Gordon Planes

Chief of T’Sou-ke Nation and Clean Energy Innovator

Gordon Planes (Hya-Quatcha) has been the elected chief of T’Sou-ke Nation on southern Vancouver Island since 2008 and has embarked on a 100-year process to build a new community vision that focuses on autonomy, food and water security, language revitalization, and economic development. He is secretary of Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council and also serves as a director on the Lands Advisory Board which oversees First Nations land management across Canada. Chief Planes was one of the core members of the Indigenous Circle of Experts for the Pathway to Canada Target 1 and is leading the development of an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) that spans T’Sou-ke’s entire traditional territory. Under his leadership, T’Sou-ke Nation has emerged as one of Canada’s leaders in sustainable development, renewable energy and green infrastructure. T’Sou-ke is listed as the most solar-intensive community in Canada.

Chief Gordon Planes headshot 1

Other Team Members

WEST COAST IPCA CONSERVATION COORDINATOR
Abby is passionate about catalyzing creative and holistic solutions that address complex conservation challenges. She approaches her work with an artistic lens, woven with strong ...
Cross-Cultural Relations Coordinator
Anaïs Brusel is an aspiring leader and entrepreneur in Transpersonal Psychology, dedicated to inner healing and community development. Hailing from Northern France, she embodies ...
IISAAK OLAM Foundation Co-founder, President and CEO
Eli Enns is an internationally recognized expert in Indigenous-led conservation. From Tla-o-qui-aht Nation on his father’s side, and of Dutch Mennonite heritage on his ...
Chief of T’Sou-ke Nation and Clean Energy Innovator
Gordon Planes (Hya-Quatcha) has been the elected chief of T’Sou-ke Nation on southern Vancouver Island since 2008 and has embarked on a 100-year process ...
Videography and Storytelling
Jeremy is a professional filmmaker and photographer. Passionate about social, political and environmental issues, he possesses a diverse skill-set including written, digital and oral ...
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Monica is a highly strategic, creative, and solutions-oriented leader, acknowledged for her ability to transform visions, concepts and ideas into successful programs and initiatives. ...
CEO & Founder of the Indigenomics Institute and the Global Centre of Indigenomics
Carol Anne Hilton, MBA is the CEO and founder of the Indigenomics Institute and the Global Center of Indigenomics. Carol Anne is a dynamic ...
Education and International Relations
Dr. Soudeh Jamshidian is a passionate leader, experienced in crafting dynamic and creative solutions for addressing environmental and social justice challenges. She is a ...
Project Lead & Administrative Coordinator
IPCA Partnerships and Knowledge Mobilization
Dr. Justine Townsend is a community engagement professional, educator, and environmental practitioner with over 19 years’ experience working at the intersection of environmental sustainability, community ...
Officer of the Order of Canada
Dr. John Borrows is one of the world’s leading scholars on Indigenous law. Dr. Borrows is a full professor of law at the University ...
Digital Engagement Coordinator for the IPCA Knowledge Basket
Mel, a passionate advocate for sustainability, land, animals, and our interconnectedness, joins the IPCA Knowledge Basket as the Digital Engagement Coordinator for the IISAAK ...
West Coast IPCA Conservation Director
Terry is from TLA-O-QUI-AHT FIRST NATIONS from the House of Hi-you-eah which is represented by the SEITCHER family. In 2003, when he got married to ...
Award-Winning Producer, Author, Director and Scriptwriter
Barbara Todd (Metis/Cree), owner of Aarrow Productions, Inc., is a producer, author, documentary director and scriptwriter. She is the daughter of Judy Todd (Sharp) ...
Tla-o-qui-aht Elder and Cultural Educator
Levi Martin was born in Opitsaht, a Tla-o-qui-aht Nation village on Meares Island, on the west coast of Vancouver Island near Tofino. As a ...
IPCA Infrastructure and Systems Design
Eric is a PhD candidate in Civil Engineering at the University of Victoria. His position with the IISAAK OLAM Foundation is made possible by ...
Goldman Environmental Prize Recipient
Marilyn Baptiste is a former councillor and former Chief of the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation in British Columbia, one of the six First Nations ...
Research and Engagement Coordinator
In 2018, Andrew completed a Master of Arts in Human Geography from York University and has experience working with grassroots Indigenous organizations in both ...
Project Administration Officer
Carl is a recent graduate of the University of Victoria Gustavson School of Business with a specialization in entrepreneurship. In his time at UVic ...
Director of Energy, Environment & Climate Change Vancouver Island Health Authority
Pierre Iachetti is a Professional Agrologist and Registered Professional Planner. Pierre has led numerous multidisciplinary, transboundary teams ...