Mike Goold is proud to serve as a Strategic Advisor with the First Nations Forestry Council. He is the Indigenous Forestry, Consultation, and Governance Advisor for the Leq’á:mel First Nation in Deroche, BC, and a proud member of the Wet’suwet’en Nation. Mike grew up in Houston, BC, and now lives on Stó:lō territory near Cultus Lake with his wife Shelley.

A proud stepfather and grandfather, Mike belongs to the Kwen bi’yahk House (House Beside the Fire) of the Laksilyu Clan. His grandmother, Lucy Rose Bazil, provided oral testimony in the historic Delgamuukw-Gisda’way court case. Mike is actively involved in revitalizing his family’s traditional governance and laws (an’uc nuwet’en). He holds a Diploma in Natural Resource Management and is certified in Forestry Business Administration from NVIT.

With over two decades of experience in wildland firefighting, silviculture, and consulting, Mike has spent more than 12 years advocating for Indigenous rights and title, helping to shape policies for several Stó:lō communities.

Percy Guichon is the Executive Director of Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR), a joint venture between the Tŝideldel First Nation and the Tl’etinqox Government. He also serves as a councillor for the Tŝideldel First Nation.

From an early age, Percy was actively involved in his community and developed a strong interest in forestry and economic development. These passions led him to a career focused on creating meaningful opportunities for his Nation and surrounding communities.
Under Percy’s leadership, CCR has become a recognized leader in the forestry sector. The company’s success is rooted in perseverance, hard work, and the strong support of the communities it serves.

Percy is committed to making a lasting, positive impact on both the land and the people. Through CCR, he champions sustainable land stewardship, wildfire rehabilitation, and employment for local Indigenous workers. His work reflects a deep dedication to community-driven development and environmental restoration.

Lennard Suxʷsxʷwels Joe is the Chief Executive Officer of the BC First Nations Forestry Council. He works with First Nations, government, forest industry, and partners to develop opportunities for First Nations leadership and participation in the forest sector. Guided by his understanding of First Nations governance and priorities, he brings the clear vision and supportive leadership needed to move the Forestry Council forward.

Lennard is a Registered Professional Forester and member of the Nlaka’pamux First Nation. He brings more than 30 years of experience in forestry, natural resources, and business to his role. Throughout his career, he has worked with First Nations governments, and with provincial and federal governments, industry, and forest certification organizations.

Grounded in a commitment to living in balance, Lennard carries his knowledge and experience of industry operations while honouring his traditional responsibilities and protocols. As CEO, he brings this perspective to the Forestry Council’s leadership, strengthening relationships and advancing opportunities for First Nations to exercise leadership and meaningful participation in the forest sector.

Sandra (Thithiliwut) has been with the Forestry Council for over 10 years and serves as the Director of Operations and Finance. She oversees the organization’s financial management, operations, and internal systems, ensuring staff have the resources, information and support they need to do their work.

Sandra brings more than 25 years of experience in forestry, administration, and financial management. She enjoys finding ways to make systems work better, whether that means streamlining a process or supporting staff in their program area’s needs. She is enthusiastic about building a strong organization that can continue to support First Nations across BC.

A member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, Sandra’s connection to forestry is both personal and professional. She carries on a legacy of First Nations foresters from both her father and grandfather, having built her own career in the sector through roles in monitoring, surveying, operations, and organizational management.

Karen serves as the Director of Engagement and Communications for the Forestry Council and has been with the organization for the past 7 years. In her role, Karen directs strategic engagement and communications initiatives that reflect the Forestry Council’s commitment to First Nations leadership, strong relationships, and sustainable forestry. She works closely with the CEO, staff, and First Nations partners to create opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and shared understanding.

With over 25 years in creative direction, public engagement, strategic communications, and marketing, Karen brings a creative and people-focused approach to her work. She draws on her experience to share the Forestry Council’s work in clear and meaningful ways and to help connect First Nations communities with relevant resources, information, and opportunities from across the forest sector. She is focused on strengthening the Forestry Council’s communications and engagement practices as the organization expands its reach and continues to grow.

