Working Together - As One
Economic Development Board of Directors
Natalia Valveev
Natalia currently works at First Nations Financial Management Board (‘FMB) where she provides support to FMB clients through the high quality certifications suitable for First Nation governments, Indigenously led NPOs and other Indigenous organizations. She develops and maintains the integrity of Financial Performance Certification, Financial Management System Certification and other forms of assurance and attestation.
In collaboration with others across FMB, Natalia supports development, improvement and implementation of certification guidelines and processes. Natalia has traveled to various First Nations communities across Canada, working with leadership to evaluate their governance systems and support their paths towards certification and self-governance. Natalia also is involved with various executive leaders of the Economic Development entities of the First Nations communities to support their journey in economic reconciliation.
Natalia earned her Bachelor of Business and Administration from Simon Fraser University in Accounting and Finance. Then, she pursued a Chartered Professional Account designation while working for one of the largest international audit firms, KPMG, where she stayed for five years.
Natalia has also been a director on the board for the not-for-profit Vancouver Society of Children’s Centers from 2018-2022.
Mark Point - Xwem xwe’meleq’
Member of the Skowkale First Nation, married Brenda with 4 children and more grandchildren and great grandchildren than I have fingers and toes. Have an Education degree, Master’s degree in Education Leadership and I am a Doctoral candidate. All degrees are earned at UBC.
I have been a Band Manager, Band Councillor, a Chief, numerous Teaching and Principal jobs. I have served our people as a Land claims worker, housing board member, and I am an active member of the canoe racing community. I am active in our winter Dances and practice many aspects of our cultural ceremonies. My greatest achievement is learning the craft of traditional Canoe carving.
My priorities in life are my family, our people/culture, and creating a path for our young to pick up and carry forward. All my relations
Dean Werk
Dean Werk is the owner and operator of Great River Fishing Adventures, the largest freshwater guide company in British Columbia, with decades of experience in tourism, fisheries, and sustainable resource management.
A lifelong angler, advocate, and tourism operator, Dean brings expertise in tidal and non-tidal fisheries, Indigenous and non-Indigenous fishing practices, and applies a tourism and destination development lens to support sustainable, community-focused growth.
Through his registered and accredited Indigenous Tourism business and as a member of the ITAC national team, Dean promotes Indigenous-led tourism, conservation, and education while protecting the Fraser River for future generations.