Jason is a Senior Economic Development Manager with Tsleil-Waututh Nation, leading the portfolio of major projects and strategic land negotiations. As part of this role Jason is also a coordinator in the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh (MST) strategic lands partnership.

Jason has over 25 years experience working on economic reconciliation, land use planning, forest stewardship, and strategic negotiations for Indigenous communities. He takes pride in working for a progressive First Nations with a distinctly holistic approach to economic development, culture and environmental values.

Jason holds a BSc. in Natural Resources Conservation (UBC), an MSc. in Aboriginal Natural Resources Policy (UBC) and an Institute of Corporate Directors Designation (Rotman School of Management - U of T and Beadie School of Business - SFU).

He has authored a variety of land use plans and professional reports based on work completed in British Columbia, Labrador, Indonesia and Nigeria. One of these works was published as a chapter in Aboriginal Peoples and Forest Land in Canada (UBC Press).

Leah is a member and former Chief of Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN).  She was also the first woman to be elected Chief, a position she held for three terms.

Leah holds a BA in Anthropology from Simon Fraser University. She worked for TWN for 18 years, the last 9 years as the Director of Treaty, Lands & Resources.  She then returned to University to earn a law degree from UBC and is now a practicing lawyer.

Leah has been elected Co-Chair of the First Nations Summit since 2004 and is a board member of the Land Advisory Board and the First Nations Health Council.

Leah is happily married, has a grown daughter and lives at Tsleil-Waututh.

Matthew Thomas has over 25 years of leadership experience in First Nations business and real estate development. He is the Senior Economic Development Officer of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and served on Council from 1990 to 1997.

Matt directs and coordinates the financial and operational activities of the TWN’s Economic Development Department and its subordinate business units at the highest level. He analyzes financial information, presents financial reports, maintains records of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, and advises on the financial status of community-owned and partner businesses. 

A driving force behind the development of the successful residential community of Ravenwoods in North Vancouver, and Director of Wolf Clan Development Ltd., Matt guides Tsleil-Waututh Nation land acquisition negotiations and subsequent business development. He also holds senior positions with SPAL General Constructors, Salish Seas community fisheries, TAKaya Driving Range, Takaya Tours Inc., and the Tsleil-Waututh General Store.
 

Sarah Thomas is a member of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation where she spent over 10 years working.  During her years at Tsleil-Waututh Sarah developed a wide range of communication skills that are essential when working with First Nations people. She created a strong network of connections over the years giving her the motivation to keep pursuing an education and developing new skills to foster her connection with First Nations People and organizations. Today Sarah is currently working at the First Nations Financial Management Board as the Capacity Development Manager working with Nations across the county.

Mariko joined the Inlailawatash team in 2021. In 2015, she graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Arts in Honours Anthropology with a focus in Archaeology and began working in consulting archaeology that same year. Mariko is a Northwest Coast Field Director and has experience with supervising preliminary field reconnaissance programs, archaeological impact assessments, and archaeological overview assessments for a variety of sectors. In the office, she has experience with creating project proposals, completing Heritage Conservation Act and First Nations permit applications, conducting background research, project reporting, data management, and artifact cataloguing and analysis.

Damla has joined Inlailawatash as a recent graduate from BCIT’s GIS Advanced Diploma program. Her previous GIS experience was in civil engineering consulting. Damla also obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Western University. As a GIS Analyst, Damla works closely with the Senior GIS Manager and helps with day-to-day mapping requests and ongoing projects. Her work is associated with use and occupancy studies, natural resources and archaeological projects.

Cassidy came into Inlailawatash as a recent graduate from UBC with a BSc in Biology and Oceanography focusing on zooplankton dynamics. As an Environmental Technician, Cassidy provides support to the Ecological Services Department with field work and project deliverables. 

Archaeology
Sean P. Connaughton, Ph.D. is an anthropological archaeologist for Inlailawatash with many years of professional experience since 1999. He is a Northwest Coast Permit Holder and a Field Director in both the Northwest Coast and Subarctic/Boreal Forest culture areas. He has experience in baseline assessments, impact assessments, overview assessments, monitoring, surveying, mapping, recording, mitigation, wet-site archaeology, research, analysis, and publishing. Sean holds a Ph.D. in Archaeology from Simon Fraser University and has worked in Canada, the United States, Fiji, Tonga, Sāmoa, and Papua New Guinea. He is also faculty in the Department of Anthropology at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Lyndsay has recently joined the Inlailawatash team as an archaeology coordinator. She has a BA in Archaeology with a Minor in First Nation Studies from Simon Fraser University, as well as five years’ experience working as an office administrator/manager. Lyndsay is excited to bring her knowledge and experience to the Inlailawatash archaeology team. Her main role is to work closely with the archaeologists to provide administration and project coordination support.