Tiffany joined the Forestry Council in 2023 as Policy Program Manager. She directs the Forest Transformation team in policy, research, and legislative work, collaborating with First Nations, government, and industry on issues that affect forestry in BC. Her work supports First Nations in navigating a complex policy environment, accessing the information needed to make informed decisions, and strengthening their role in developing and transforming forest policy.

Tiffany brings more than 15 years of experience in public policy development and engagement, with a background that includes provincial initiatives in international relations, immigration, employment, and Indigenous tourism. She enjoys working through intricate policy issues and helping make information easier to understand and use. Outside of work, she can often be found spending time with her family at the soccer field, mountain biking in the forest, or enjoying the Vancouver Island beaches.

Denise has been with the Forestry Council since 2019 as Relationship and Fund Development Manager. She manages relationships with First Nations, funders, and industry to support and sustain program areas, strengthen impact, and advance the Forestry Council’s mission.

Denise brings a diverse career background to her role, with experience in veterinary nursing, community work, heavy equipment operation, logging, and teaching as a university Heavy Equipment Operator Instructor in remote First Nations communities. These experiences have shaped her approach to relationships and her understanding of the people and communities she works with.

Denise is motivated by the opportunity to create meaningful connections and support opportunities that strengthen First Nations participation in forestry. She brings empathy, adaptability, and genuine interest in helping others to her work. She is still deeply involved in supporting her community participating in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation and serving as a regional representative for the BC Centre for Women in Trades.

Zac has worked with the Forestry Council since 2022, first as a consultant before officially joining the team as the Engagement Specialist and Storyteller in 2024. He uses storytelling, creative communications and media production to share First Nations perspectives, experiences, and leadership in forestry.

With more than 25 years of experience as a storyteller, Zac has worked extensively with First Nations and Indigenous communities in BC and around the world. He values the trust that comes with being invited to share someone’s story and takes the time to understand the people, places, and experiences behind each project.

Zac is passionate about highlighting locally authentic approaches to forestry and land governance and creating opportunities for communities to share their own perspectives. He is a sixth-generation non-Indigenous Scottish and Danish Canadian who has been culturally adopted by Chief Ma’malxłu’sut of the K’ate’mot E’iksʷən. He lives in the ancestral territory of the Pentl’lach, E’iksʷən, Sahtloot, and Sasitla peoples.

Claire has been with the Forestry Council since 2024 as Marketing and Outreach Lead. She leads the organization’s marketing and communications, from digital platforms, publications, and social media to outreach and events, including the BC First Nations Forestry Conference. She enjoys using her skills to share the Forestry Council’s work, create meaningful connections, and bring people together.

With a background in marketing and environmental studies, Claire brings together creative communications experience and a strong grounding in ecology. As a Registered Biology Technologist (R.B. Tech) and Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner in Training (CERPIT), this perspective shapes how she approaches communications, projects, and relationships.

Originally from Ontario, Claire now lives and works from lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ territory in Victoria, BC. She is inspired by the ways First Nations are managing and caring for their forests across the province and is grateful to now call the West Coast home.

Catherine joined the Forestry Council in March 2025 as Workforce Development Lead. She oversees the development and facilitation of the Indigenous Forestry Scholarship Program, Workforce Connect, and mentorships, that support Indigenous youth in their education journey and create pathways to careers in the forest sector. Through these programs, Catherine helps connect Indigenous students with resources and opportunities that help them build connections, further their education, and gain work experience in the forest sector.

A member of the Seine River First Nation of western Ontario in Treaty 3 territory, Catherine has spent the past 10 years working in forestry and with youth. Her experience and excitement for her work have shaped her approach to creating welcoming and supportive spaces where students can learn, build confidence, and explore career opportunities.

Maria joined the Forestry Council in July 2026 as Policy Program Lead. She oversees the forest transformation team on policy and research initiatives that help First Nations navigate forestry policy and make informed decisions for their Nation and communities.

Maria is a Forester in Training with Forest Professionals BC, holds a Master of Sustainable Forest Management and a Bachelor of Political Science and Environmental Studies. Her experience includes work with the BC Ministry of Forests, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and the United Nations, where she worked on forest stewardship, climate adaptation, and community-based environmental initiatives.

