Our Team
Meet the New Relationship Trust team, committed to supporting First Nations in BC through innovation, Indigenous values, and meaningful community impact.
We challenge each other to think innovatively and in alignment with Indigenous values to create meaningful and lasting impacts - one project at a time.
Our Leadership and Program Experts
With diverse backgrounds in finance, governance, clean energy, education, and community development, our team brings deep expertise and dedication to every initiative. Together, we work to strengthen Nation building, support economic growth, and foster self-determination for First Nations across B.C.
Walter Schneider
CEO
As the Chief Executive Officer, Walter manages the overall operations and administration of the New Relationship Trust. He brings 20+ years of broad experience, perspective, and capability to the position through education and past roles including as a Vice-President in a global investment bank, a CEO of a shared governance corporation focused on First Nation financial management and the Senior Administrator role in a First Nation community. Walter is a Chartered Professional Accountant (Chartered Accountant) and holds an MBA from Simon Fraser University – Beedie School of Business, a diploma in Financial Management from the British Columbia Institute of Technology and is currently pursuing and in the final stage of completing a diploma in Urban Land Economics – Real Estate Development through Sauder School of Business at University of British Columbia.
Kim Brazil
Director of Finance
Kim is the Financial Officer of New Relationship Trust and is responsible for overseeing all financial related activities. She joined the NRT team in 2010. Kim has over 25 years of experience in accounting and finance, and has held senior financial positions with not-for-profit and First Nations organizations. Her expertise lies in her ability to establish solid internal controls, and continually evaluate/modify the accounting systems to ensure efficiency and accountability. Kim is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), qualifying as a Certified General Accountant (CGA) in 1994.
Marie Alaimo
Director of Operations
Marie Alaimo joined New Relationship Trust in 2018 and currently serves as Director of Operations. In this role, she supports the organization’s operational planning and delivery, works closely with NRT’s leadership and program teams, and helps oversee a range of organizational initiatives, partnerships, and special projects. Prior to joining NRT, Marie worked with the Government of British Columbia in a variety of roles spanning corporate planning, communications, research, and the offices of the Ministers of Health and Finance. She brings extensive experience in organizational operations, government relations, and program delivery. Marie lives in Musqueam with her fiancé, two children, 3 dogs and a hedgehog. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, and walking through Pacific Spirit Regional Park. She is committed to using her experience and skills to support NRT’s work and contribute to strong, sustainable futures for First Nations people and communities throughout British Columbia.
Lisa Paull
Director of Programs
Lisa Paull, ancestral name Ts’eláselwet is the Director of Programs & Services. Lisa is a mother to three amazing children and comes from a long line of Squamish Nation descendants, her late grandparents are Tilly Moody and Edwin Paull and Louie & Jessie Miranda; her late parents are Jolene Joseph-Paull, Louie Miranda John, and Darcy SR Joseph. Lisa’s professional background is connected to educational programs & services, personal development. Her focus is to support Indigenous capacity building through the delivery of impactful programming and services, which includes true collaboration with stakeholders and partners. With holistic experience in leadership, counselling, administration, and Indigenous capacity building, Lisa has sat on diverse advisory groups focused on Indigenizing programs and wrap-around supports. Lisa feels inspired to uphold BC First Nations in achieving its diverse goals and objectives. Her educational journey includes a Masters of Indigenous Education, Administration, and Leadership from the University of British Columbia, a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Fraser Valley, with a specialization in Chemical Addictions and Counselling. In her spare time, you will catch her spending time with family, watching lacrosse, and attending ceremony.
Katya McClintock
Director – Clean Energy
Katya has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of King’s College (Dalhousie University) and a Master of Public Policy from Central European University in Budapest, Hungary. Katya spent more than twelve years in Alberta working in corporate social responsibility and community engagement in the energy sector. This work included leading public consultation activities for the development of several high-voltage electrical transmission projects. Prior to joining NRT, Katya was part of the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation’s Community Clean Energy Branch and focused on supporting community-based clean energy projects. Katya is excited to continue this work at NRT and to see First Nations develop projects that advance energy sovereignty, reduce diesel consumption, and build community capacity. Kaya is an avid reader with an ever growing to-read list and loves to travel after living and studying in three European countries.
Sarah Powell
Manager– Programs & Services
Sarah Powell is a member of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation and of the L'eeneidí Yaxte Hít (Dog Salmon, Big Dipper House). Her Tlingit name is Khein Klaa. Originally from Quesnel, BC, Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography with a minor in Indigenous Studies from the University of Victoria. Sarah joined the New Relationship Trust in 2020 through the Indigenous Youth Internship Program (IYIP). Since joining NRT, she has worked across a range of programs and initiatives, with a particular focus on the clean energy initiatives. As Manager of Programs and Services, Sarah provides leadership and support across NRT’s funding areas, including clean energy, NRT core programming, and other strategic programs. Sarah lives in Prince George, BC, with her husband and their dog.
