Lennard Joe, (Traditional name of Sux^wsx^wwels, meaning Grizzly Man) brings over 30 years of natural resources and business experience into his current roles. He is a Registered Professional Forester and a member of the Nlaka’pamux First Nation. Lennard is actively involved in developing new businesses and opportunities in the resource sector within his territory as well as throughout Canada and the world. Living in balance Lennard carries the corporate knowledge of his nation and continues to practice its protocols and traditions. His role as an Indigenous Professional Forester has opened doors in Indigenous Governance, Provincial and Federal government, Industry, Academia, and Forest Certification.

Sandy Atkinson is from the Snuneymuxw First Nation, on the east coast of Vancouver Island, and is the Director of Operations and Finance for the First Nations Forestry Council. Sandy oversees the day-to-day operations of the Forestry Council, including financial management and compliance, and ensuring the administrative and governance functions are current and progressive. 

Sandy has over 25 years of experience in operational forestry, as well as the administrative and financial management of forestry businesses and joint ventures.

She is passionate about the BC forest sector and utilizing the forests to provide jobs and economic benefits that are sustainable, and not at the expense of protecting our forests for the cultural and spiritual values they possess.

Karen Sorensen joined the Forestry Council in January 2020 as the Workforce Development Manager. She brings to her role 20 years of experience in creative and strategic development. Most recently, Karen worked with the BC Forest Discovery Centre and industry stakeholders to develop a 1.5M exhibit entitled Forests Forever: Innovation in Modern Forestry. This interactive exhibit was designed to engage and educate the public about current forestry practices and innovations on the coast of BC.

As the Workforce Development Manager for the BC First Nations Forestry Council, Karen leads the Workforce Strategy, developing and growing strategic partnerships to link First Nations talent to jobs in the forest sector; that includes the Indigenous Forestry Scholarship Program.

Karen has enjoyed spending the past 10 years working and raising her family on beautiful Vancouver Island, where she grew-up.

Christiana Jones joined the Forestry Council in June 2022 as the Communications Manager. They bring to the role 10 years of experience in communications, with a focus on government communications and stakeholder engagement. Most recently, Christiana worked for the Regional Parks system, engaging First Nations on strategic planning for land management on Southern Vancouver Island.

As the Communications Manager for the BC First Nations Forestry Council, Christiana oversees all communications initiatives such as campaigns, engagement, and event planning. They also support other program areas in communications needs.

Christiana moved to Vancouver Island in 2019 and has enjoyed spending as much time outdoors as possible.