Dedicated Innovators

Leadership Team

The Consortium’s leadership is made up of First Nations Chiefs and economic development experts with many decades of experience – a skilled, committed group focused on building a sustainable economy and re-invigorating investment in coastal value-added, forest product manufacturing and beyond.

Project Chair

Emchayiik Robert J. Dennis Sr.

Robert served as Chief Councillor for Huu-ay-aht First Nations from 2015 to 2023, and from 1995 to 2011. During his time in office Robert successfully negotiated the Maa-nulth Final Agreement with Canada and B.C., leading Huu-ay-aht to become a Modern Treaty Nation. He developed and implemented Huu-ay-aht’s Economic Development Strategy, including Huu-ay-aht’s 35% ownership interest in C̕awak ʔqin Forestry, a timberlands business on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Robert is a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the B.C. Premier’s Award.

STRATEGIC ADVISOR

Shannon Janzen, RPF

Shannon is a former Vice President and Chief Forester of Western Forest Products, who now supports the Iskum Nations in their vision for economic and environmental reconciliation. Shannon is a Registered Professional Forester and strategic business advisor to Huu-ay-aht First Nations, and serves on the Board of Directors for both C̕awak ʔqin Forestry LP and Tseshaht Enterprises Corporation. Shannon has a passion for alternative approaches to Resource Management Planning and works in business development and consulting support across British Columbia.

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Team Structure

Supporting the Iskum Consortium

Reporting directly to the Project Chair and the Project Lead, Iskum Investments is supported by a number of business, communications, finance and governance experts to ensure effective strategy, sound legal and investment advice, and reliable access to capital.