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 & Services
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 Lisa Paull is honoured to represent New Relationship Trust (NRT) as Director of Programs & Services. For the past four years, she has been grateful to walk alongside an incredible team that shares a common vision and commitment to serving and supporting 203 First Nations across British Columbia. What makes this work so meaningful to Lisa is the opportunity to strengthen relationships with communities, not simply through funding, but by being welcomed into their villages, sharing in a feast, listening to their songs and stories, and learning directly about the priorities and dreams guiding their work. These relationships help NRT better understand the impact of its investments and contribute to a legacy that can carry forward for the next seven generations. Lisa has witnessed applicants bring forward projects that continue work their ancestors began generations ago. Carrying this work forward takes courage, strength, vision and a deep commitment to community. For Lisa, this is a beautiful example of Chenchenstway: standing and working together to hold each other up and help one another. Lisa is a member of the Squamish Nation, where her parents and three siblings are also connected. She is a proud mother of three beautiful children, two adult sons and a daughter. Their family also includes two dogs and a cat. Outside of her professional work, Lisa strives to walk a holistic path, stay connected to the Red Road and participate in ceremony. Her greatest gift is giving back to the next generation and sharing what she has learned so that knowledge, teachings and gifts can continue to be passed forward. Lisa believes in leading by example, staying strong in heart and mind, and grounding herself in prayer. Being on the land keeps her connected to who she is and where she comes from. The water gives her strength, courage and wisdom. The cedar reminds her that there is both medicine in what we receive and responsibility in what we give back. For Lisa, leadership is rooted in relationships, community, reciprocity and responsibility. It is about walking together, lifting one another up, and ensuring the work being done today creates opportunities and strength for generations yet to come.
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 first joined the New Relationship Trust in 2023. After spending time working on various NRT funding initiatives, his current role is Senior Associate – Clean Energy Programs Analyst. Prior to joining NRT, Keri spent over 15 years as a Researcher working on Indian Residential School settlements, Specific Claims, and First Nations litigation. He holds a BA in Political Science and History from the University of Northern British Columbia and a Masters of Sustainability (Energy Security) from the University of Saskatchewan. When Keri isn't working, you can usually find him out in the mountains or planning his next adventure. He is an avid outdoors enthusiast, marathoner, and ultra runner.
June Ramirez
Senior Associate – Clean Energy Program Analyst
June has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from York University. June immigrated to Toronto when she was 12 from the Philippines, and is grateful to now call Vancouver, the traditional territories of Musqueam, Squamish and Tseil-Waututh First Nations, home. June is passionate about social justice and climate change issues. Outside of work June enjoys fashion, playing NYT's games, watching the Real Housewives franchise, and playing tennis. June is very grateful to be a part of an amazing team of people doing impactful work empowering First Nations 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 Williams is a member of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and an experienced Indigenous leader with a background in strategic leadership, organizational transformation, Indigenous education, community engagement, strategic partnerships, and advancing Indigenous priorities within complex systems. Jessie’s career has spanned Indigenous organizations and post-secondary education, including serving as New Relationship Trust’s Director of Business Development and Communications. Throughout her work, she has focused on strengthening organizations and relationships, building strategic partnerships, advancing community-informed priorities, and bringing together diverse knowledge and expertise to move vision into meaningful action. Returning to New Relationship Trust as Strategic Advisor, Jessie brings her leadership experience, strategic perspective, relational approach and longstanding connection to NRT to support organizational priorities and NRT’s work alongside First Nations throughout British Columbia.
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.