Our Team

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 the NRT team in 2018 and has since overseen the Capacity Support Initiatives, Scholarship Initiative, and NRT events. She is now the Director of Operations. Prior to her tenure at NRT, Marie gained extensive experience working for the BC Government across various departments, including Corporate Planning, Communications, Research, and the Health and Finance Ministers’ Offices. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, traveling (especially on cruises), and walking through Pacific Spirit Park. Residing in Musqueam with her partner and two children, Marie is dedicated to utilizing her skills and expertise to support the development of a strong future for First Nations people and communities in B.C.

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 – Clean Energy Initiatives

Sarah Powell is a member of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation and currently resides in Prince George, BC. She graduated from the University of Victoria and has a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Geography and a minor in Indigenous Studies. Sarah joined the New Relationship Trust in 2020 through the Indigenous Youth Internship Program (IYIP) after her Ministry of Transportation placement. She now works at the Manager of Clean Energy Initiatives, administering the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI), and the Community Energy Diesel Reduction (CEDR) Program. Sarah’s goal through her work is to assist Nations on their journey to energy self-sovereignty and reduce community reliance on diesel. Previously, Sarah worked with NRT’s education initiatives and corporate services, and for the BC Wildfire Service as a dispatcher at the Cariboo Fire Centre.

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 – 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 she 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.

Elijah Morin

Senior Associate – Clean Energy Program Analyst

Elijah has enjoyed the privilege of being raised on the ancestral lands of the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Musqueam Peoples, with many personal roots having been cultivated along the way. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University, he has maintained a strong focus on the service of Indigenous communities both within and outside of British Columbia. Passionate about First Peoples determining their futures as both stewards of these lands and policy makers, particularly in the area of clean energy infrastructure, Elijah will be providing direct support to important funding opportunities including the British Columbia Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI) as well as the Community Energy Diesel Reduction (CEDR) Program. When not working, being outside with a dog as well as hearing a good story are his favourite activities.

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.

Jessi Pawlovich

Senior Associate – Data Analyst

Jessi has a strong connection to British Columbia’s Northern region as she grew up on the traditional territory of the Stellate’n and Nadleh First Nation and still spends time visiting close friends and family in the area. She graduated with an undergraduate degree from Dalhousie University in K’jipuktuk (Halifax) double majoring in management and sustainability. During her time out East, she gained experience in the clean energy sector with a position with the Halifax Climate Investment, Innovation and Impact (HCi3) Fund co-writing a paper for opportunities for alternative green funding methods for clean energy projects. She now resides in St:olo First Nation territory and has enjoyed being close to family once again while also spending time in the outdoors with friends.

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, a Videographer and Social Strategist, started her venture into social media marketing in 2009. By 2013, she not only graduated top of her class from a television broadcasting program but also secured a coveted internship with CBC. This foundation paved the way for her evolving roles in photography and videography. Recognized for her work with women-empowering organizations, she's solidified her reputation over the decade by elevating positive impact brands. In 2020, she launched a YouTube channel, now boasting 3 million views and 30k subscribers, where she educates on video production. As she offers premier video services, Ida's mission is to guide positive impact brands in amplifying their online presence and to drive change through impactful storytelling.

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.