Our Team

Lennard Joe, (Traditional name of Suxwsxwwels, 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 is the Director of Engagement and Communications for the First Nations Forestry Council. Having been an invaluable member of our team for five years as the Workforce Development Program Manager, Karen consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, expertise, and a deep commitment to the Forestry Council.

In her current role, Karen leads initiatives focused on developing and executing strategies to effectively engage constituents and communicate the organization’s mission, programs, and impact. She collaborates closely with the CEO, staff, and community partners to advance the Forestry Council’s goals and objectives, building meaningful relationships with diverse stakeholders and leveraging various communication channels to drive engagement and support. Karen ensures that our efforts align with the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

With her extensive experience as a creative director in public engagement and her passion for communications and marketing, Karen is ideally suited to propel our organization forward in this critical area.

Tiffany joined the Forestry Council in 2023 as the Policy Program Manager. She brings over 12 years of experience in public policy development and engagement and has worked on a range of provincial government initiatives and strategies in the areas of international relations, immigration, employment and tourism. In her most recent role prior to FNFC, Tiffany led key initiatives supporting Indigenous tourism throughout the province including the development and delivery of the Capacity Building and Resilience Fund and the Indigenous Tourism Training Initiative.

As Policy Programs Manager for the BC First Nations Forestry Council, Tiffany leads the policy, research and legislative analysis work and liaises with government, First Nations, First Nations partner organizations, and industry, on key issues related to forest policy and legislation.  

Tiffany grew up on Vancouver Island and after spending years away for study, travel and work, she was happy to return in 2019 to raise her family.  In her spare time, she can be found at the soccer field, in the forest on a mountain bike, or at the beach.

Denise started as the Workforce Advisor with the BC First Nations Forestry Council in 2019 Leading the Indigenous Forestry Scholarship Program as the Workforce Advisor. Now in her role as the Workforce Skills and Development Manager, she traverses the province to cultivate essential relationships and Partnerships. Denise excels in building valuable connections in communities and creating meaningful partnerships with Industry.

Denise has had a multifaceted career journey, including roles in veterinary nursing, community support work, Heavy equipment operation and Logging as well as teaching as a University Heavy Equipment Operator Instructor. Her background, coupled with her work in remote First Nation communities, brings a unique and insightful perspective to her role.

Denise’s commitment goes beyond professional boundaries; she is also a volunteer, rescuing wildlife for local rehab centers, a Leader in Trades representative for the BC Center for Women in Trades (BCCWITT) and can often be found in her happy place exploring forest trails with her trusted sidekick, “Murphy.”

Rob Manuel is a member of the Upper Nicola Band and a dual citizen of Canada and Australia. As Business Development Strategic Advisor with the BC First Nations Forestry Council, he helps Nations identify, evaluate, and pursue forest-sector opportunities that align with their values and long-term priorities.

With over 25 years of natural resource experience, including more than a decade internationally, Rob applies lessons from oil and gas to today’s forestry challenges. His focus is on supporting First Nations to see the wide range of opportunities in their forests — from stewardship, wildfire risk reduction, and ecosystem services to value-added manufacturing and non-timber products.

Rob is committed to advancing Indigenous self-determination, sustainable development, and inclusive approaches to land and resource governance.

Rob enjoys travelling with his wife and twin daughters and cannot wait for his next skiing adventure.  He also enjoys yard work and gardening to add to his sense of accomplishment and does his best to defend his position as a Calgary Flames fan.

Zac Whyte (BA, DipT) has been a consultant with the Forestry Council since 2022 and officially joined the team in the fall of 2024 as our Engagement Specialist & Storyteller. Zac brings expertise in creative communications and media production, with over 25 years of professional experience working with BC First Nations and Indigenous populations worldwide. In his previous roles, he managed communications for corporate forestry companies, facilitated land transfer agreements for the federal government, and produced stories for hundreds of organizations, governments, and First Nations.

Zac holds an Honours Diploma in Broadcast & Media Communications from BCIT and a Bachelors Degree with Distinction in Liberal Studies from VIU. When you meet him, he is a curious person who will invite you to share what is true to you and hold that story close to his heart. He is a married father of three and a 6th generation non-Indigenous Canadian adopted culturally by the Chief of the K’ate’mot E’iksʷən, near Courtenay, BC.

Claire O’Sullivan (R.B.Tech, CERPIT) joined the BC First Nations Forestry Council in August 2024 as our Engagement & Marketing Coordinator. In this role, she leads strategic communications, media relations, and engagement initiatives designed to strengthen awareness of, and support for, the Forestry Council’s mission to advance First Nations’ role in British Columbia’s forest sector.

