Meet our Board of Directors
Under our Haida governance model, XaaydaGa Dlaang Society members (Clan and community representatives) appointed five (5) Directors to the Board. The Clans and community completed their own clan selection process to put forward their best people for selection of the Society members in May 2017. The members then appointed the Board in August 2017. The Board of Directors’ key purpose is to ensure the Society’s long-term sustainable future by determining the strategic direction and vision; formulating Society policies; managing of the Health Director (the Health Director manages the operational day to day running of the Society); implementing risk management strategies; complying with legislation; ensuring robust and accountable measurements; general performance monitoring and ultimately ensuring that we meet the health interests of community members.
XaaydaGa Dlaang Society is blessed to have a wide array of skills across our Board of Directors who were all selected to bring their unique expertise and perspective to the XaaydaGa Dlaang Society. As per the community developed criteria, all of our Board of Directors are citizens of the Haida Nation and reside within Haida Gwaii communities. We believe we have successfully found people with the right mix of skills and expertise which represent families, elders, youth, Skidegate Band Council, community, financial, management, strategic, gender balanced and age balanced expertise.
It is evident from every meeting and engagement that the Society’s Board of Directors have the best interests of the Society and the community at the heart of every decision they make.
Cindy Boyko – Chairperson
Cindy Boyko (Haida name Suddaahl) originates from the Skedans Clan located at the head of Cumshewa Inlet, Haida Gwaii. Cindy was originally appointed the Chairperson for the Interim Governance Board of XaaydaGa Dlaang Society during 2016 and early 2017 and is pleased and humbled to be re-appointed. Cindy has extensive health experience, including almost two years tenure at the Skidegate Health Centre as a trainer and being immersed in working within the health system and with the Federal Government. Cindy also had the privilege of representing the community for a short time as Band Manager many years ago. Furthermore, to add to Cindy’s experience, she has spent nine years on the CHN Executive. Cindy has a soft spot for animals and loves to cook for her family. Cindy is very excited about the new inclusive approach to health and looks forward to achieving the vision of XaaydaGa Dlaang Society.
Isabel Brillon
Isabel Brillon (Haida Name IIjuu Xiilaay) is an elder and Matriarch of the Gidins Clan of HIGaagilda. As a Matriarch, Isabel has a duty to represent her Clan well and now is honored to play a role in the health and wellbeing of community members across Haida Gwaii. Furthermore, Isabel is an avid participant at Council of the Haida Nation, House of Assembly and Quarterlies where she enjoys reading the various literature made available. Isabel has been an active member of the Skidegate Haida Immersion Program and has a passion for installing and growing the Haida language amongst other elders and community members. Additionally, Isabel has sat on many Boards, worked for the Nygstle Society and worked in the Queen Charlotte General Hospital. On a personal note, Isabel enjoys keeping active and exercises regularly amidst the beautiful scenery of Haida Gwaii and loves to spend time with family. She is very grateful to have the opportunity to fulfill the position of Board Director and loves serving the community of Skidegate.
Michelle (Missy) McDonald
Missy was born from the Kyaauusalii Clan from Old Massett however spent much of her life living in Skidegate with some elders in Skidegate suggesting that Missy should be adopted into a Skidegate Raven Clan. In 2000, Missy was adopted by Thelma Shannon into Kaadas ga Kiigwaay Clan and given the name Naajuuaa. Missy has extensive experience in Board representation having sat on 20 Boards and Committees as a Skidegate Band Council representative. There are not many events that Missy is not involved in and takes great pride in supporting the community. Missy keeps her life busy with her family and pets who she just adores.
Robert Russ
Robert Russ (Taaxiou) is a member of the Haida Nation, a Master of ceremonies and keeper of protocol for his Clan and Nation. Robert has held significant and prominent roles within the community including one year as a Skidegate Band Council Councillor, 25 years as a Haida Fisheries employee and a Fisheries Guardian (and Research Diver) for over 20 years. Robert is the current Protected Areas Manager with the CHN. Robert is a loving father of six children and grandfather of his beautiful grandchildren.
Linda Tollas
Gaajiiaawa is a member of the Gaagyaals KiiGawaay Ravens of Skedans and a respected member of HIGaagilda Llnagaay. Aside from a twenty-five-year period, Linda has lived her whole life in Haida Gwaii, returning in 1997. Linda is a strong advocate for the community and has worked for the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. Linda serves as a local educator to university students from across Canada enrolled in the Haida Gwaii Higher Education Society (HGHES) since its inception in 2009. A highlight of her career with Gwaii Haanas was accompanying SHIP as they circumnavigated Moresby Island for their Haida place-naming project. Inspired with SHIP’s work, Linda retired from Gwaii Haanas in 2012, and joined SHIP to learn the Haida language! Linda is constantly surrounded by a loving family and constantly advocates and cares immensely about the health and wellness of the Haida Gwaii community.