Dr. Andrea Reid is a citizen of the Nisga’a Nation and an Assistant Professor with the University of British Columbia’s Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries. She is helping to launch and lead the Centre for Indigenous Fisheries, working to build a national and international hub for the study and protection of culturally significant fish and fisheries. Her research program adopts highly interdisciplinary and applied approaches to improving our understanding of the complex interrelationships between fish, people and place. Reid’s PhD in Biology (Governor General’s Gold Medal; Carleton University ’20) centered on multiple stressor effects on Pacific salmon, using tools and insights from Western and Indigenous sciences in tandem. Reid is a cofounder of Riparia, a Canadian charity that connects diverse young women with science on the water to grow the next generation of water protectors. She is also a National Geographic Explorer and a Fellow of The Explorers Club.

My name is Gid yahk’ii (Sean Young) I am a proud member of the Haida Nation. I’m part of the G̱akyaals ḴiiG̱waay Raven Clan of Ḵ’uuna Llnagaay (Skedans). I am currently the Manager/Curator of Collections and Lab of Archaeology at Saahlinda Naay “Saving Things House” (Haida Gwaii Museum) at Ḵay Llnagaay.  I’m also an educated and trained field Archaeologist and have worked in this field since the summer of 1995. I am an instructor and guest lecturer for the Haida Gwaii Institutes Natural Resource Studies and Marine Conservation semester for the past four years. I’ve also worked for the Haida Gwaii Watchmen Program since 2004 as a cultural ambassador and caretaker living in ancient Haida villages and cultural sites every summer which are located within Gwaii Haanas Haida Heritage Site National Park Reserve.

Jennifer is a knowledge keeper and Council Member with the Wuikinuxv Nation. She is also the Former Stewardship & Fisheries Director - and much more. Jennifer has been involved with work from crabs, to bears, to salmon, related to how  Wuikinuxv data is used to create scientific questions and inquiries that allow her Nation to  impact and shape government policy.

A settler with roots from the British Isles, Megan grew up in Treaty 7 territory in Alberta and is passionate about salmon and the ecosystems and communities they support. For over a decade, she has worked in close collaboration with First Nations on research projects aimed at upholding Indigenous sovereignty while also fulfilling stewardship objectives. Currently, Megan supports Central Coast Nations in various salmon programs as a coordinator with the Central Coast Indigenous Resource Alliance, and a postdoctoral researcher at the University of British Columbia. Prior to these projects, Megan collaborated with the Wuikinuxv Nation on a grizzly and black bear monitoring program. 

Tara Marsden is a member of Gitanyow First Nation, and holds the traditional name Naxginkw. Tara has a Masters Degree in Political Science from the University of Northern BC. Over her 20-year career, she has worked for a number of First Nations, ENGOs, philanthropic organizations, post-secondary institutions, the provincial government, and the BC Forest Practices Board.  Most recently, Tara spent 9 years as the Wilp Sustainability Director for the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs implementing the Gitanyow Lax’yip Land Use Plan and other sustainable development policies. While still playing a lead role with Gitanyow, Tara also works on contract with Healthy Watersheds Initiative as the Senior Indigenous Advisor, and runs her own consulting business Hlimoo Sustainable Solutions out of her home in Hazelton, BC. 

Kelly-Ann Speck has been involved in resource management work around British Columbia for over 30 years. Kelly has a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Queens University, and has held many positions, from Assistant Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Skills & Training to the Regional Vice-Chair and Member of the Parole Board of Canada. She has been awarded the Lt Governor's Silver Medal for Excellence in Public Service and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for her work. Kelly has also served as Board Director for both the Vancouver Maritime Museum and the U'mista Museum & Cultural Center. Currently, she is an Elected Councilor of the 'Namgis First Nation, leading portfolios on health, forests, and land resources, and is the Chair fo the 'Namgis Health Board. Kelly is also a key voice in the 'Namgis' negotiations with BC, Canada, and industry.