Anisa has recently begun working as an archaeologist with Inlailawatash upon graduating in 2021 with a B.A. Honours in Classical, Near Eastern, and Religious Archaeology at the University of British Columbia. She has conducted archaeological research in New Zealand and Israel. Her research has focused on the role of archaeology in politics and decolonization. She looks forward to furthering her experience in the archaeology of the North West Coast.

As Negotiations Coordinator, Sabah supports Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s Economic Development department and strategic land negotiations. Sabah joins Inlailwatash after earning a Juris Doctor degree from the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours in History with a minor in Law and Society from the University of British Columbia. Through studying History and Law, Sabah has developed an understanding of the effects of colonialism globally. She is passionate about understanding and realizing the rights of Indigenous peoples around the world.
 

Devin has been engaged in archaeological research for over thirteen years, participating or volunteering in field schools in Jordan, Greece, and BC. He has a decade of full-time professional experience as an archaeologist in BC, conducting the majority of his work on Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, and Haida Gwaii. He has been fortunate to have worked alongside and learned from highly experienced Indigenous and non-Indigenous archaeologists throughout out his career. He is a Registered Professional Consulting Archaeologist and the current President of the British Columbia Association of Professional Archaeologists. When not in the field or behind a desk, Devin enjoys spending time outdoors with his dog, Pepper, and his friends and family.

Ernie is a Tsleil-Waututh Community member and started with Inlailawatash in 1998 slashing under hydro line 5L45 in the Indian River Watershed. After a 25 year period working in the golf industry Ernie returned to Tsleil-Waututh Nation in 2009. For over a decade, he filled the roles of Director on the Board of Inlailawatash Limited Partnership, Director of Treaty, Lands and Resources and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Tsleil-Waututh Nation. In 2024, he took on the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Inlailawatash Limited Partnership.

Tree & Vegetation Management Services
Chris George-Thomas has been working with Inlailawatash since 2007 and was the first Tsleil-Waututh member to complete the ITA’s Certified Utility Arborist training program. Having lived his whole life in the Tsleil-Waututh community, Chris appreciates working across Tsleil-Wautuh territory, from remote corners of the Indian River Watershed to urban areas of North Vancouver. He is leading by example in the community and training and mentoring his friends and family on the Inlailawatash crew.

I am an Environmental Project Coordinator with Inlailwatash, and just graduated with my MSc in Ecological Restoration from SFU and BCIT in June 2023. My research project focused on providing restoration recommendations to enhance bee habitat in naturalized stormwater retention systems in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Working in Winnipeg for two seasons as a conservation technician, I gained field experience in the hands-on aspects of ecological restoration in tallgrass prairie ecosystems. I graduated from North Carolina State University in 2020 with a BSc in Environmental Sciences focusing on Forest Ecology. I am excited to continue to use my restoration background in this role to facilitate projects that benefit both people and the environment. 

Tree & Vegetation Management Services
Jose Gonzalez has been working with Inlailawatash since 2011 and completed the ITA’s Certified Utility Arborist training program in 2016. He grew up in the Tsleil-Waututh community and is happy to be leading crews and training his friends and family in a skilled trade. With Jose’s completion of the CUA program, Tsleil-Waututh is further cementing its place as a leading First Nation in industry training and employment.

Ailidh Hathway, BA (Hons), MA has been working in consulting archaeology since 2015 and was previously a field director in Ontario. She has worked in academic and professional settings with a variety of archaeological materials across many different site types, conducting field studies in Ontario, Jordan, South Africa, and British Columbia. Ailidh has experience in baseline Archaeological Overview Assessments, Archaeological Impact Assessments, monitoring, surveys, laboratory analysis, report writing, budgeting, research, applying for First Nations archaeology permits, project management, and specializes in soil micromorphological analysis. She has conducted and managed several Archaeological Overview Assessments and has experience working with First Nations communities. Ailidh has a BA (Honours) in Archaeology and Heritage Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University and an MA in Archaeology from Simon Fraser University. Title & Role: Archaeologist & Project Manager.

Tree & Vegetation Management Services
Dennis has over 35 years of experience in forestry, arboriculture and vegetation management. He offers a wealth of experience as a Certified Utility Arborist and has a keen interest in, and talent for, training and mentoring new and upcoming apprentices. Dennis operated his own tree services business for many years prior to joining Inlailawatash and brings with him an extensive knowledge of tree care in both urban and forestry settings. Dennis is well known and highly respected throughout the tree industry as one of the most knowledgeable, experienced and genuine people in his field.