With a background in marketing, communications, and public relations, Claire brings a proven ability to elevate organizational outreach and foster meaningful relationships. Prior to joining the Council, she worked with a multinational industrial tool manufacturer, where she led a pilot expansion project on Vancouver Island. Her leadership included implementing targeted marketing strategies, managing stakeholder relations, and delivering key insights on brand effectiveness and sustainability.

Claire is a Registered Biology Technologist (R.B.Tech) and a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner in Training (CERPIT). She is currently pursuing a Professional Diploma in Ecological Restoration at the University of Victoria, deepening her expertise in resource management, and silviculture. She applies this knowledge to support engagement initiatives that support First Nations stewardship within British Columbia’s forest sector.

Having lived in Toronto, Montréal, and now Victoria since 2023, Claire values an active lifestyle rooted in connection to nature. Outside of work, she can often be found playing soccer, volleyball, or running with friends.

Catherine joined the Forestry Council in March 2025 as the Workforce Development Coordinator, supporting Indigenous education and career opportunities within the forest sector through promoting and facilitating the Indigenous Forestry Scholarship program. She helps process scholarship applications, coordinate industry placements, and build relationships with funders and students.

Catherine has a passion for supporting Indigenous voices in forestry and creating meaningful relationships. With a background in Indigenous relations, environmental stewardship, and workforce development, she focuses on breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for young people entering the industry. She believes in fostering a welcoming and supportive space for Indigenous youth to grow, learn, and succeed.

Catherine is happiest on the land – whether it’s in ceremony, canoe tripping, trail running, or finding new ways to connect with nature.

Isa White joined the BC First Nations Forestry Council in May 2022, initially as the Workforce Program Assistant. Isa has since worked with the policy team, where she contributed to key initiatives and gained experience across multiple program areas. Now, she serves in the executive branch as the Executive Assistant and Board Liaison, supporting leadership and ensuring effective communication with the Board.

Before joining the Forestry Council, Isa worked in administration at Kw’umut Lelum Child and Family Services, where she provided services that promoted safe children and healthy families and upheld children’s rights and dignity.

Outside of her professional commitments, Isa is passionate about acting. She has appeared on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network’s program, Coyote’s Crazy Smart Science Show, where she teaches youth how to bridge Western and Indigenous science in today’s world.

Scharie March is a proud Denesųłiné woman from Cold Lake First Nations and was raised on Sto:lo territory, with deep family roots in Skowkale. She graduated from the University of the Fraser Valley in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies and Philosophy, bridging cultural traditions with contemporary practices to support and empower Indigenous communities. Having worked in the Indigenous Centre at UFV for over three years, she has developed strong skills in policy research, community engagement, analytical and critical thinking. Scharie lives in the Lower Mainland, where she is raising her daughter and enjoying the outdoors. In her spare time, you’ll often find her hiking or out for a walk, connecting with the land.

Leah joined the BC First Nations Forestry Council in 2025 as our Business Development Coordinator. In this role, she supports Nations in identifying and advancing business opportunities within the forest sector, while fostering Nation-to-Nation relationships and collaborative approaches to forestry.

With more than a decade of experience working alongside Indigenous communities in the Northwest Territories and British Columbia, Leah brings deep expertise in capacity building, economic development, and community engagement. She views this work as her life’s calling and is committed to ensuring Indigenous communities have an empowered and meaningful role in shaping the future of forestry in British Columbia.

Leah holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Northern British Columbia and a Bachelor of Psychology from the University of Alberta. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration, underscoring her passion for lifelong learning and her dedication to creating impactful, values-driven opportunities for Indigenous communities.

Her family comes from the Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation on her mother’s side and Croatia on her father’s. Born and raised in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Leah has lived in Vancouver since 2009 and is honoured to make her home on the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Margaret was born in London, Ontario and moved to Vancouver Island along with her young son in 1995. She brings to Forestry Council over 20 years experience in all aspects of the accounting cycle in Government, Not-For-Profit, and Private Sector. 

When Margaret isn’t crunching numbers she can be found paddling on the ocean in either a Dragon Boat or an Outrigger Canoe.  She has been slowly visiting some of the nearby islands and a top priority on her bucket list is to eventually visit every island surrounding Vancouver Island. That is one tall order!

Oake Haggith, a proud Mohawk, joined the BC First Nations Forestry Council in July 2025 as Operations Assistant, providing essential support to the day-to-day functioning of the Nanaimo office and internal operations. With experience in administration, facilities coordination, logistics, and IT support, he plays a key role in ensuring smooth operations across multiple program areas. His professional background includes roles in security, customer service, and inventory management, where he developed strong skills in communication, organization, and problem-solving. Dedicated, detail-oriented, and adaptable, Oake is committed to supporting the Forestry Council’s mission of empowering and uniting First Nations communities in sustainable forest management. Having grown up and lived his entire life on Vancouver Island, BC, he brings a deep connection to the region and a genuine appreciation for the communities and landscapes he serves.