Our Staff
Administration
Bobby Watkinson
Administrator
As Administrator, Bobby brings a wealth of knowledge to SGS and has over 16 years’ experience in managing, administration, human resources, finance and computer technology. He spent the first 7 years as a senior manager in a computer company, 1 year in human resource consulting, 2 years as a finance manager for a First Nation and 6 years as an executive director for a First Nation. His previous employer was very disappointed that Bobby wished to move closer to home but understood that he needed to make this move. SGS is very fortunate to have found such a valuable employee. The board is extremely pleased to welcome Bobby back home as he is a member of the St’at’imc Nation and we have wanted to continue to build up the capacity of our nation within our organization.
In his position as SGS Administrator, Bobby will be responsible for all aspects of the implementation of the St’at’imc/BC Hydro agreements and will manage the day-to-day operations at SGS both with the implementation and the Nation-building.
Margaret Michell
Implementation Manager
Margaret is from the Xwisten community. Her parents are Victor Adolph, Sr. and Marie Bobb. Her role at the St’at’imc Government Services is the Implementation Manager. Margaret held various job roles within the St’at’imc Nation Hydro since February 1996 to being transferred over into the St’at’imc Government Services.
During the negotiations, Margaret was able to visit parts of the Territory which she never knew existed and met a lot of people. Now that the agreements are being implemented, she is able to still interact with the people she met from the St’at’imc Communities, and various organizations such as BC Hydro, Legal, and Consultants. Margaret loves seeing and being a part of St’at’imc Communities, working together to protect and take care of the Land and Resources for the present and Future Generations. The Implementation Manager primary role is monitoring the implementation processes to ensure commitments of the Settlement Agreements are met. The Implementation Manager collaborates with the SGS Relations Manager on projects and engagement at all levels. Works with other Department Managers responsible for the implementing program deliverables, and as required with St’át’imc Communities and BC Hydro to ensure the Settlement Agreements are administered as agreed.
Sherry Kane
Relations Manager
Kalhwá7alap, my name is Sherry Kane, and I am from Ts’kw’aylaxw. I started working at St’at’imc Government Services (SGS) in 2020 and for the past 11 months, I have been the Interim-Relations Manager and recently transitioned to the position permanently.
The Relations Manager has several specific functions identified in the St’át’imc – BC Hydro Settlement Agreements. Some of those include sharing information related to the Annual Operations Update, BC Hydro capital plans, new authorizations, new facilities, emergencies, contracting opportunities, St’át’imc cultural heritage, operations and maintenance activities, maintaining community points of contact list, and more.
In addition to being St’at’imc point of contact, the Relations Manager also leads or assists in coordinating meetings where information is shared with St’át’imc points of contact or when decisions are made. The Relations Manager receives, tracks, and shares information in a timely and organized manner. I look forward to continuing building on the mutual Relations Agreement goal of a respectful, effective, and evolving relationship. I am always eager to hear from St’at’imc and share information, I can be reached at 250-256-0425 ext. 260 or via email at relationsmgr@statimcgs.org
Courteney Adolph-Jones
HR Assistant
K̓alhwá7alap, SCourteney Adolph-Jones nskwátsitsa, T̓ít̓q̓etmeckan. I am please to introduce myself as the Human Resources Assistant with St’át’imc Government Services. I am blessed to live in the beautiful community of T̓ít̓q̓et with my husband Trevor and our two boys. My parents are Diana and Arnold Adolph, and my maternal Kwekwa7 is Jenny Frank (Scotchman) and paternal Kwekwa7 is the late Bernice Adolph (James). My professional background is in business management, and employment and training programming. Previous experience includes managing facilities and coordination of various programs and projects focused on indigenous education and training. My Bachelor of Business Administration degree included a minor in Human Resource Manager, and I am currently working towards becoming a Charted Professional in Human Resources.