She draws on this experience to integrate technical knowledge, policy insight, and community perspectives to support practical, long-term approaches to forest transformation policy. She is particularly interested in work that supports healthy forests and communities and helps build resilience for the future. Outside of work, Maria enjoys spending time on the land and hiking with her dog, Mango.

Katherine joined the Forestry Council in January 2026 as Research Analyst. She supports programs across the Forestry Council through data collection, research and analysis. She contributes to the development of external and internal resources that help strengthen engagement with First Nations, clients, and partners.

Katherine brings experience in data and research, including work within BC’s social services sector and Global Affairs Canada. This experience has shaped her understanding of how information can help people see the bigger picture, ask better questions, and make informed decisions. She enjoys working with different types of information and finding ways to organize it so that it is clear, reliable, and useful.

Katherine’s interest in research and analysis comes from a curiosity about how information can help the Forestry Council better understand the forest sector and the communities we work with. She values opportunities to communicate her findings and contribute to resources such as BusinessConnect and the Forestry Business Inventory. Outside of work, Katherine enjoys staying active, spending time with her dog, and being creative through crafting and art.

Scharie joined the Forestry Council in June 2025 as Policy Coordinator, where she coordinates policy research, assists in the development of forestry policy resources, and contributes to community engagement sessions that bring First Nations voices and perspectives to the forefront.

She holds bachelor’s degrees in Indigenous Studies and Philosophy and brings her experience working with First Nations communities to her role. Scharie approaches her work with a focus on relationships, thoughtful engagement, and listening to the community’s needs.

Her connection to land stewardship informs how she understands forestry policy and the importance of supporting First Nations priorities. Scharie is Denesųłiné from Cold Lake First Nations with family roots in Skowkale. Raised in Sto:lo territory, she now lives in the Lower Mainland, where she raises her daughter and stays connected to community, culture, and place.

Leah joined the Forestry Council in 2025 as the Business Development Coordinator. She coordinates the Opportunity Register and contributes to business development efforts that connect First Nations with forestry-related opportunities, funders, organizations, and resources.

A member of Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation with Croatian ancestry, Leah brings a thoughtful approach to building connections, shaped by her appreciation for land, community, and her experience coming from a remote First Nations community. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology and a Master of Business Administration and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration.

Leah is passionate about supporting First Nations economic development and increasing participation in the forest sector. She enjoys building connections and creating pathways for Nations to access information, partnerships, and opportunities that support community goals. She is honoured to make her home in Vancouver, on the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Isa joined the Forestry Council in May 2022 and serves as the Executive Assistant and Board Liaison. She assists the CEO in his day-to-day operations and coordinates communication with the Board of Directors, helping maintain strong internal relationships that support the Council’s work.

Isa draws on her previous work in First Nations community services and her experience across Forestry Council programs, including policy and workforce development. This background has given her a broad understanding of the organizations work and the people and communities it supports.

Isa is a member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation of Nanaimo, with family ties to Hupacasath First Nation in Port Alberni, and Millbrook First Nation in Truro, Nova Scotia. Her family’s legacy of foresters and advocates for First Nations participation continues to inspire her work and commitment to future generations.

Deconnia joined the Forestry Council in June 2026 as Forest Policy Assistant. She supports forest landscape planning and policy work, and other forestry initiatives, with a focus on connecting practical forest management with broader forest governance.

Deconnia’s experience spans several areas of forest management, including silviculture, forest ecology, wildfire resilience, wildlife biology, and invasive species management. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Forest Resource Management and is a registered Forester in Training working toward her Registered Professional Forester designation.

Deconnia is personally dedicated to finding connections between what happens on the ground and the policies that guide forest management. Originally from Alberta, Deconnia has called Vancouver Island home for six years. Outside of work, you can find her sea kayaking, exploring local beaches, and hiking the Island’s mountains.

