2026 Speakers

George Anderson

Member of the Legislative Assembly

Government of B.C.

George is the Parliamentary Secretary for Transit. He also serves as Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole. Before being elected to the Legislative Assembly, George worked as an established commercial lawyer at one of Canada’s largest firms. In addition, he served as a City Councillor in Nanaimo and as a Director for the […]

Karina Andrus

Senior Manager, Environmental Permitting

Capstone Infrastructure Corporation

Selena Basi

Vice President, Corporate Relations

Woodfibre LNG

Selena Basi is a seasoned government and corporate relations professional based in British Columbia, Canada. She currently serves as Vice President of Corporate Relations at Woodfibre LNG Limited, where she leads strategic engagement initiatives across government, community and indigenous relations. In her role at Woodfibre LNG, she has been an advocate for Indigenous economic reconciliation, […]

Mike Beck

Operations Manager

Capacity Forest Management

Mike Beck, RPF, is President and Partner at Capacity Forest Management and brings over 30 years of experience in the forestry sector.  Since joining Capacity 15 years ago, he has played a key role in advancing First Nations forestry initiatives, with a strong focus on tenure acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive tenure management. Mike brings […]

Tamlyn Botel

Senior Director, Regulatory Engagement & Social Impact

C3 Alliance

Tamlyn is passionate about the confluence of Western science and Indigenous knowledge and how their integration can strengthen understanding and informed decision-making among industry, government, and First Nations throughout the natural resource lifecycle. She brings over a decade of experience in regulatory engagement and strategic relationship leadership, grounded in a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach that brings […]

President Kerry Carlick

President

Tahltan Central Government

Kerry Carlick is the President of the Tahltan Central Government (TCG), the central administrative governing body of the Tahltan Nation representing approximately 5,000 members living on and off-reserve. His work as President centers on wellness, bringing a holistic perspective to the development and stewardship of people, relationships, and resources in the Territory.  Since his election, […]

Michelle Carr

CEO and Commissioner

BC Energy Regulator

Michelle Carr is passionate about innovation, regulatory excellence, and empowering leadership. She has over 29 years of expertise in regulatory oversight, industry and government relations, leading organizational transformation, and public policy. Michelle is currently the Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the BC Energy Regulator, the Crown Corporation that regulates the lifecycle of energy resource […]

Todd Corrigall

Senior Vice President

Central Strategies

Duane Crouse

Operations Manager

LBN Forestry

Nathan Cullen

Vice President

StrategyCorp

Nathan Cullen is a seasoned public policy leader and strategic advisor with more than two decades of experience in elected office, Indigenous relations, natural resource governance, and strategic planning. Based in Northwestern British Columbia, Nathan brings a deep understanding of regional, national, and Indigenous issues across rural and resource-based communities. Nathan served for 15 years […]

Derek Funk

Indigenous Business Development Manager

Finning Canada

Derek Funk is one of 2 Indigenous Business Development Managers for Finning Canada. These roles help to develop a deeper understanding regarding the unique history and cultural diversity of each community we partner with. With every relationship customized to the unique needs of each Indigenous community and business, Finning helps to provide opportunities for mutual […]

Donna Hais

Board Chair

Port of Nanaimo

Donna Hais is a respected business and community leader serving as Board Chair of the Nanaimo Port Authority (2024–present; 2019–2023), providing strategic oversight for a key driver of regional economic growth. She has held leadership roles as President of the Nanaimo Executive Association and the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, strengthening the local business community. Recognized […]

Lisa Helmer

Executive Director, Collaborative Stewardship and Cumulative Effects Management Branch

Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Government of B.C.

Lisa is the Executive Director, Collaborative Stewardship and Cumulative Effects Management Branch with the Province of BC, where she oversees the provincial cumulative effects framework, collaborative stewardship Forums, guardian programs and biodiversity assessment. Lisa joined the Province in 2006 as Head of Biological and Evaluation Services with the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF). Prior to […]

Honourable David Eby, K.C.