Al Boldt
Capital Planning Manager
Al is a senior engineer and project manager with extensive experience in both the resource industry and electrical utility sectors. His role as Capital Planning Manager provides the coordination between contract opportunities, St’at’imc businesses and companies doing business within the St’at’imc Territory.
Al maintains a list of St’at’imc businesses that can be accessed through the St’at’imc Government Services website.
Meaghan Hume
Advisor
Meaghan Hume a communications and relations leader who brings over 10 years’ of diverse experience in non-profit, public sector, international development and business sectors. She has worked for 7 years with First Nations organizations and communities throughout BC on projects spanning from youth programming, capacity development, family services to environmental conservation and economic development. Meaghan holds a BA and MA with an Indigenous specialization from the University of British Columbia and an Executive Leadership Certificate from Simon Fraser University.
As Relations Advisor, Meaghan is responsible for the development and maintenance of relationships with St’át’imc Communities, Organizations and BC Hydro to effectively administer and manage the Settlement Agreements and the Relations Agreement.
She is honoured to join the SGS team in St’at’imc territory and excited for the work ahead with her colleagues.
Garry John
Political Lead – Joint Planning Forum
Garry works as the Political Lead as part of the BC Hydro -St’at’imc Joint planning Forum (JPF). BC Hydro found itself in a situation where aging infrastructure needed to be upgraded. One of the consequences is that they run into is with water storage in Downton and Carpenter reservoirs as well as Seton Lake. The High flow Settlement Agreement (HFSA) was reached in order to find workable solutions to the high flow issues.
The JPF works with our counterparts at BC Hydro to find solutions to water releases and find ways to mitigate the impacts. Garry has two colleagues Jessica Hopkins and Allison James who provide technical support for the discussions.
Previous to this appointment Garry was driving high school students to and from Tsal’alh so they could attend class at Lillooet secondary. Garry was the elected chief for several years in Tsal’alh as well as councilor for a number of years. During his time in office, he was part of the negotiations that achieved the St’at’imc Agreement with BC Hydro.
Several years ago Garry worked as a fisheries technician counting fish and measuring habitat on the Gates, Portage, Seton and lower Bridge River systems. Garry enjoys traveling, boating cooking and baking.
Garry loves spending time with our people and really enjoys learning new St’at’imc songs and keeping the old songs alive. He’s happy to be a part of team SGS.
Char Alec
Data Entry Clerk
My name is Char Alec. I’m from Xaxli’p. I lived here for 18 years with my husband Chester Alec. I’m the new employee at SGS as SET Data Entry Clerk. My schooling background is Home Care Assistant (HCA). I started on August 8, 2023. You can find me in my office; Monday–Friday; 8–4pm or can phone me (250) 256-0425 Ext 912, my direct line is (266) 620-1589 or email me at dataclerk@statimcgs.org. I look forward in meeting you all and hope to see you.
Communications
Kirsten Whitney
Communications Specialist
Kirsten Whitney is the Communications Specialist from T’ít’q’et. Kirsten graduated from Emily Carr University of Art & Design in 2017 with a Bachelor of Design (BDes), Majoring in Communication Design and a Minor in Curatorial Practices. Kirsten believes that combining her knowledge of design and communications can help to solve a diverse set of issues. She is interested in simplifying and educating complex ideas using design processes, and various forms of communication strategies. Each scenario is unique and for the most efficient solution, the problem has to be treated with complete understanding and attention to detail to produce effective and sustainable design solutions.
Cheyanne Watkinson
Communications Specialist
My main role is the Communications Specialist supporting the St’at’imc Chiefs Council (SCC), and I am being provided as technical staff for the governing body that comprises the 11 Chiefs, and they advocate for St’át’imc title & rights and jurisdiction. I have a diverse background of work experience, and I have completed my Associate Certificate in Graphic Design at BCIT. I am passionate about networking, creativity, and finding new and innovative ways to communicate with communities. In my free time (and depending on the season), I enjoy hockey, golf, drawing, & biking. I am looking forward to contributing my skills and knowledge to the team and helping the organization drive towards creating a bright future for the St’at’imc Nation. I cannot wait to meet more people, and do not be afraid to say hi!
