Growing the Haida Ocean Technical Team!

The CHN Marine Planning Program is excited to introduce three new staff to support the program’s work on the Nation’s marine-related initiatives.

Jaad ‘lljuus Denise Olsson is from the K’aadaas Gaa K’iigwaay clan. She joins the team in the new position of marine executive administrative assistant. Denise has extensive experience in administration on Haida Gwaii – she worked for the Skidegate Band Council for thirteen years, and the Gwaii Haanas Archipelago Management Board for one year. When she is not at work, Denise is busy raising her two sons, Teegan and Lebron, and a healthy patch of tomato plants.

Lais Chaves comes to the program as marine biologist and planner. Lais grew up in Brazil, where she completed a Masters in marine biology and a PhD in biological oceanography. Lais is an experienced scuba diver, logging over 200 hours under the water during her research! After work, Lais can usually be found spending time with her husband Carlos and their young son Felipe, making artisanal soap, and coordinating renovations on their home in Daajing Giids Queen Charlotte.

Meghan Cross fills the newly created position of marine economic development coordinator. Meghan grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan, where she completed her undergraduate degree in business administration, specializing in finance. Meghan also holds a certificate in economics and recently completed her graduate diploma in urban studies from Simon Fraser University. When she is not working on the implementation of the Haida Gwaii Marine Plan’s marine economic development strategies, she can be found hiking, in the yoga studio, and at home listening to her vinyl record collection.

The Haida Ocean Technical Team – aka HOTT – is a group of planners who provide support for the CHN’s marine planning and plan implementation initiatives, including the Haida Gwaii Marine Plan, the Gwaii Haanas Land-Sea-People Plan, and the SG̱aan Ḵinghlas-Bowie Seamount Management Plan, amongst others. In addition, HOTT supports reconciliation, cooperative and coordinated management with BC and Canada, and communications and outreach.