Premier of British Columbia

Government of British Columbia

On Nov. 18, 2022, David was sworn in as premier at an event hosted by the Musqueam Nation. This first of its kind historic event was hailed as an important symbol towards reconciliation and strengthening government-to-government relationships. David’s priority is protecting British Columbian families and jobs from unjust American tariffs by strengthening our economy and […]

Logan Hwang

Director, External Relations

C3 Alliance

Logan is a skilled researcher, writer, and project coordinator. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, Logan first worked part-time as Community Relations Coordinator with C3 Alliance throughout 2022 before taking on the role full-time with the company after completing his BSc. Environmental & Political Science from the University of British Columbia (UBC). In his time with […]

Mike Hykaway

Assistant Deputy Minister

Ministry of Forests, Government of B.C.

Mike Hykaway is the Assistant Deputy Minister of Regional Operations for the North Area, with British Columbia’s Ministry of Forests.  With over 20 years experience in the provincial government, he provides strong leadership on natural resource and forestry management across BC’s interior and northern communities.  He has extensive experience working with First Nations, industry, and […]

Chief Linda Innes

Gitxaała Nation

Kendra Johnston

Assistant Deputy Minister

Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals, Government of B.C.

Kendra Johnston is Assistant Deputy Minister of the Mines Competitiveness and Authorizations Division for the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals, within the Government of British Columbia (BC). Before joining government in late 2025, Kendra was Managing Director at PearTree Securities Inc. and prior to that, was President & CEO of the Association for Mineral […]

Erica Kabotoff

Mining and Regulatory Engagement Manager

Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly

Erica Kabotoff is the Mining and Regulatory Engagement Manager with the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly and a Registered Professional Biologist. Raised primarily in Merritt, she brings both personal and professional connections to the land she works to protect. Erica holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Ottawa. […]

Brian Kingzett

Executive Director

BC Salmon Farmers Association

Brian Kingzett is the Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association. During Brian’s 40 years in aquaculture, he has specialized in bringing together interdisciplinary approaches that combine business development, sound science, responsible aquaculture production practices, strategic market-based development, and collaboration with Indigenous and stakeholder groups. Brian has worked in government research, academia, consulting, and […]

Mayor Darryl Krakowka

Mayor

District of Tumbler Ridge

Darryl Krakowka is a dedicated public servant who has proudly represented the Tumbler Ridge community for two terms on council— spanning eight years—and currently serves as the Mayor. Since 2007, Darryl has been actively engaged in both local government and grassroots community initiatives. Now in his role as Mayor, Darryl remains focused on improving the […]

Mayor Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo

Mayor Krog was first elected as Nanaimo Mayor in 2018, and served as the MLA for Nanaimo until his election as Mayor. Mayor Krog was first elected to the 1991 Provincial Legislature and has served as the BC Government Caucus Chair and previously served as the Official Opposition spokesperson for Justice (Attorney General). Born in […]

Sam Lee

President and CEO

Northisle Copper and Gold

Seraphine Lewis

Gender and Cultural Safety Trainer

Woodfibre LNG

Bill Lomax

President & CEO

First Nations Bank of Canada

Bill Lomax is the President and CEO of the First Nations Bank of Canada (FNBC) and a member of the Gitxsan Nation. Bill grew up in Terrace, B.C. and studied in Vancouver before heading south to spend 22 years working on Wall Street and in Private equity in the United States. As a graduate of […]

Honourable Sheila Malcolmson

Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction of British Columbia

Government of B.C.

Sheila Malcolmson was first elected as the MLA for Nanaimo (now Nanaimo-Gabriola Island) in 2019. Sheila was re-appointed Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction in November 2024. Sheila previously served as the Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment and as Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. Prior to her election as MLA, Sheila was elected four times […]

Blake Mansbridge

Senior Manager, External Relations, Eagle Mountain – Woodfibre Gas Pipeline Project

FortisBC

Blake Mansbridge is Senior Manager of External Relations at FortisBC, where he leads Indigenous, municipal and community relations for the Eagle Mountain–Woodfibre Gas Pipeline Project. In this role, he works closely with Indigenous Nations, local governments, and communities throughout project execution. Since joining FortisBC in 2017, Blake has led consultation and engagement for large-scale infrastructure […]

Ryan McKay

TREP Lands & Resources Planner

Saulteau Nation Lands & Resource Department

Charlotte Mitha

President & CEO

BC Hydro

Charlotte Mitha is BC Hydro’s President and CEO. Charlotte joined BC Hydro in 2004 and has been a member of the executive team for more than six years. In her previous role as Executive Vice President of Operations at BC Hydro, Charlotte has overseen the control centres, water management, and field-based employees responsible for operating […]