Environment Team
Darwyn John
Wildlife & Lands Assistant
Hello my name is Darwyn John; I’m St’át’imc, from the community of Tsal’álh. I am currently working as a Wildlife and Land Assistant for SGS. I’ve worked at various types of jobs over my lifetime and found that I’m happiest working at a place where there is an opportunity to work outdoors occasionally. After working for 8 years in seasonal employment for the Lillooet Tribal Council and various other organizations I returned to School in Sept 2006 and graduated from NVIT with a Diploma in Natural Resource Technology in 2008. I started work with St’át’imc Government Services on April 16 2011 and will retire here when the time is right.
Nicole Morgenstern
Environmental Research Technician
Nicole (they/their) is a self-identifying member of Smith’s Landing First Nation from the Northwest Territories. They graduated from the Forestry Resource Technician program at Vancouver Island University in 2020. They have worked for BC Timber Sales as a Resource Technician specializing in Indigenous consultation and forestry operations for 2 years and gained field experience in silviculture, road engineering and inspections, forest health surveys, and monitoring of contract work. Nicole is currently in the process of completing a 1-year internship with the Indigenous Youth Internship Program, a leadership development program which focuses on developing professional work experience and cultural knowledge with young Indigenous professionals across British Columbia.
Their love for the outdoors led them to pursue a career in forestry with an emphasis on combining traditional Indigenous knowledge with natural resource management practices. During their time off, Nicole enjoys mountain biking, snowshoeing, and creating art. Nicole’s intern position with SGS starts in June 2022 as an Environmental Research Technician and they will be providing technical assistance with the wildlife and fisheries management programs.
Nina Andrascik
Environmental Technician
Since June 2022, Nina has been a member of the Environment team, leveraging her academic background as a graduate of the University of British Columbia’s Forest Resources Management program with a BSc. in Forestry. At UBC Nina served as the elected President of the Forestry Undergraduate Society and secured an NSERC grant as a research assistant. Nina also showcased her leadership by teaching and leading labs in university-level courses spanning biometrics, biology, and hydrology.
As a valued member of the SGS Environment team, Nina is actively pursuing the Registered Professional Forester (RPF) designation and Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio) designation. Engaged in wildlife monitoring, land management, and Territory-wide stewardship activities and strategies, she transitions between office-based responsibilities and fieldwork. Nina’s commitment to environmental stewardship, coupled with academic and practical experience, positions her to make enduring contributions to both her team and St’át’imc communities.
Nina’s love for the outdoors is a constant driving force, and she deeply cherishes every experience and individual she encounters throughout her journey in St’át’imc territory.
Keely Weget-Whitney
Junior Wildlife and Lands Assistant
K̓alhwá7alap nsnekw̓núk̓wa7 sa Keely Weget-Whitney, T’ít’q’et meckan, St’át’imc múta7 Gitxsan. I have been hired as the Junior Wildlife and Lands assistant for SGS. I have my Associate of Arts general and Aboriginal Governance and Leadership diploma. I am excited to represent St’át’imc Government Services while exercising my St’át’imc title and rights through land stewardship.
I look forward to being a part of the SGS environmental team, enhancing my skills, and getting to know the land our ancestors protected.
Elhe Black
Junior Biologist
Hello, my name is Elhe Black, I am very excited to be joining the SGS team as a junior biologist. I recently completed my undergraduate degree in Marine Biology with a minor in Indigenous Studies at the University of Victoria. My past work experience includes whale and marine mammal research with the Gitga’at First Nation, studying Black and Grizzly bears with the Haíɫzaqv Nation and working for DFO’s Indigenous Engagement Unit.
I grew up in Snuneymuxw territory on a small island known today as Gabriola Island. Growing up surrounded by water shaped my appreciation of the natural world and I’m grateful to have this opportunity to relocate to St’át’imc territory to continue learning from and about these incredible water systems and all the abundance they support.
