Board & Staff

Gurv Saran is responsible for overseeing effective financial management across the organization, including the development and implementation of finance policies, reporting and compliance processes, administration and operations, and human resources functions. With a strong commitment to organizational integrity and excellence, she ensures that systems, practices, and procedures align with strategic goals and support long-term sustainability. 

Gurv is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. 

Gurv is proud to be part of FNMPC, where she contributes her skills and knowledge to help advance the interests of First Nations member communities. She is deeply motivated by the opportunity to support meaningful initiatives, strengthen community capacity, and contribute to positive, lasting impacts. 

Sara is a skilled negotiator, mediator, and strategist, with a technical focus on modern treaties.

Sara has a range of consulting, not-for-profit, and government experience. Prior to joining FNMPC, she was the Vice-President of Reconciliation Strategies at ChangeMakers, where she supported clients on a range of policy and strategic planning projects. Previously, she served as the Vice-President of the Yukon Development Corporation, following several years as a Senior Negotiator with Aboriginal Relations within the Yukon government. Sara has worked on behalf of a number of Indigenous groups across the Circumpolar Arctic on capacity-building, strategic planning, and policy development. She also was the Director of Northern Programs at The Gordon Foundation, leading the Jane Glassco Northern Fellowship, which sought to support the next generation of leaders in the North.

She resides on the Traditional Territories of the Kwalin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council in Whitehorse, Yukon with her husband and three children.

Sara holds a Master’s Degree from Queen’s University and attended the Bader International Study Centre in East Sussex, England. She is a Hansard Research Scholar at the London School of Economics and is an Action Canada Fellow.

Jennifer Storm is the Communications Manager at the First Nations Major Projects Coalition. As the organization’s first in-house communications lead, she is responsible for establishing the communications function and setting the strategic direction for how FNMPC engages with member Nations, governments, industry, and partners. Her work builds internal capacity and ensures the Coalition communicates with clarity and consistency across all audiences.

Jennifer brings more than a decade of experience working with First Nations leadership in political, health, and education contexts. She has led national campaigns, developed organizational style guides and communications frameworks, and supported executive teams in advancing complex initiatives.

A published author and experienced strategist, Jennifer plays a key role in shaping FNMPC’s public voice and positioning the organization for continued growth.

Tim, originating from the Nipissing First Nation within the Robinson Huron Treaty area, boasts over 25 years of experience in the business services sector. His expertise spans business development, negotiation strategies, and fostering capacity through meaningful engagements with Indigenous communities. Tim’s professional journey predominantly unfolded in the financial services industry, where he specialized in investments, commercial lending, and corporate trustee responsibilities for Indigenous Trusts.

In 2021, recognizing an opportunity to foster economic prosperity and collaborate with Indigenous Nations on their path to self-determination, Tim transitioned into the construction industry. As the National Director of Indigenous Strategies at Chandos Construction, his mission involves bolstering Indigenous capacity by increasing procurement and enhancing talent within Indigenous communities.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Tim is deeply committed to sharing Indigenous history and values through cultural awareness discussions, presentations, and speaking engagements with a focus on appropriate engagement with Indigenous communities. He has actively served as Secretary Treasurer for the Anishnawbe Health Foundation in Toronto and has held positions on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. Tim’s commitment to community service is further demonstrated through his involvement as a Community Trustee with the Nipissing 2013 Boundary Claim Trust, from 2013 to 2019.

Tim’s dedication to continuous learning is evident in his completion of the AFOA Harvard Business School program, “Leading People and Investing to Build Sustainable Communities,” where he shares his insights and experiences with Indigenous communities. In recognition of his expertise and advocacy, Tim was honored with a seat on the Board of Directors for Kindred Works in 2023, a company addressing housing challenges and climate change.

Tim’s advocacy extends to championing wealth creation and capacity building for Indigenous peoples and supporting Indigenous women in leadership roles and trades. His enduring passion lies in giving back to and empowering Indigenous communities through knowledge sharing and mentorship initiatives.

Blaine Collett is a Senior Advisor of Project Development at the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC). He brings over 20 years of leadership experience in Indigenous relations, stakeholder engagement, and large-scale project development across Canada’s energy, infrastructure, and resource sectors.

Blaine has held senior roles with Indigenous development corporations and national construction and engineering firms. He has been actively involved in the planning, development, and maintenance of major energy infrastructure — including both renewable and non-renewable projects — with a focus on ensuring Indigenous inclusion and long-term community benefit.

He is guided by a deep commitment to inclusive, Nation-led development that reflects Indigenous values and priorities. His approach emphasizes capacity building, community strengths, cultural integrity, environmental stewardship, and sustainable planning — ensuring that Indigenous communities are not only consulted, but play a central role in shaping and benefiting from the projects that impact their territories.

Steve Saddleback is a member of the Samson Cree Nation located in Maskwacis, Alberta, Treaty Six Territory. He is a Partner at Opimoyaso Group, a 100% owned Indigenous Firm and a Senior Advisor, External Relations to the First Nations Major Projects Coalition. Steve has worked for national and international organizations in finance, real estate investment, banking, economic development, government relations, advocacy for a non-profit, education and career development, and fiscal relations. He was Co-Chair (IRC Representative) of the First Nations Site Rehabilitation Program alongside the Government of Alberta and was a partner of an oil and gas lease construction company in Northeastern British Columbia.

