Staff Directory

Executive

Glen Williams/Malii

Glen Williams/Malii

President & Chief Negotiator

Glen holds the Chiefs name Malii for Wilp Malii of the Lax Gibuu Clan.

Joel Starlund/Sk’a’nism Tsa ‘Win’Giit

Joel Starlund/Sk’a’nism Tsa ‘Win’Giit

Executive Director

Wilp Wii Litsxw of the Lax Gibuu Clan with territory at Meziadin.

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.

 

Melissa Morgan/En Libi Tsexw

Melissa Morgan/En Libi Tsexw

Finance Officer

Wilp Wii Gyet of Gitksan

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.

 

Morgan Douse/Ksim En Similó

Morgan Douse/Ksim En Similó

Executive Assistant to the President

Wilp Wii Gyet of Gitksan

Gitanyow Fisheries Authority

Mark Cleveland/Youx Motts

Mark Cleveland/Youx Motts

Program Director

Mark is a seasoned professional biologist with 30 years of expertise in natural resource science, specializing in fisheries.

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 Koch

Kevin Koch

Wildlife / Guardian Program Manager

RPbio and senior technical advisor to the GHC on wildlife.

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.

Jordan Beblow

Jordan Beblow

Senior Biologist

Jordan is a seasoned fish biologist with over 30 years of experience in resource management, specializing in fish and fish habitat.

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 Shirey/Gisa Xhlaahl

Melissa Shirey/Gisa Xhlaahl

Biologist

Wilp Gamlakyeltxw of the Lax Ganeda Clan

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.

Megan Spooner

Megan Spooner

Environmental Scientist

Wilp Niist of Gitksan

Lesley McLean/Jagem Ak’

Lesley McLean/Jagem Ak’

Senior Technician

Wilp Guxsen of Gitsegukla

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.

Earl McLean

Earl McLean

Seasonal Technician

 

 

Brenton Williams Jr.

Brenton Williams Jr.

Seasonal Technician

 

 

Llyod Milton

Llyod Milton

Seasonal Technician

 

 

Johnny Martin

Johnny Martin

Seasonal Technician

 

 

Candice Kroeker

Candice Kroeker

Seasonal Technician

 

 

Gitanyow Lax’Yip Guardians

James Morgan/H’lik

James Morgan/H’lik

Gitanyow Lax'Yip Guardian

Lax Skiik Clan of Gitwangak

With 16 years at the GHCO, Jimmy has transitioned from Fisheries Technician to Environmental Field Technician. He currently leads the Gitanyow Lax’yip Guardians and facilitates Nature United, offering technical support to nationwide guardian programs.

Jimmy leverages his extensive experience and expertise to develop a youth guardians program, showcasing his commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Greg Johnson/De'um Umk

Greg Johnson/De'um Umk

Gitanyow Lax'Yip Guardian

Wilp Malii of the Lax Gibuu Clan

Dustin Gray

Dustin Gray

Gitanyow Lax'Yip Guardian

Wilp Malii of the Lax Gibuu Clan

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.

Karisse Marsden/Gukx'his'lokxsxw

Karisse Marsden/Gukx'his'lokxsxw

Gitanyow Lax'Yip Guardian

Wilp Watakhayetsxw of the Lax Ganeda Clan

Gitanyow Education & Training Institute

Beverley Russell/Xsim ‘Tam Smex

Beverley Russell/Xsim ‘Tam Smex

Project Manager

Wilp Nii Gyep of Gitksan

Holding a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from the University of Northern British Columbia (2006), Beverley brings eight years of experience as an Indigenous Education Worker/Social Worker for School District 57. 

Since November 2015, Beverley has served the GHCO focusing on community-based adult literacy and training programs, advocacy, mentorship, and connecting learners to support services.  She’s also a dedicated volunteer Elf for the Gitanyow Christmas Committee.

Cherilyn Gray

Cherilyn Gray

Employment Services Coordinator

Lax Kw’alaams member living in Gitanyow.

Cherilyn brings 12 years of dedicated service to the GHCO, starting as a temp/receptionist and advancing to her current role as Employment Service Coordinator & Gitanyow Liaison for Brucejack Mine with GETI.

With a diploma in Office Administration, Cherilyn excels in event coordination, marketing, budget oversight, and youth engagement. She generously volunteers as an assistant coach for the U13 basketball team and the Gitanyow Christmas Committee, embodying a commitment to community and professional growth.

Sherri McLean/Git Niggit

Sherri McLean/Git Niggit

Contact North Coordinator

Wilp Gwaas Hla’am of the Lax Gibuu Clan

Sherri has been a dedicated Gitanyow Educational and Training Institute (G.E.T.I) member for the past three years. She is a passionate advocate for education, focusing on promoting online learning to create a brighter and more accessible future for the Gitanyow community.

In her role at G.E.T.I, Sherri has worked tirelessly to enhance educational offerings and actively recruit community members, ensuring that the benefits of learning extend to all.

Colleen Martin

Colleen Martin

Tkandaa’wihl Coordinator (Opening Doors, Employment and Training)

Wilp Nisto’o of Gitksan

Colleen transitioned from the Youth Education and Employment Program (YESS) to an Office Assistant role at GETI and eventually extended her stay as the Tkandaa’wihl Coordinator.  In this role, she’s adept at office tasks, organizing courses, and facilitating community events.

Colleen is also an active volunteer in sports events, including youth soccer and basketball playdays, showcasing her commitment to community engagement.

Catherine Dworak

Catherine Dworak

Adult Literacy Instructor

Catherine has been teaching in Gitanyow since 2017. She brings over 30 years of education experience, specializing in adult education, aquatics, English as an additional language, and elementary and secondary school settings.

Learning Gitxsanimx̱ since 2012, she holds an MA in linguistics. Catherine is dedicated to fostering inclusive learning environments, aiding diverse student goals from employment training to higher education.

Wilp Sustainability

Gregory Rush Sr./Wii Litsxw

Gregory Rush Sr./Wii Litsxw

Director and Simoogit of the Meziadin Indigenous Protected Area

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

Tara Marsden/Naxginkw

Tara Marsden/Naxginkw

Wilp Sustainability Director

Wilp Gamlakyeltxw of the Lax Ganeda 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.

Dax’gyet

Namaste Marsden/Massum Tokxw

Namaste Marsden/Massum Tokxw

Dax’gyet Director

Wilp Gamlakyeltxw of the Lax Ganeda Clan

Namaste’s work has spanned over 20 years working within universities, federal agencies, First Nations and Indigenous organizations at the regional, provincial, national and international levels. She is currently leading projects and supporting the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs in
their objective since contact to have the Ayookxw and Gitanyow title recognized.

Namaste is responsible for projects that aim to support redress and restore dax’gyet from the impact of colonization on the system of hereditary governance.

Economic Development

Mark Starlund

Mark Starlund

Meziadin Junction LP General Manager & Gitanyow Forest License Manager

Wilp Guxsan of Gitksan

Communication

Chasity Daniels/Xbiisuunt

Chasity Daniels/Xbiisuunt

Communications Coordinator

Wilp Denimget of Gitksan

Chasity is a caring advocate dedicated to the welfare of the Gitanyow community and Gitksan people. Her journey began as the elected chief of Gitwangak, and she is now helping the GHCO educate and empower the community in her new role as Communications Coordinator.

Chasity is excited to amplify the voices and stories that matter most to the community and foster understanding among the nation.

Shayna Russell

Shayna Russell

Receptionist, GHC & GFA

Wilp Gitwanaak’il of Nisga’a