Peqqw Sq’awam Fenton
Environment Summer Student
Hello, I’m Peqqw Sq’awam Fenton from Xaxli’p. I recently joined the Environmental team at SGS as a summer youth hire. I’ve worked a couple of various types of jobs. Worked at a campsite for a year, then got a job up Texas Creek working at a hemp farm for about 2 years. Then I studied beside my dad for a year doing spiritual teachings and ceremony’s. I then got my forestry tickets to join the Xaxli’p Forestry Corp. for about 3 years, learned about invasive plants and how to fire smart properly. My goals for being a SGS summer youth hire would be to learn as much about our territory and its many stories it has to offer. There are many places I haven’t been yet throughout our territory but would like to visit it in the future. I hope I can learn lots while here at SGS and further my knowledge about the land and all it has to offer.
A little about myself, I enjoy playing slow-pitch, hockey, and a little bit of a gamer. I like to socialize as well throughout weekends with friends and like to meet new people along the way.
But I would like to learn as much as I can with my time here at SGS and to further my skills and abilities and knowledge. Thank you for taking the time to read a little about me.
Education Team
Heritage & Culture
Matt Begg
Heritage Project Manager
Matt Begg has twenty-five years of experience in consulting archaeology and has Field Director status and BC Provincial Permit Holding status in all three culture regions of the province. Matt has served as an archaeologist, principal investigator, and project manager on dozens of cultural resource management projects throughout British Columbia, including archaeological excavations, overviews, inventories, impact assessments, monitoring, and mitigation projects. After working in St’at’imc territory early in his career, Matt returned to the territory in 2015 to work with SGS on a variety of small to large-scale projects, and in early 2023 started managing SGS’ as-when projects with BC Hydro.
Matt lives in Kamloops with his partner and three dogs, and sometimes with one or more of his three children. In his spare time, Matt skis, bikes, and enjoys all that the southern interior of BC has to offer.
Ryan Dickie, MA
Heritage Field Director
My role at SGS is as a field director leading various archaeological assessments and investigations on behalf of SGS and their clients. I completed both my BA and MA in archaeology at Simon Fraser University where I specialized in BC pre-Contact history and lithic technologies. In 2006, I participated in the SFU Archaeology field school at Keatley Creek where my interest in the southern interior was formed, an interest that continued with my graduate studies where I analyzed stone tool assemblage collected from sites in Kamloops. My career as a professional consulting archaeologist started in 2010 with Amec (now WSP) where I was privileged to gain valuable field experience all over the province. Following my tenure at Amec, I went to work in the Tk’emlups Natural Resource Department until 2021 where I was the crew lead for various archaeological assessment of forestry, mining, pipeline, civil, and private developments. In 2021, I started my own company offering consulting services to First Nation communities and organizations which has provided incredible enriching experiences working for groups like SGS.
Outside of work, you will find me running my kids to various sporting events and even behind the bench as an assistant coach for the high school basketball team.
Marlowe Kennedy
Heritage Field Director
Marlowe has 20 years of archaeological consulting experience and has worked as a field director for archaeological impact assessments, preliminary field studies, monitoring and mitigation projects for transportation, forestry, power, and mining developments. Marlowe is a provincially recognized field director in the Interior Plateau, Northwest Coast and Sub-Arctic/Boreal Forest, and is qualified to teach RISC
courses as well as hold Heritage Inspection and Site Alteration Permits. When not at work Marlowe can be found scuba diving or cycling around Vancouver.
Chester Alec
Heritage Field Assistant
Chester is a Heritage Field Assistant, he graduated from NVIT as a Forest Technician with a certificate. Having knowledge of St’át’imc communities, culture and history will assist in the conservation and work ethic. Some of the training he acquired that fit the job requirements; RISC training, Deer Migration training SLRA, Telemetry of Harlequin Ducks with SFU, Territory knowledge with Heritage crew LTC and MOF, GPS and GIS training by Xaxli’p and TRU, WPP and PSSP from BC Hydro, First Aid level 1 with Transportation and Endorsement, Bear Aware. Chester has developed high standards while working in various employment situations. He is very enthusiastic and prepared to follow a career direction in the natural resources field.