Tree & Vegetation Management Services
Patrick joined the Inlailawatash Vegetation Management crew in August 2013 as a trainee saw operator and joined the ITA Utility Arborist Apprenticeship program in 2014.  Patrick has completed all of the technical training aspects of the Utility Arborist Apprenticeship program and is close to attaining his Certified Utility Arborist status.

Mapping and Information Management 
As our Senior GIS Manager, Allison works closely with every division of Inlailawatash. Allison applies her knowledge and technical expertise to a wide variety of projects including data management, use and occupancy mapping, bioregional atlas creation, and project management. Allison received a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation with Honors and Co-operative Education from the University of British Columbia, and holds a Masters Certificate in Project Management from the Schulich School of Business & Gustavson School of Business (York University and University of Victoria respectively).
 

Emma joined the Inlailawatash archaeology team in 2023. Emma holds a B.A. (Hons) in Archaeology from Simon Fraser University with a certificate in Cultural Resource Management and a M.A. from University of Victoria with a specialization in archaeological soils. Her M.A. research explored the ways Lekwungen cultivation and habitation influenced soil properties on Tl’ches (Chatham & Discovery Islands), BC. She has conducted archaeological fieldwork across the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island and is excited to continue learning from and working within these lands.

Tree & Vegetation Management Services
Dan Perry has over 35 years of experience in forestry, arboriculture and vegetation management. He has been a Certified Utility Arborist for over 25 years and has extensive experience in training and supervising forestry and arborist crews. Since he joined Inlailawatash he has provided mentorship and training to Inlailawatash crews, ensuring high quality work, instilling safe work habits, and imparting his vast knowledge of tree care. Dan is well known and highly respected throughout the industry as one of the most knowledgeable, experienced and genuine people in his field.

Erin is a project coordinator and biologist for Inlailawatash with a background in wetland restoration, wildlife biology, environmental monitoring, and project management. Erin has decades of experience in backcountry work and has gained experience with non-profit and government roles throughout their career. Experienced in impact assessment and habitat protection, Erin is interested in practical restoration to restore ecological trajectory and improve functionality of ecosystems while recognizing people as part of the environment.  Erin holds a MSc in Ecological Restoration from Simon Fraser University/BC Institute of Technology, as well as a Bachelor’s degree and Diploma of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation from BCIT.

Tree & Vegetation Management Services
Ecosystem Restoration Services
Anastasia helps the Senior Manager with the coordination of many aspects of projects for Vegetation Management and Ecosystem Restoration. Her day-to-day activities include working with the vegetation management crew leads to develop schedules and safety plans, to maintain safety records, and to conduct field inspections. Anastasia is involved in developing cost estimates, planning and coordination of fieldwork with clients and sub-contractors and ensuring timely and high-quality completion to client’s satisfaction. Anastasia holds a Master of Science degree in Ecological Restoration obtained from the Simon Fraser University and the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Renewable Resource Management
James Sandover is a Tsleil-Waututh member who was recently hired with Inlailawatash in June of 2018. He comes from RBC Royal bank, where he worked for 6 years and is excited to bring his knowledge and experience to Inlailawatash. As our Renewable Resource Coordinator, James works to help run and administer three renewable resources areas: sustainable fisheries, ecosystem-based forestry and clean energy development. Currently, as General Manager of Salish Seas Fisheries Limited Partnership (a Limited partnership between TWN, Musqueam and Tla’amin Nations), his main role is to deliver administration and management services to both Salish Seas Fisheries Limited Partnership and TWN commercial fishing activities.

Hannah started at Inlailawatash as a recent graduate of BCIT’s Advanced Diploma Program for GIS with Honours. Her previous GIS experience was also in consulting mainly focusing on engineering, planning, and urban design services. Hannah also obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography from the University of Victoria. As a GIS Analyst, Hannah works closely with the Senior GIS Manager and other GIS Analysts to help with any day-to-day mapping requests as well as ongoing projects. Her work is associated with use and occupancy studies, natural resources, and archaeological projects.

Sarah joined the Inlailawatash team as an archaeologist in 2022. In 2019 Sarah graduated from SFU with a Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology along with a Certificate in Bioarchaeology. In late 2021 she defended her MA thesis which explored historic gender-, sex-, and “race”-based bias within fields of anatomy and physical anthropology. Sarah has conducted archaeological field and lab work both locally and abroad and is looking forward to furthering her experience in Northwest Coast archaeology while remaining dedicated to the ongoing processes of personal and systemic decolonization.

