Cole Sayers
Executive Director
Cole Sayers is from the Hupacasath First Nation and managed the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI) at the New Relationship Trust (NRT) from 2017 to 2022. Based in North Vancouver, the NRT is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening First Nations in BC through capacity building. The NRT implements the $9.5 million BCICEI which provides support and capacity- building funds to First Nation communities working on the development of clean energy projects. To date, the NRT BCICEI has supported 56 projects in First Nations communities in each region of BC. The BCICEI is delivered in partnership with Western Economic Diversification Canada and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Province of British Columbia. Cole believes in a more diverse and innovative energy future for British Columbia. He draws on his background in political science and Indigenous knowledge to analyze policy options and provide recommendations. He has experience evaluating the viability and benefits of proposed clean energy projects and is familiar with project financing in First Nations communities, including the early-stage development costs.
Jack Magnus
Senior Government Relations Advisor
Jack joins CEBC from Global Public Affairs, where he provided policy, regulatory, and government relations services across various sectors including renewables, ports, low-carbon fuels, and mining. His work focuses on reconciliation, environmental assessment, and electrification. Prior to Global, Jack was CEBC’s Coordinator of Engagement and Operations. He was responsible for 110+ members, policy submissions and briefs, media relations, events, newsletters, and engagement strategies. As the 2021 gold medal graduate from UBC Political Science, Jack is an adaptable policy analyst that emphasizes collaboration between political science and natural resources conservation. His honours thesis on Indigenous consultation during environmental assessment led to a nomination to the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal Program for Inclusion, Democracy, and Reconciliation.
Ombrielle Neria
Head of Communications
Ombrielle Neria joins our team to lead strategic communications. She is passionate about supporting Indigenous communities and industry on collaborative initiatives, focusing on project development and execution, communications, strategy development, and engagement. Throughout Ombrielle’s work, there is an emphasis on the implementation of consent-based decision-making and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to advance reconciliation efforts. With a diverse background in communications, strategic planning, negotiations, and program development, she brings her passion and expertise to developing and executing complex communications projects and strategies across multiple organizations, levels of government, industry, and stakeholder groups. Ombrielle has supported progressive organizations such as the Tahltan Central Government, Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe, Stó꞉lō Research and Resource Management Centre, and led collaborative initiatives with the Province of British Columbia, such as the Collaborative Stewardship Forum.
Lili Meier
Administrative Coordinator
Lili has been a Global Social Issues instructor and a union treasurer for twenty yrs and a licensed insurance advisor for two. She loves studying languages and international travel.
Lynne has over 12 yrs of accounting experience. She owns two companies, including one with her brother which supplies bait to fishing lodges on Vancouver Island.
Heather Fulcher
Event Planner
Heather has almost 20 years experience planning events, including two Olympics, corporate meetings and conferences both locally and internationally. She loves to travel off the beaten path.