Taylor joined the Forestry Council as Communications Assistant in June 2026. In her role, Taylor supports the development and delivery of communications initiatives that share the Forestry Council’s work, programs, and priorities with First Nations communities, partners, and the broader public. She brings experience working with First Nations organizations and Indigenous communities across communications, administration, event coordination, and community engagement.

Taylor holds a Bachelor in Indigenous Studies and applies both personal and academic perspectives to her work. As a member of the Haida Nation, Taylor draws on a strong connection to Indigenous governance, land stewardship and community engagement. She is committed to using culturally grounded communications that build understanding and contribute to advancing First Nations meaningful participation in BC’s forest sector.

Assistant. In his role, he supports staff and program delivery through IT operations, policy and procedure development, inventory management, and a range of organizational projects and events, including the Forestry Forum and annual conference.

A member of the Mohawk Nation and lifelong Vancouver Island local, Oake brings a strong interest in technology and software to his work. Through personal and professional development, he has built skills in cybersecurity, customer service, and IT support.

Oake’s technical skills, adaptability, and willingness to lend a hand help keep the Forestry Council’s day-to-day operations running smoothly.

Celeste joined the Forestry Council in June 2026 as Human Resources and Operations Assistant. A member of the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) and shíshálh (Sechelt) Nations, she grew up on her people’s traditional lands in Sechelt, BC, and now lives and works from the traditional territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations in Victoria.

Celeste works across human resources and operations, helping create and refresh policies, procedures, and employee resources that support the workplace. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus in human resources and leadership, as well as a diploma in public administration.

With her lived experience as a First Nations woman raised with the values of community and culture, Celeste brings a thoughtful, grounded perspective to her work and the resources she helps create and implement. She values contributing to a workplace where staff feel supported, guided, and connected.

Margaret supports the Forestry Council as the Financial and Administrative Assistant; her responsibilities include payroll, payments, reporting, funding administration, and the many behind-the-scenes processes that keep the organization running smoothly.

Margaret brings over 20 years of accounting experience across government, not-for-profit, and private sector environments. She enjoys working with numbers and ensuring that the details are taken care of, assisting staff and programs with the financial support they need. Born in London, Ontario, Margaret moved to Vancouver Island in 1995 and has embraced island life ever since.

Appointed by the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, Michael Kelly is a member and former councillor of Leq’a:mel First Nation. Michael retired early, after 35 years, working with the Provincial Government in the BC Ministry of Highways.

Kelly has worked extensively in the Engineering Technical and Inspection component of highway construction, and after leaving the BC Ministry of Highways in 2002, he worked as a machine operator in the public works section at the University Endowment Lands until 2009.

Appointed by the First Nations Summit, Harley Chingee is the current Chief of the McLeod Lake Indian Band with over 20 years experience in First Nation administration and business management.

Chief Chingee brings a wealth of forest sector policy experience to the First Nations Forestry Council. Chief Chingee is committed to increasing First Nations access to, and involvement in, the forest sector.

Dan is a registered professional forester for the Nk’Mip First Nations Woodland Licence since it’s inception in 2018. He works closely with the licencee (Osoyoos Indian Band, OIB) to establish and implement the guiding principles and goals that the OIB envisions. This includes ensuring that multiple objectives are addressed across the tenure is a critical component of all planning, and has given Dan the opportunities to connect with other stakeholders throughout the area as well.

By recognizing the rights and management concerns of First Nations, local residents, range holders, woodlot licencees, recreational groups, local community groups and environmental societies, as well as local government in general – Dan has connected and collaborated with a wide diversity of interests. This collaboration ensures that planning and activities on the First Nation Woodland Licence tenure runs smoothly and that the Osoyoos Indian Band has the main voice in the way the forests in their traditional territory are managed.

Dan looks forward to being a director on the BC First Nations Forestry Council Board to learn more from other First Nations tenure holders across the province.  “I’m very humbled to be part of this experienced and knowledgeable Forestry Council team, and I look forward to moving our agenda and priorities to the top of the list of changes to forest legislation and policies to increase the role of First Nations as full partners in the BC forest sector.”