Anne came into Inlailawatash as a recent graduate from BCIT’s GIS Advanced Diploma program. She has previous GIS experience with land use planning and developing spatial databases at the municipal government level. Anne also holds a Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Environment and Urban Sustainability obtained from Ryerson University. As a GIS Analyst, Anne works closely with the Senior GIS Manager and helps with any day-to-day mapping requests as well as ongoing projects. Her work is associated with use and occupancy studies, natural resources, and archaeological projects. 

As the HR Generalist at Inlailawatash, Kazimir Simpson, works closely with every division within the organization. Applying HR knowledge and expertise to various functions, including talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, and organizational development.

Kazimir holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce with a major in International Business and a diploma in Asia Pacific Management from Grant MacEwan University. For the 7 years prior to his time at Inlailawatash, he has worked in the high-tech sector providing HR management in Film, TV, and Game development.

Tree & Vegetation Management Services
Ecosystem Restoration Services
As a Senior Manager, Andrew leads a staff of ten people providing a diverse range of tree services, vegetation management, urban forestry, environmental restoration, landscape planting and resource construction services. Through his growth and development with Inlailawatash, Andrew has become directly responsible for all aspects of day-to-day operations, project management, financial management, business growth and development.

A native of the north east of England, Andrew had a successful career as a Chartered Accountant prior to his move to Canada in 2009. Inspired by the unique natural beauty of British Columbia, Andrew was drawn to Vancouver, where he began his journey in the field of natural resource management, gaining a BSc. Forestry degree from the University of British Columbia in 2010 and attaining his Registered Professional Forester (RPF) status in 2013.

Andrew gained the certification of Project Management Professional (PMP) in 2017.

Laura Taylor joined Inlailawatash as a student of BCIT's Bachelor of GIS program. Her previous GIS experience comes from working in forestry in Northern B.C., contract positions in environmental assessment work, and municipal utilities.Laura holds both a Technical Citation in AutoCAD drafting from VCC, and a Diploma in Environmental Studies from Langara College. As a GIS Analyst, Laura works closely with the Senior GIS Manager and helps with any day-to-day mapping requests as well as ongoing projects. Her work is associated with use and occupancy studies, natural resources, and archaeological projects.

Karen Rose Thomas is from the Tsleil-Waututh Nation with family ties to the Semiahmoo and Squamish Nations. She grew up in the Tsleil-Waututh community, although she has since lived all around Tsleil-Waututh territory across the lower mainland. She holds a B.A. (Hons) in Archaeology with a minor in Anthropology and a Cultural Resource Management Certificate from Simon Fraser University. Her MA in anthropological archaeology from the University of British Columbia addresses a previously unexplored and misidentified tool stone material found on the shores of Burrard Inlet and elsewhere. She began working in archaeology in 2011 as a First Nations field representative for Tsleil-Waututh. Her other work experience includes time spent as a consultation and accommodation assistant and as a referrals analyst for Tsleil-Waututh’s Treaty, Lands and Resources Department. This experience has given her a comprehensive understanding of First Nations’ governments, intergovernmental relations and the consultation process. She currently holds a seat on the Museum of Vancouver’s Board of Directors and is a member of the newly formed First Peoples’ Cultural Council’s Indigenous Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee. She is committed to the documentation, preservation and protection of cultural heritage resources of her own Nation and those of other Indigenous communities. Karen is very pleased to be working for Inlailawatash and hopes that she can inspire other community members to pursue post-secondary education in order to bring their knowledge back to benefit the community. 

Jarah started at Inlailawatash as a co-op student from the University of Victoria. After completing a
Bachelor of Science degree in Geography, she permanently rejoined the team as a GIS Analyst. Jarah
works closely with the Senior GIS Manager and helps with any day-to-day mapping requests as well as
ongoing projects. Her work is associated with use and occupancy studies, natural resources, and
archaeological projects.

Tatton arrives with a broad experience in managing vegetation for utilities, both in western Canada and internationally.

He also possesses a deep understanding of urban forestry, managing the risks associated with trees, and the development and execution of city-wide forest management plans, having previously worked for the City of Vancouver in its urban forestry division and across various locations in British Columbia, assisting in the upkeep of vegetation for BC Hydro, Telus, CN/CP Rail, Fortis, Nelson Hydro, and numerous independent power producers.

Throughout his career, Tatton has had the chance to collaborate with international utilities, offering safety training and vegetation management services in Australia and Trinidad and Tobago.

Tatton's expertise in health and safety, as well as training, is extensive, having worked for several renowned organizations. He has also held the role of lead instructor and trainer for the provincial utility arborist program.

Whether it's urban forestry services, utility vegetation management, development, or any tree-related projects, Tatton is confident in his ability to collaborate with your team to devise effective solutions.