Team

Current Board of Directors

Kathryn Teneese, Chair
Chief Negotiator, Ktunaxa Nation

Kathryn Teneese is a citizen of the Ktunaxa Nation and has represented her community as chief negotiator in treaty talks for the Ktunaxa Nation since 1996. Ms. Teneese has held senior-level positions with the Native Courtworker and Counselling Association, Pacific Planning Symposium Secretariat, the Centre for Indian Training and Research, the First Nations Congress and the First Nations Summit.

Michael Bonshor
Principal, Visions First Nations Financial Services

Michael Bonshor, C.M.A., is a member of the Tsawataineuk First Nation of Kingcome Inlet, BC. As Principal owner of Visions First Nations Financial Services, he has been working with First Nations to develop their capacity in governance, financial management, economic development, and land and resource management in various capacities since 1998. Michael is currently the Chair of the Province of BC’s Native Economic Development Advisory Board (NEDAB).

Gloria Morgan (Yaw Yawt all Xa Xa7 t’e Boonllp)

Gloria Morgan, Yaw Yawt all Xa Xa7 t’e Boonllp, former Chief of the Spallumcheen (Splats'in) Indian Band, was born in Enderby, BC. She attended public school in Armstrong, Enderby and Vernon and residential school in Cranbrook. From the age of 12, she worked in jobs ranging from fruit picker, playschool assistant, waitress, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officer, lawyer, and was Chief for four years. She received a Law Degree from the University of British Columbia in 1994 and was called to the bar in 1995. She is currently a non-practising lawyer, but during her eight years of practice she specialized as a criminal defence lawyer, and also was a Crown Prosecutor. Ms. Morgan continues to serve on several Boards including President of the Enderby & District Chamber of Commerce, the Commanding Officer of “E” Division Aboriginal Advisory Committee, and Provincial Community Coordination for Women’s Safety. Gloria also works as a consultant, mainly in the area of aboriginal rights.

Terry Kuzma
Manager, Carrier Lumber Ltd.

Mr. Kuzma, RPF is the Woodlands Manager of Carrier Lumber Ltd. and Director of Carrier Forest Products Ltd. Working with Carrier group of companies, Mr. Kuzma has been involved with numerous First Nations forestry related ventures including partnering on land management issues and negotiations. Previously, Mr. Kuzma was the Director and Past President of West Chilcotin Forest Products Ltd., and a Director with Cheslatta Forest Products Ltd., Interex Forest Products Ltd., and Carrier Janvier Forest Products Ltd. Mr. Kuzma was a former board member and Vice Chair of the British Columbia Forestry Association, Northern Interior. A graduate of the University of Alberta, Mr. Kuzma has his Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry.

Judith Sayers (Kekinusuqs)

Dr. Judith Sayers is a member of the Hupacasath First Nation, where she served as Chief from 1995 until 2009. Judith is the Chair of Eagle Rock Materials, Co-Chair of the Island Corridor Foundation and the Public Advisory Panel of the Canadian Electricity Association. She sits on the Boards of Tourism BC, NRT, the Pacific Salmon Foundation and previously served for two years on the Political Executive of the First Nations Summit. Judith holds degrees in business and law and an Honourary Doctor of Laws from Queen’s University. She practiced law extensively in Alberta and BC, working to promote and protect First Nations rights and title. Judith has received the Bora Laskin Fellowship on Human Rights, the Alberni Chamber of Commerce Woman of Distinction award (twice), a Silver Canadian Environmental Award for Climate Change and been honoured by Atira Women’s Resource Society as an Inspirational Woman. She was a finalist for the Buffet Award for Indigenous Leadership. In February 2009, Judith was admitted to the Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. Judith is a proud mother of two.

Leona Sparrow

Bio coming soon...

NRT Staff

Cliff Fregin
Chief Executive Officer

Cliff Fregin is a member of the Haida Nation, originally from Old Masset. He served on his home band’s council for 6 years and was the first Executive Director of the Gwaii Trust. From 2003 through 2006, Cliff was the Chief Operating Officer for National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association (NACCA). He also acted as NACCA’s CEO for the latter half of 2006.

Chanze Gamble
General Manager

Chanze Gamble is a member of the Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation in Saskatchewan. Chanze has a background in financial management and business development as well as a solid understanding of Aboriginal Rights and Title issues. Prior to joining NRT, he worked as a business development consultant, providing expertise to a number of First Nation communities and organizations.

Lana Plante
Project Officer

Lana Plante is a Nisga’a citizen from New Aiyansh and is of the Laxgibuu tribe. Her heritage is also of Cree, French and Irish. Before joining the NRT team she worked for 6 years at the UBC First Nations Legal Clinic as the Legal Assistant, where she was responsible for training UBC law students and helping Aboriginal people work out their legal matters.