Staff
Bruce Watkinson is a member of the Gitxaala Nation. He belongs to the Gitnagun’aks House which is part of the Gisputwada (Killer whale) Clan. Bruce graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Science (Biology) degree in 1996 and has spent his entire career working for north coast First Nation government organizations. His career has spanned across multiple aspects of the natural resource sector, including: scientific research, fisheries management, marine and terrestrial planning, collaborative governance, and strategic planning. He brings valuable leadership, knowledge, and experience to the NCSFNSS team. Bruce enjoys spending time out on the land and water to hunt, fish, and harvest. Bruce will continue to make sure that his work is grounded in his culture and that his perspectives reflect the strong values and principles of local First Nations.
Angela Addison is our NCSFNSS Fisheries Program Director and has been working with the society since 2015.
Angela originates from Dodge Cove on Digby Island, near Prince Rupert, and has lived and worked with commercial, recreational and First Nations fisheries for many years. With experience working directly for First Nations communities, non-profit environmental organizations and regulatory agencies, Angela’s academic training in fisheries biology and resource management provide a technical lens with which to address some of the key fisheries conservation and management challenges facing First Nations communities at this time.
Angela appreciates the opportunity to work within First Nations driven fisheries initiatives and embraces the priorities and values that define them.
Angela has a BSc in Global Resource Systems from the UBC faculty of Land, Food and Community and a technical diploma in Coastal Resources Management from Coast Mountain College.
Maya Paul moved to Prince Rupert in 2003. Her varied background living and growing up in rural Southern Africa imparted a deep rooted interest in the environment and sustainability.
This led her to complete a Masters Degree in Resource Economics and an Undergraduate Degree in Environmental Science from the University of Guelph, Ontario. During her undergrad, she majored in Natural Resources Management with an area of emphasis in Environmental Impact Assessment. Driven by a passion for advancing community wellbeing and environmental sustainability, Maya has been involved in a number of community-based conservation and development projects with government and non-government organizations.
Over a period from 2006 to 2011, she worked as the Socio-economic Planner for the NCSFNSS, enabling and facilitating development of First Nations community-based marine plans. Returning in 2016, Maya worked with NCSFNSS as the Cumulative Effects Coordinator to initiate development and implementation of a refined MaPP Cumulative Effects Framework as part of the Marine Plan Partnership (MaPP). Currently, as the Program Director, Cumulative Effects Strategic Initiatives, Maya co-manages the integrated MaPP/ESI (Environmental Stewardship Initiative) Cumulative Effects Program in the North Coast of B.C. on behalf of the participating North Coast First Nations. Maya is happy to find herself catalyzing this meaningful work with an amazing team of new and old colleagues – all the while living in this beautiful part of the world with her family.
Anke has been working with NCSFNSS since 2019. She is from Terrace and loves to spend her free time exploring Northwest BC.
Anke worked as a Creel Surveyor for two seasons while finishing her degree in Environmental Geography from the University of Victoria. After graduating in early 2021, she has led the Creel Crew as the Creel Supervisor. Anke is continuing to work with NCSFNSS as a fisheries technician.
Grant joined NCSFNSS in 2022, working remotely from Salmon Arm, as a Data Science Lead supporting the integrated MaPP & ESI North Coast Cumulative Effects and related projects. He graduated from the University of Victoria with an Honours in Biology, where his undergraduate thesis examined the effects of the commercial bottom trawl fisheries on sediment resuspension along the continental shelf adjacent Vancouver Island. His background draws from his passion for fisheries and oceanographic sciences, having worked with federal bodies to conduct stock assessment surveys, academic research groups to examine oceanographic trends in the NE Pacific, and as a contractor exploring salmonid spawn success in BC’s interior.
In his off time, he loves mountain biking, backpacking, camping, and exploring BC’s many hidden wonders with his partner.
Grace was born and raised mostly in Prince Rupert, but graduated from high school in Terrace. She is a member of the Nisga’a Nation and her family comes from Gingolx Village in the Nass Valley. She is part of the Gisk’asst (Killer Whale) tribe.
Grace completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Biochemistry in 2022 from the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George.
When not at work, Grace enjoys hiking, kayaking, and travelling. Growing up in Prince Rupert, Grace has developed an appreciation for the ocean and she is really looking forward to exploring the field. She works with NCSFNSS as the Fisheries Technical and Communications Coordinator.
Lia joined the NCSFNSS team in 2022 and is excited to apply her experience in salmon ecology and conservation in estuarine ecosystems in her role as Salmon Lead, which includes helping to develop a Skeena Estuary Habitat Management and Protection Plan under the North Coast Cumulative Effects Program. Lia recently completed her PhD in Biology from the University of Victoria, where her research focused on nearshore habitat use, estuarine residency, and conservation priorities for Pacific salmon in the Fraser River under the co-supervision of Dr. Julia Baum and Dr. Tara Martin (UBC). Prior to graduate school, Lia received her BSc in Biology from the University of Victoria and then spent 5 years working on a variety of applied research, conservation and environmental education initiatives with conservation NGOs including World Fisheries Trust, Galiano Conservancy Association, Raincoast Conservation Foundation, and Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (Southern Alberta Chapter). She is passionate about coastal ecosystems, connectivity of habitats, and applying conservation solutions to complex problems.
In her down time, Lia values spending time outside with her family and pup, including hiking, SCUBA diving (without the pup), and growing vegetables and native plants.
Shannon joined the NCSFNSS team in July of 2013 after relocating to Prince Rupert from Nelson BC. In Nelson, Shannon attended Selkirk College where she studied Business Administration. A few years after graduation she was hired by the BC Public Service in the Corporate Services Division. There she worked in both Accounts Payable and Records Management supporting science and conservation staff for over five years.
Shannon left her position with the Public Service to move to Prince Rupert to be with her husband. She started her new position with NCSFNSS, as Office Manager, not long after her arrival. Currently, in her role as Manager of Finance and Administration, Shannon enjoys being a part of the NCSFNSS team and working to support the Member Nations.
In her down time, Shannon enjoys the outdoors, spending time with her family, camping, nature walks/hikes, travelling, and painting mandala art.
Originally from Ontario, Carmen moved to Vancouver Island and then relocated in 1998 to Prince Rupert to raise her family. She has called Prince Rupert her home ever since. During her time here, her education led her to a position with the Prince Rupert School District. She spent 23 years working with students, helping them achieve their goals and become proud members of our community. Carmen has held many positions over the years, has a wealth of knowledge and enjoys helping others. Recently, her studies have led her to a new career in Business Administration.
When she’s not working, Carmen loves spending time with her family, especially her grandson. She enjoys the beauty of the North Coast and finds the tranquility of being out in nature nurturing. She loves animals, the forest, the ocean, the mountains and is very much interested in making a difference for our future generations.