Nalaine Morin

Senior Vice President, Environment and Social Affairs

Skeena Gold + Silver

Ms. Morin has extensive technical experience in both mining and environmental assessment processes, and is well known for her work to build positive relationships that recognize the role of Indigenous Nations in decision making on Indigenous Lands. Prior to joining Skeena, she was the Lands Director for the Tahltan Central Government. Ms. Morin has been […]

Kate Mueller

Vice President, Sustainability

Northisle Copper and Gold Inc.

Kate Mueller is a registered Professional Engineer and regulatory specialist with over 27 years’ experience in the mining industry. Kate has previously held senior roles within both industry and government, where she has led all regulatory aspects of complex mining projects. Kate supports project teams as a strategic advisor that effectively identifies and mitigates project […]

Jeff Mycock

Vice President, Canadian Woodlands

West Fraser

Jeff Mycock, RPF, is the Vice President Canadian Woodlands for West Fraser. Jeff graduated in 1994 with a forestry technical diploma from Selkirk College in Castlegar, and later completed the ABCFP forest pupil program and became an RPF in 2006. Jeff started his forestry career in the central Cariboo in the early 1990’s and then moved […]

Chief James Nelson

Chief

Quatsino First Nation

Marilyn Nelson

Director of Communications & Indigenous Relations

West Moberly Industrial Metalwork

Marilyn Nelson is the Director of Communications & Indigenous Relations at West Moberly Industrial Metalwork, where she focuses on Indigenous partnerships, community engagement, strategic communications, and industry collaboration. She has played a key role in initiatives that bring together Indigenous communities, industry, and local governments through meaningful partnerships and economic development opportunities. Marilyn is also […]

n̓aasquʔisʔatḥ, Stephen Rayner

Interim Executive Director

Clean Energy BC

Stephen Rayner, also known by his traditional name n̓ aasquʔisʔatḥ, sits on the Elected Council of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations following a successful election in 2023. Within the council, he holds dual portfolios which focus on Green Energy and Climate Sustainability, as well as Law and Policy. Prior to his tenure in governance, he held […]

Chief Nicholas Peterson

Chief

Lower Nicola Indian Band

Robert Phillips

Political Executive

First Nations Summit

Robert Phillips is a member of Tsq’escen’ (Canim Lake Band) of the Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw (Secwepemc Nation). Born on the lands of the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribes (Chilliwack Tribes) in the Sto:lo Nation with family ties and relations at Skowkale First Nation. Robert holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University College of the Fraser […]

Lisa Risvold

Vice President, Indigenous, Community and Stakeholder Affairs

Conuma Resources

For more than 25 years, Lisa Risvold has worked in sustainable development across Treaty 6 and Treaty 8 Territories, with a career focused on building practical partnerships that create long-term value for Indigenous Nations, communities, industry, and stakeholders. Lisa began her career at the community level, working alongside women and youth to develop and implement […]

Chief Chris Roberts

Chief

Wei Wai Kum First Nation

Chris Roberts was elected as the Chief Councillor of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation in 2018. A lifelong resident of the Wei Wai Kum community, Chief Roberts earned his Economics Degree from the University of Victoria in 2008. In his role as Elected Chief, he focuses on various responsibilities, including economic development initiatives, treaty […]

Elizabeth Ross

Communications Advisor

Conuma Resources

Nolan Rudkowsky

Indigenous Relations Coordinator

Woodfibre LNG

Evan Salter

CEO

Tano T’enneh General Partner Corporation

Evan Salter is an experienced financial executive with a CPA/CMA as well as a certificate in Indigenous Leadership from Harvard Business School. Evan has an extensive leadership background in operational management and economic development. He has over 15 years of experience in executive roles (CEO & CFO) with Indigenous organizations. Evan has a wide breadth […]

Linda Sams

Director

BC Indigenous Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences

Linda has worked in all facets of the aquaculture industry in both Canada and Australia in some of the world’s leading salmon farming organizations over her 40-year career and maintains strong international aquaculture networks. As a marine biologist, Linda is an experienced operations and organizational leader, with a strong background and valuable experience and knowledge […]