Alysha Edwards
Heritage Field Technician
Alysha Edwards is from the community of Ts’kw’aylaxw and has recently graduated from the University of Northern British Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and First Nations studies. With the goal of working near to home within the St’at’imc territory, Alysha is interested in focusing her work in the interior plateau region of British Columbia. While studying at UNBC, Alysha has co-authored and presented a paper for the 2019 84th Annual Meeting for the Society for American Archaeology conference ( Scrambles, Potlatches, and Feasts: The Archaeology of Public Rituals Amongst the St’at’imc People of Interior British Columbia) as well as presenting her work, “ Mapping Indigenous Knowledge on the land: Culturally Appropriate Methods for and by Takla Nation” at the 2020 Western Division of the Canadian Association of Geographers annual meeting. Alysha is also a co-author for a chapter titled “Burned Roofs and Cultural Traditions: Renewing and Closing Houses in the Ancient Villages of the Middle Fraser Canyon, British Columbia” in Agent of Change: The Deposition and Manipulation of Ash in the Past (In Press). Since 2016, Alysha has been working within the St’at’imc Government Services heritage and culture department as a summer student and is currently working as a heritage field technician.
Talicia Kane
GIS Technician
Talicia is the GIS technician for the Culture and Heritage department. She studied Physical Geography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) in Abbotsford. Talicia has also completed the RISC Archaeology and CMT Inventory training. She enjoys learning more about archaeology and finding the crossovers it has with the environmental sciences. Talicia is a Ts’kw’aylaxw member and after spending almost 5 years in the Fraser Valley, Talicia is happy to be home in Lillooet and St’át’imc territory.
Yvonne Michell
Heritage Field Technician
Yvonne is a Heritage Field Technician with experience working on monitoring projects, survey and surface inspections, excavations, identifying artifacts, and completing detailed recording during and after excavation. She also brings to the Team her experience as a Safety Officer and Level 3 First Aid Attendant
Nadine Gray
Heritage Project Coordinator
Nadine is an archaeologist and Heritage Project Coordinator for the Culture and Heritage Team. She began working with the St’át’imc Nation Hydro Committee (SNH) in 2006 during the negotiations with BC Hydro and finalized the Archaeological Management Plan in the Agreement. She joined the transition from SNH to SGS in 2014 and was the Team Lead for SGS Culture and Heritage, completing projects outlined in the Archaeological Management Plan from 2014-2018. In her current role as Heritage Project Coordinator, Nadine is responsible for the project management of all archaeology contracts, fieldwork, and reporting for BC Hydro projects and programs. She is a subject matter expert in archaeology and holds a B.A. in Anthropology (UNBC) and an M.A. in Anthropology. Nadine also teaches anthropology and archaeology courses at Thompson Rivers University, including archaeology field schools.
St’át’imc Chiefs Council (SCC) Team
Cait Cameron
Policy Advisor
Cait Cameron is proud to return home to join the St’át’imc Chiefs Council team as Policy Advisor. Cait’s Grandparents are W. Michael Kane and Rose-Marie Kane. Cait brings over 6 years of professional experience from the capital of Europe, working with numerous governments and organizations around the world. She holds a BA in Philosophy with Distinction and an MA in Public Policy and Global Affairs.
Michelle Edwards
Tmicw Coordinator
My Name is Michelle Edwards, and I am the Tmicw Coordinator for the SCC. I am the former Chief of the communities of Sekw’el’was and Qu’iqten, who I proudly served for 12 years. My education is in Natural Resource Management and administration. I have a passion for the land and all that it provides for us. I hope to see more of you during Nation Engagement Forums.
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