Brenna Johnson-Innes
Chair
Elected Deputy Chief, Gitxaala Nation
About the Alliance
The Northern First Nations Alliance is eleven First Nations in Northwest BC working together to close the gaps in health, housing, jobs and education for our people.
Stronger when we work together
The Alliance began in 2020 as a partnership between the Haisla, Nisga'a, Tsimshian, Gitxaala and Gitxsan Nations. Leaders saw the same needs in each of their communities and knew they could do more by working side by side.
On August 5, 2022 we became a registered society. Today our member Nations share leadership, speak up together for what our communities need, and look for answers that come from the communities themselves.
2020
the year the Alliance began
2022
became a registered society
11
member Nations today
What guides us
Our mission
To make life better in our communities by working together, trying new ideas and building solutions that respect our cultures.
Our vision
Thriving Nations where every person can reach their full potential, guided by respect, inclusion and care for the generations still to come.
Our member Nations
Eleven Nations take part in the Alliance, and each one has a voice at the table.
Haisla
Gitxaala
Gitga'at
Kitsumkalum
Kitselas
Gitlaxt'aamiks
Gitwinksihlkw
Laxgalts'ap
Gingolx
Gitanyow
Gitwangak
Our Board of Directors
Our Board is made up of elected leaders from the Nations we serve. Each Nation appoints its own representative.
Maureen Nyce
Vice Chair
Elected Chief Councillor, Haisla Nation
Alvin Azak
Secretary
Chair of the Council of Elders, Nisga'a Lisims Government
Jorden Squires
Treasurer
Elected Councillor, Kitselas Nation
Lesley McLean
Director
Elected Councillor, Gitanyow Band Council
Our committees
Committee members are appointed by their Nation's leadership. They bring what they see in their communities to the table and help shape the Alliance's work.
Health and Wellness Committee
Shares information and works together on local health priorities, with a focus on the substance use crisis. Members bring back what they hear at home so programs keep meeting the needs of families.
Austin Basso
Health Director, Gitga'at First Nation
Charlene Webb
Health Director, Kitsumkalum
Gerald Nyce
Health Director, Kitselas
Janice Angus
Executive Director, Nisga'a Lisims Government
Lucille Harms
Director of Health and Wellness, Haisla Nation
Sekwun Ahenakew
Director of Health and Social Development, Gitxaala Nation
Wanda Good
Executive Health Director, Gitanyow Human Services Authority
Employment, Education, Training and Housing Committee
Shares knowledge and experience on jobs, education, training and housing. Members build connections between Nations and service providers and point out where the gaps and the opportunities are.
Beverley Russell
Project Manager, Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs
David Hansen
Executive Director, Kitselas Five Tier System (K5T)
Deana Campbell
NEST Employment and Readiness Manager, Nisga'a Lisims Government
Debbie Stava
Continuous Learning Centre Manager, Gitxaala Nation
Eric Nyce
Housing Manager, Nisga'a Lisims Government
Kaitlyn Robinson
Climate Action Coordinator, Nisga'a Lisims Government
Our team
A small team looks after the Alliance's day to day work, finances and planning, and keeps things running for our member Nations and partners.
Manon Joice
Executive Director
Evan van Dyk
Chief Financial Officer
Maria Hernandez
Bookkeeper
Want to know more?
Reach out to our team with questions about the Alliance, our committees or the Legacy Project.