Matt Cook Contois
Senior Associate – Programs Specialist / NRTF Partnership & Marketing
Matt Cook-Contois is a member of the Misipawistik Cree Nation which is located in Northern Manitoba. Matt has a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree with a double major in Entrepreneurship and Human Resource Management from the Asper School of Business. Matt’s primary goal is to improve the lives and outcomes of Indigenous people everywhere to foster in an era of unprecedented health and happiness. He believes that education is an integral key to achieve this goal and dedicates his time to assisting others in reaching their dreams. Matt will continue to utilize his education and focus to identify new opportunities for Indigenous students, thereby contributing to the continued growth of the New Relationship Trust Foundation.
Lana Plante
Senior Associate – Programs Specialist
Lana Plante is a proud Nisga’a citizen from Gitlaxt’aamiks and is from the Laxgibuu Tribe, Gitwilnaakil, and hails from the House of Duuk. Her heritage is also of Cree, French and Irish. Lana has a diploma from the Capilano College, Paralegal/Legal Assistant Program and has been with NRT since inception, serving as primary point of contact for and liaison between management, stakeholders, students, the general public and vendors. Lana took the role of Project Officer in 2006. Lana manages the BC First Nations Elders grant, Youth grant, Youth Language grant, K-12 Education grant, and the New Relationship Trust Foundation Certificate, Diploma, Associates Degree and Trades Bursaries. Lana loves working with all the First Nations/Organizations across BC and contributes her experience and proficiency by providing support and helping students on their education journey.
Keri Fisher
Senior Associate – Clean Energy Programs Analyst
Keri Fisher graduated from the University of Northern British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts (major in Political Science and minor in History), and from the University of Saskatchewan, School of Environment and Sustainability, with a Master’s of Sustainability, Energy Security. Prior to joining the NRT team, Keri worked as a Research Consultant on Indigenous research projects for almost 20 years, including (among other things) research on Indian Residential Schools, litigation, and Specific Claims. Keri is extremely excited to have the opportunity with NRT to help support and empower First Nations in their capacity and nation-building initiatives.
June Ramirez
Senior Associate – Clean Energy Program Analyst
June has a Bachelor of Arts from York University in Political Science. June immigrated to Toronto when she was 12 from the Philippines and is currently residing in the unceded and traditional territories of the Katzie, Kwantlen, Matsqui and Semiahmoo First Nations. Previously June worked as a coordinator for the Taku River Tlingit First Nation, and she is passionate about Indigenous social policies and climate change issues, and is now a Senior Associate in the Clean Energy Initiative here at the NRT. Outside of work June enjoys playing tennis and fashion, and she is looking forward to empowering First Nations’ Clean Energy Initiative across BC.
Ben Duncan
Senior Associate – Programs Analyst
Ben holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of the Fraser Valley and a Masters of Environment and Sustainability from Western University. He joined the New Relationship Trust in 2023 as an Associate Programs Analyst and brings a passion for building a sustainable and resilient future in the face of climate change. Ben enjoys hosting dinner parties, weightlifting, and board games.
Jessie Williams
Special Advisor
Jessie is a member of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and of mixed European descent. She takes great pride in being a mother of two remarkable adult children and a grandmother to her new grandson. Having obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Educational Administration and Leadership has inspired her meaningful career, which is focused on empowering Indigenous presence, voice, and capacity. Most recently, Jessie served as the Director of Indigenous Relations at Simon Fraser University. Leaning on the wisdom gained from her lived experience, educational attainment, professional journey, and elder teachings, Jessie has developed a passion for nation-building. She joins NRT as the Director of Business Development and Communications and is committed to collaboration, inclusivity, strategic planning, and innovation.
Ida Cummings
Videographer and Social Media Strategist
Ida is a videographer and social media strategist who has been shaping stories online since 2009. She started in photography at a young age, developing an early love for capturing real moments and telling stories through visuals. That passion led her to study television broadcasting, where she graduated top of her class and built a strong foundation in production, storytelling, and media. Today, through her business Wonderful Ida, she works with mission-driven and Indigenous organizations to create success stories, impact videos, short-form content, and social media strategy that help meaningful work be seen and remembered. Alongside content creation, she supports organizations with the strategy behind how that content is used, from messaging and planning to captions and thumbnails. Her work is rooted in helping people share their stories with clarity, heart, and purpose.
Bibi Sajida
Corporate Services Officer
Sajida is a seasoned accountant with over 9 years of experience across various industries, including public practice. She holds a Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (Hons) and is known for her strong leadership and expertise in accounting systems. Sajida is dedicated to driving efficiency and accuracy in financial operations. Her key areas of interest include bookkeeping, payroll, new system research and implementation to enhance business operations, as well as financial and variance analysis. Outside of work, she is passionate about volunteering within her local community, spending time with family, and traveling, especially to tropical destinations.