Our Staff

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

The past 3.5 years, I’ve worked for St’at’imc Government Services as a receptionist, Data Clerk and currently the Data Governance Coordinator. I enjoy networking and collaborating. Homeschooling Mama of 6. I am Philipino, Danish, English and German decent. Prior to being a professional Mom, I worked as Assistance Music/Media director at Fountainview Academy. Taught cooking classes and coordinated/catered large events.

K’alhwa7alap Nsnekwnukwa7 S7entsa sTamara Napoleon, Xoxaolin nUcwalmicwaska7, T’iq’etmeckan muta7 St’at’imcmeckan.

I am the new finance clerk for the S’tat’imc Government Services, my role includes assisting the finance officer in various capacities, including processing accounts payable, accounts receivable, monthly transactions, preparing payroll and supporting in budget monitoring. My professional journey began in office administration, where I gained valuable experience that led me to pursue further education in accounting and bookkeeping. I completed bookkeeping training with TRU and then went on to earn an Accounting/ Bookkeeping Certificate from the Okanagan College as well as holding certifications in Indigenous Languages and an Associative Arts Degree.

I am a proud St’at’imc Ucwalmicw, born and raised in T’it’q’et, my identity is deeply rooted in my culture and traditions. Outside of work, my greatest joy is being a mother to my two daughters. We spend our time at the hockey arena, soccer fields, fishing at the rocks or at the lakes, culture nights, crafting, singing and dancing at gatherings, powwows, and making memories going on family trips.

I look forward to working for the Nation and to the opportunities and lessons that SGS has to offer. Kukwstum’ckalap.

Hello, I am Cheyanne, and I have been with St’át’imc Government since 2023. I am responsible for managing and coordinating all communication matters related to the organization and the St’át’imc Chiefs. Through my position I provide expertise and support for communications internally and externally through consultation and engagement activities.

I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in communications at Thompson Rivers University and expected to graduate at the end of 2026. I am excited to bring my new knowledge and experience back to the Nation and progress communications through an Indigenous lens

Dr. Ryan Arta is an environmental scientist and policy specialist with over a decade of experience advancing climate science, regulatory governance, and Indigenous stewardship. As Manager of Environment for St’át’imc Government Services (SGS), he leads work that brings scientific rigor and community priorities into environmental management, supporting evidence-based policy and decisions informed by St’át’imc knowledge systems.
He holds a Ph.D. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences from McGill University, where he studied tropical cyclogenesis and large-scale climate dynamics. His scientific career includes postdoctoral roles with Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research in Norway, where he contributed to the advancement of Earth System Models, with a focus on carbon–climate feedbacks and biogeochemical processes. At the University of Victoria, he led coastal ocean modeling for the Blue Carbon Canada initiative and helped deliver the country’s first national blue carbon assessment.
Before joining SGS, Dr. Arta served as Regulatory Specialist for the Yellowknives Dene First Nation in the Northwest Territories. He represented the Nation in environmental assessments, water licensing, and regulatory processes for major industrial projects, including the Diavik and Ekati diamond mines. He also sat on the Environmental Monitoring Advisory Board, where he supported stronger Indigenous participation in governance and ensured that Traditional Knowledge shaped monitoring frameworks and decision pathways.
Drawing on a blend of scientific expertise and on-the-ground regulatory experience, Dr. Arta is dedicated to reconciliation-focused resource management and practical, science-informed solutions. His leadership helps advance SGS’s commitment to resilient, culturally grounded environmental stewardship across Canada.

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.

K̓alhwá7alap nsnekw̓núk̓wa7 sa Keely Weget-Whitney, T’ít’q’et meckan, St’át’imc múta7 Gitxsan.

Through my work with SGS, I practice land management in a way that recognizes the connection between water, land, and air as living systems that cannot be separated. My work in wildlife monitoring and environmental stewardship is more than data collection; it is an act of exercising my inherent title and rights and maintaining relationships with the lands and waters that sustain us.