Dr. David Schaepe

General Manager, S’ólh Temexw Stewardship Alliance / Director

Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre

Dr. Dave Schaepe, a settler within S’ólh Téméxw since 1993, is Director of the Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre at Stó:lō Nation/ Stó:lō Service Agency where has worked since 1997. He also acts as the Chair and General Manager of the S’ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance, and is co-lead of the STSA-BC Collaborative Stewardship Forum. […]

Dr. Ahmed Siah

Managing Director

Centre of Aquatic Health Sciences to Indigenous Centre

Ahmed joined the team at BC CAHS in November 2011. His duties include managing research projects, developing new technologies in the field of aquatic health diagnostics and implementing and validating molecular biology technologies for diagnostics. Dr. Siah pursued his Postdoctoral studies in Molecular Ecotoxicology at the University of Le Havre in France after earning his […]

Ian Simpson

CEO

Petroglyph Development

Ian Simpson (Yaatqumtun) is a proud citizen of the Snuneymuxw Nation and serves as Chief Executive Officer of Petroglyph Development Group, the Nation’s economic development corporation. Guided by Snuneymuxw values and worldview, Ian leads with the conviction that Indigenous economies are not emerging—they are resurging. A graduate of Vancouver Island University and holder of an MBA […]

Christy Smith

Senior Vice President, Indigenous Engagement and Human Environment

Falkirk Environmental Consultants

Dallas Smith

President

Na̲nwak̲olas Council

Dallas Smith is the founder, president and CEO of the Nanwakolas Council – a cutting edge First Nations organization that protects and manages First Nation cultural values while building strategic opportunities and partnerships with both Government and Industry to increase sustainable opportunities and employment for the region. Dallas comes from the Tlowitsis Nation on northern Vancouver […]

Douglas Smith

CEO

DP World, Canada

Doug Smith is the CEO of DP World in Canada, where he brings nearly 30 years of experience in international trade, shipping, and logistics to spearhead innovation and sustainable growth across the company’s Canadian operations. His leadership is centered around driving operational efficiency and enhancing DP World’s presence in the Canadian market, ensuring the company’s […]

Councillor Erralyn Thomas

Councillor

Snuneymuxw First Nation

Jeremy Thompson

President

Eagle Spirit Business Development

A proud member of the Okanagan Indian Band, Jeremy brings extensive experience in business development, corporate management, and executive leadership to Eagle Spirit Indigenous Relations. His lived experience helps bring a thoughtful, grounded perspective to his work in strengthening Indigenous relations, fostering meaningful partnerships and advancing strategic growth. Jeremy’s career includes two terms as an […]

Emily Vakili

Vice President, Advisory Services

C3 Alliance

Emily has a genuine commitment to building and nurturing meaningful relationships with Indigenous Nations and communities. Her consistent dedication to relationship-building has played an instrumental role in navigating the challenges of the BC permitting and environmental assessment process in her previous experiences in the mining industry. Through managing Indigenous-led assessments, Emily has gained invaluable insights […]

Á’a:líya Warbus

MLA, Official Opposition House Leader

Government of British Columbia

Á’a:líya Warbus is the MLA for Chilliwack-Cultus Lake and the Official Opposition House Leader. She was first elected in 2024. Á’a:líya has a background in film, storytelling and communications on behalf of Indigenous peoples. She served as the Director of Cultural Communications at Stó:lō Xwexwilmexw Government, and as a Professor at Capilano University – Indigenous […]

Sarah Weber

President & CEO

C3 Alliance

Sarah brings over 20 years of experience in Canada’s natural resource sector, specializing in strategic advisory and partnership development among Indigenous Peoples, government, and industry. She is known for fostering collaborative solutions to complex resource development challenges and is respected for her work in community engagement, communications, and stakeholder relations. Her background includes executive management, […]

Chief Roland Willson

Chief

West Moberly First Nations

David de Wit

Owner

Flatrock Vantage

David de Wit is a member of the Wet’suwet’en Nation, born into the Laksilyu Clan from the House on Top of Flat Rock. Guided by the teachings of his grandparents, uncles, and aunties, David understands the yintah (ecosystems) as a network of living entities that sustain life and wellness—both culturally and economically. He was given […]