gitanyow Huwilp of the Gitksan Nation
Tara Marsden, of the Gitanyow (Gitksan) people, is working in partnership with REFBC to advance the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples across what is now known as BC. Tara has over 20 years’ experience working with and for First Nations on sustainable development, land use planning, policy and governance related to lands and resources, and community-driven research. She holds a master’s degree in political science from the University of Northern BC and is the Founder of Hlimoo Sustainable Solutions.

Gitxsan Nation, Wilps Wii Muuglilxsw
Gordon Sterritt, a member of the Gitxsan Nation (Wilps Wii Muugilxsw), serves as the Executive Director of the Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance. With greater than 20 years of experience in the world of salmon fisheries as a technician and manager, he has played vital roles in fisheries initiatives, including the Pacific Salmon Treaty and the response to the Big Bar Slide. 

Lower Nicola Indian Band
Ski’us Aaron Sam Sumexheltza, a former Councillor and Chief of Lower Nicola Indian Band, is a practicing lawyer representing residential school survivors and specializing in criminal defense. He is President of the BC NDP, and also serves on the boards of the Assembly of First Nations’ Climate Action and Environment Committee and the BC Aboriginal Justice Council. Aaron holds degrees in Law and Environmental Studies.

SȾÁUTW̱ [Tsawout] First Nation Mavis Underwood, whose ancestral name is TIWONEMOT, is of SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation W̱SÁNEĆ Nation. Her life has been greatly enriched by serving her community as elected Council for several terms and by serving as the coordinator for the 2015 British Columbia Elders Gathering in SȾÁUTW̱. She has also recognized for contributions to Social Policy Planning with a Derek Thomson Award in advocating for the rights of victims, along with a Women in Leadership Award. Mavis’ PH.D and work experiences are ongoing.

Xeni Gwet’in [Tsilhqot’in] First Nation
Chief Roger William, a member of Xeni Gwet’in First Nation, has a deep connection to land and water through his lifelong home in Nemiah Valley (Xeni). Roger was a Plaintiff for the Xeni Gwet'in Tsilhqot'in Aboriginal Title Lands win. He is actively engaged in cultural practices such as traditional dancing and drumming. His background includes ranching, rodeo competitions, and active participation in community traditions.