Through monitoring species, observing ecosystem change, and contributing to conservation efforts, I work at the intersection of western science and St’át’imc ways of knowing. Decolonizing myself within this work means continuing the responsibilities carried by my ancestors while helping create space for St’át’imc voices, values, and governance within natural resource management.

I believe that meaningful stewardship must include Free, Prior, and Informed Consent, and that decisions affecting lands, waters, wildlife, and future generations should be grounded in respect, relationship, and accountability. My work is rooted in the 7 sacred laws, while supporting St’át’imc presence, knowledge, and leadership on the land.

My name is Samuel; I am very glad to join the SGS environmental team as a summer student environment technician. I grew up in Kelowna but also lived in Montreal and come from a francophone background. I look forward to learning about the environment here and its connection to this community as well as helping the environmental team with aquatic data collection and environmental monitoring projects. I recently graduated with my diploma from the Recreation, Fish and Wildlife technology program at Selkirk College. Previously, I worked with children and supporting adults with mental disabilities before studying environmental science. In my free time I enjoy hiking, cycling, canoe camping, and playing soccer.

Taya, as St’at’imc Education & Training Coordinator, I work with all 11 communities and BC Hydro Indigenous Education & Training. To support and connect communities with training for members. She has worked in various backgrounds, from justice, fisheries, and administration. She volunteers for the Restorative Justice Association of BC as a Board of Director (Co-Chair). She is also involved with the Lillooet Skating Club as the Vice president. In all her roles, she strives to unite people and work as one for the greater good of all. When Taya is not working, she is usually out with her daughter going on road trips and making memories with her friends + family.

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.

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 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.

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 is from the community of Ts’kw’aylaxw and has worked at SGS as a GIS technician since August 2019. She studied Physical Geography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) in Abbotsford. Talicia has also completed RISC archaeology and CMT inventory training, advanced drone pilot training, and an environmental monitoring certificate from UNBC.
Her role at SGS is to support the organization with GIS deliverables. Talicia works closely with the Heritage and Environment departments on their projects. She creates maps, manages data, prepares tablets for field data collection, administers mapping software (Esri applications and Lightship), participates in conference calls and field visits, and is involved with a few technical working groups.

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

Kristin has been a consulting archaeologist since 2005. She holds a PhD from Washington State University with an archaeological specialization. Her cultural resource management experience spans BC and the western half of the US, which has exposed her to a range of natural and cultural environments. She aims to incorporate cultural and scientific knowledge into her archaeological practice and enjoys learning from those around her. Originally from Colorado, Kristin loves to be outside and has no shame in being objectively unskilled at every sport she’s ever attempted.

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.

My Name is Michelle Edwards, and I am the Tmicw Coordinator. 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.

Kalhwá7alap, my name is Lacey LaRochelle. I am a member of the St’át’imc Nation from the T’it’q’et community. I joined the organization on January 12, 2026, as Project Coordinator. In this role, I support the planning and coordination of various Title and Rights initiatives that advance Nation-level priorities.

I bring several years of experience supporting Northern St’át’imc leadership, including roles as Office Manager for the Lillooet Tribal Council and Project Assistant for the P’egp’ig’lha Council. I am deeply grateful for the teachings, guidance, and mentorship shared with me through my work alongside leadership in Northern St’át’imc.

I am passionate about supporting Nation-level Title and Rights work through respectful collaboration, strong organization, and meaningful engagement. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring, hiking, biking, and gardening.

Kwiks Ti7na (Gena Edwards) comes from Ts’kw’aylaw, she was hired March 4, 2026. She holds a BSW and MSW and pursuing her PhD, she has been involved in both federal and provincial policies affecting the rights of Indigenous people. Gena is passionate about Title and Rights as that is what helps define who we are as Stl’atl’imx people who have existed and been here since immemorial. Gena strives to ensure that the political tables have the right information to make sound decisions that will affect the next seven generations. She works from an Indigenous perspective and ideology based in culture and knowledge.

Kathleen is from Samaquam, and has been supporting the SCC through her role as Execuative Assistant since 2017.