Steve is a board member of Renfrew Educational Services, Clean Resource Innovation Network, Equitable Origin and is an advisor to IndigeSteam. He is additionally a Fellow of the Energy Futures Lab.

Steve is adamant about working towards meaningful involvement of Indigenous communities in all areas of the economy with a focus on the energy sector.

Saga Williams, LL.B. is the principal and owner of AS Williams Consulting. She is a band member and resident of Curve Lake First Nation. Through her maternal relations, she is also a member of the Namekosipiing Anishinabeg located in the Treaty #3 area. After graduating with an Indigenous Studies (Hons.) degree from Trent University and a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, Saga was called to the Ontario Bar in 2000.

With over 20 years experience, Saga has been involved in the successful implementation of a number of high-profile initiatives, including energy, mining, economic and policy development projects and land claims settlements.

Saga was an elected Councillor for her community and served a three-year term, holding three portfolios and chaired a number of community-based committees. Over her years working with First Nations governments, and holding a leadership position, Saga has gained an expertise in governance structures, policies and processes. Saga also teaches as an Osgoode Hall Law School Adjunct Professor, introducing first year law students to issues of Indigenous rights and reconciliation, coaches students who are participating in the national Indigenous law moot, was the Chair of a national, non-profit youth services board and currently sits as a Director on a number of publicly traded mining boards.

Recently, Saga has joined the First Nations Major Project Coalition Team and is supporting membership outreach in central and eastern Canada, as well as advising on First Nations involvement in the critical mineral and energy sectors.

Theresa Tait Day (Whl’hiyte) is a Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chief with a deep commitment to supporting First Nations in negotiations and resolution. As a member of the Wet’suwet’en Chiefs table as Whl’ahyite (Big Medicine), she plays a critical role in supporting negotiations with government and industry, focusing on restoring Wet’suwet’en decision-making and governance systems. 

Theresa is a former Director of Native Programs at the Legal Services Society. Her expertise was recognized during her tenure on the Equality Rights Panel at the former Court Challenges Program of Canada, where she advised on the potential positive impacts of Charter of Rights test cases. She also founded the Bridging Committee, which led several initiatives to combat racism, including Smither’s pioneering Unlearning Racism Workshop. 

In addition to her role as a Senior Advisor to the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, Theresa also supports students at Northwest Community College and, alongside her husband, guides tours in the Tahltan territory. She is a former café owner, self-taught artist, and the author of Inside Out, published by Lazara Press. Theresa has a goal to empower First Nations communities to become self-sufficient while preserving and strengthening their traditional governance systems. 

Felicity Rose Chitty, Ojibwekwe  of the Nigig (Otter) Clan from Alderville First Nation, located on the south side of Rice Lake in Northern Ontario. She currently resides on Treaty 6 Territory in Legal, Alberta. She serves as the Manager of Environmental Services for FNMPC. Felicity has a rich history in public outreach, education and project coordination in partnership with non-profit organizations and First Nations. She is passionate about increasing capacity for minority and underserved populations, using a person/community centered approach to tailor her outcomes to the needs of those she serves. She has experience working within First Nation government structures, the resource extraction industry and has served as an environmental & community advocate across Turtle Island. She has sat on a variety of boards and committees working to elevate local indigenous knowledge in public and post secondary school systems within the K’omoks Valley, and carries her Nookomis & Nimishoomis with her through her beadwork.

Janelle Nahanee serves as the Executive Support for Member Relations, Cultural Affairs, and Governance at First Nations Major Projects Coalition. She is a proud member of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and is currently pursuing a Certificate in Project Management at Simon Fraser University. She has also completed a Certificate in Business Administration, Accounting Assistant, and Legal Assistant at Capilano University.  

Under cultural affairs, Janelle provides support in this capacity with the continued learning from elders and knowledge keepers about the cultural protocols of First Nations across Canada. Her extensive experience in supporting cultural activities include the coordinating and attending various nation pow wows since she was 11 years old.  Additionally, her work with the Squamish Nation gave her practical experience in organizing traditional ceremonies, including seasonal celebrations that honor cultural beliefs. 

Janelle’s cultural education is rooted in her family. From her mother, grandmother, and grandfather, she learned the protocols of cultural ceremonies. Her father, a master Coast Salish carver with over 50 years of experience, passed down his knowledge of the history and symbolism of the local wildlife and the importance of preserving Squamish traditions. 

Since joining FNMPC in 2020, Janelle has been proud to contribute to the organization’s mission, helping First Nations member communities grow stronger and more resilient. 

Arianna is an Ontario settler committed to supporting administrative capacity building in First Nations communities. Arianna’s roots are in Muskoka, and she earned a Bachelors of Science degree from Nipissing University. After graduating, she gained experience in First Nation programming and working within the women’s shelters in Muskoka. From 2022-2024, Arianna served as the Executive Assistant to the Grand Council of Anishinabek Nation before joining the FNMPC. Currently, Arianna sits on her community’s Housing Board and the Districts’ Arena Advisory Board, furthering her commitment to community development. Acting as her fierce protector and shadow, Arianna is often followed by her toy poodle, Birdie.