Robert Michell is the elected Chief of the Stellat’en First Nations. A graduate of the University of Victoria Law Program, Chief Robert has been involved in Indigenous business and politics for over 40 years. Chief Michell is also a Hereditary Chief of the Frog clan of his community.

Chief Robert brings a unique approach to Indigenous involvement in business. The Stellat’en First Nation is currently discussing four major electrification projects within their territories. Chief Robert joined the BC First Nations Forestry Council board in 2024.

Dr. Andrea Lyall is a Registered Professional Forester and award-winning policy analyst with over 25 years of experience in natural resource management.

Her work bridges Indigenous knowledge with forest policy, land use planning, and economic development, promoting collaboration among Indigenous communities, governments, and industry partners.

Andrea specializes in culturally informed, strategic recommendations that integrate cultural, environmental, and economic values. She has led multidisciplinary teams, managed First Nations-owned businesses, and advised on a wide range of forestry and resource management initiatives.

A trusted advisor and leader in the field, Andrea is committed to advancing sustainable practices that empower Indigenous communities. Her approach supports the preservation of traditional knowledge while fostering long-term stewardship and prosperity.

Dan Macmaster is the Forest Manager for the Osoyoos Indian Band and the West Boundary Community Forest. He holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Forest Management from the University of British Columbia and brings a collaborative approach to forest stewardship across the region.

Based in Grand Forks and working out of Oliver, Dan is dedicated to balancing multiple forest values through strong relationships, communication, and thoughtful planning. His work emphasizes sustainable practices that respect both ecological and community needs.
Dan serves on several forestry boards, including the BC First Nations Forestry Council, BC Community Forest Association, and the Interior Lumber Manufacturing Association. Through these roles, he contributes to shaping provincial forestry policy and promoting community-driven forest management.

With a focus on long-term sustainability, Dan is committed to fostering partnerships that support healthy forests, resilient ecosystems, and strong local economies.

Dennis MacDonald is a member of Upper Nicola Band (UNB), part of the syilx (Okanagan) Nation, and is currently serving his fifth term (14th year) as a Councillor. He is a Registered Forest Technologist with the Forest Professionals of BC and serves as Forest Operations Manager for Stuwix Resources Joint Venture—a forest management company owned by eight First Nations in BC’s Southern Interior.

With 29 years of experience in the forest industry, Dennis brings deep expertise in operational forestry and Indigenous governance. As a Strategic Advisor to the BC First Nations Forestry Council, he plays a key role in shaping policy and promoting Indigenous-led forest management.

Dennis is a strong advocate for holistic stewardship rooted in First Nations values. He supports sustainable ecosystem and watershed-based approaches that reflect Indigenous knowledge and priorities, contributing to long-term environmental and community well-being.

Jeremy Boyd is from the Tsideldel First Nation and works for the Tsilhqot’in Nation as their Forester since 2016. Jeremy holds a Master of Science and is a Registered Professional Forester (RPF). His work focuses on forest policy, land stewardship, Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), biodiversity, Indigenous forest health indicators, and Forest Landscape Planning (FLP). He supports the Tsilhqot’in Nation’s efforts to advance sustainable forest management grounded in Indigenous values, knowledge, and governance.

Klay is the General Manager of Forest Operations for the Lil’wat Nation and leads Lil’wat Forestry Ventures (LFV), a partnership focused on generating employment and revenue for the Nation. Before joining LFV, Klay worked in Nelson and Golden, BC, in forest engineering and silviculture roles, and also taught forestry courses for Stillwater Consulting.
Now based in the Sea to Sky corridor, Klay is responsible for the safety and environmental leadership of LFV’s operations. He oversees a team that plans and implements forestry activities across multiple tenures, including harvesting up to 125,000m³ annually. He manages budgets, supports strategic business development, and oversees engineering and silviculture contractors.

Klay also leads LFV’s contracting department, which employs approximately 30 people in firefighting, fuels management, silviculture, slashing, and road maintenance. A key part of his role is creating jobs and growing capacity within the community.
Klay holds a Forestry degree from UBC and continues to support workforce development through his contributions to Stillwater Consulting. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring the Whistler mountains with his family and friends.