Muskwa-Kechika Advisory Board (M-KAB) Member Biographies

The Premier of British Columbia appointed the 12 persons below to serve on the M-KAB until March 31, 2012. (The Premier may appoint up to 17 members for this Advisory Board)

All M-KAB appointments are made by the B.C. Provincial Government.

Tom Briggs, Chair of the Muskwa-Kechika Advisory Board and Executive Committee. Tom Briggs and has wife Karen moved to Mackenzie, BC in 1974 where they raised their two children. Community minded, began his career in municipal politics in 1986. He served 7 years as a Councillor followed by 12 years as Mayor until 2005. During his political tenure, Tom served on many Boards and Committee including Director of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, Chair of the Northern Treaties Treaty Advisory Committee, Chair of the Northern Development Initiative Trust Prince George Regional Advisory Committee and Director of the North Central Municipal Association, to name a few. Tom is Chair of the Muskwa-Kechika Outreach Committee and continues to play an active role in the District of Mackenzie.

Bill Lux, M-KAB Co-Vice-Chair, M-KAB member, represents the Dease River First Nation. Bill is also the Kaska Dena Council Executive Vice-Chair, Lands and Resources. Bill is dedicated to representing the Dease River First Nation's perspective on land use and resource planning and management in the M-KMA.

Jason Lee, M-KAB Co-Vice-Chair, is currently working as a Wildlife Biologist for the Treaty 8 Tribal Association. Previously, he has been employed with various organisations as a Biologist and Technician, with BC Parks as a Senior Park Ranger and Auxiliary Conservation Officer, and with the Canadian Coast Guard as part of the Search and Rescue Unit. Mr. Lee obtained his Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management - Wildlife and Fisheries from the University of Northern British Columbia. He has also completed the Resource Management Officer Technology at Malaspina University, and the Guide Outfitter Course at Northern Lights College.

Barry Holland, a big game hunter, pilot and backcountry traveler, brings experience in petroleum and natural gas technology, as well as occupational safety. Barry actively participated in the Fort St. John LRMP process prior to his appointment to the Board.

Corrine Porter, a member of the Kaska Nation was raised in the Fireside area and currently resides in Lower Post, BC. Corrine has worked for the Kaska Nation for the past 10 years and recently graduated with a Natural Resource Science Bachelors Degree from Thompson River University. Corrine is the Kaska Dena Council Conservation Coordinator and Vice-President of the Dena Kayeh Institute. She also participates on the North Peace Stone’s Sheep Steering Committee, the Yukon Kaska Forest Resource Stewardship Council, and the Watson Lake Citizens on Patrol. Corrine enjoys the outdoors and is active in hiking, horse riding, boating, running, biking and fishing.

Stephanie Killam, Mayor of Mackenzie and a municipal council member for 9 years, has worked as the senior secretary at Mackenzie Secondary School since 1979. Married for 38 years she and her husband Donald have raised two children. She has served on the Museum Society, Club 55 (senior’s activities), the Chamber of Commerce, the Municipal Emergency Program Committee, the Mackenzie and Area Health Advisory Committee, the Mackenzie and District Hospital Board, Community Health Council, Northern Interior Regional Health Board, and Children’s and Women’s Health Center as well as many others. Committed to the community and region and well-versed in environmental issues Stephanie works to strike a balance betw een conservation and economic development.

Wayne Sawchuk, a widely experienced backcountry horseman and nature photographer, brings perspectives of wildlife and wildland conservation to the Board, as well as extensive knowledge about the forestry and oil and gas industries. With fellow Board member George Smith, Wayne was actively involved in the LRMP and other planning processes that led to the creation of the M-KMA. Wayne is the winner of the 2006 Canadian Environment Award. As a photographer he has captured diverse wildlife and outdoor subjects with skill and artistry, and has donated many photographs for use in M-K publications, including the photos used in the 2005-2006 Annual Report.

Johnny Mikes, started working river rafting trips in northern B.C. as a boy with his father in the early 70's. He has guided wilderness river, hiking and natural history trips for over 30 years and is very familiar with many remote areas of northern BC including much of the Muswka-Kechika as well as portions of the Yukon and Canadian Arctic.

Timothy Trapp, is currently employed as a Station Operator for a Sub-contractor to BC Hydro. Prior to this, he was a Teaching Assistant at the Astse Davie School. In his community, Mr. Trapp has worked as a Negotiator for the Kwadacha Nation.

Peter Stone, is a member of the Kaska Dena Council.

James (Leif) Olsen, is the owner and manager of Circle F Cattle Company and Stone Mountain Safaris Ltd. He is a member of the Guide Outfitters of B.C.

Roslyn Mary Pokiak, is the Land Management Adminstrator with the Halfway River First Nation. She has served in a variety of roles with the Halfway River First Nation and was the Community Liaison with Westcoast Energy.