HAICO BOARD CHAIR

Laara E. Yaghujaanas, M.A., has been stláang tla'íidang (Haida: helping hands) in advancing Indigenous Nation Rebuilding for First Nations since 1997. Laara is from the yaghu ‘jaanas clan of the Haida Nation and carries her great grandmother’s name “Kun G aadaas”.  Laara holds a master’s degree from Royal Roads University, was awarded the Royal Roads University Founders Award, has completed the Justice Institute Conflict Resolution and Negotiation course, is a Barrett Values Cultivating Culture Certified Consultant (Level 2) for organizational transformation, a member of the Council of Native Development Officers (CANDO), an Advisor for the Indigenous Business Awards, Chair of Haida Enterprise Corporation (HaiCo), and currently initiating her doctorate.  

HAICO DIRECTOR

Terri Walker is from the Tsiits Git’Anee eagle clan from Massett Inlet and lives in HlGaagilda Skidegate.

HAICO DIRECTOR

Shane is a member of the Sanglath Sta’staas clan and grew up in Port Alberni, BC. He has over 25 years of experience in the forest products industry in sales and manufacturingis currently Vice President of Specialty Products for Woodtone based in Chilliwack, BC.  Shane has a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources (Wood Products) and a Masters in Business Administration in Strategic Management from UBC. 

HAICO DIRECTOR

Corey Carriveau grew up in Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast and is of both Haida -of the Laana T’sadas Eagle Clan - and Cree decent, being the grandson of Wylie Brillon. Corey attended BCIT in the Financial Management program and later obtained his CPA, CMA designation in 2010.

HAICO DIRECTOR

Laurie Bevan is a member of the K’una KiiGawaay Eagle clan who carries her great grandmother’s name, K’unya. Raised in HlGaagilda Skidegate and Daajing Giids, she worked at the Haida Gwaii Museum as a youth.

Laurie moved to the Big Smoke in 1993 and worked as a paralegal in Aboriginal Law for 10 years in the areas of aboriginal rights and title, economic development, specific claims, and residential school claims before working with First Nations organizations in the areas of financial management, economic reconciliation, administrative governance, corporate governance and health governance.

Today she has a strong and proven background in governance, policy development and implementation, strategic planning, budgeting, communications, relationship building, economic development, business and leadership.

HAICO DIRECTOR

Chief Ginaawaan Darin Swanson brings a wealth of experience as an entrepreneur and small-business owner to the HaiCo Board, offering a grounded, practical perspective on economic development and community vitality.

Entrepreneurial spirit: Decades at the helm of diverse ventures have shaped Ginaawaan into a practical, got-it-done leader who helps local businesses grow with creativity and stamina.

Energy steward: As a former CHN Energy Coordinator, he championed sustainable energy ideas that are good for families, businesses, and the planet—without losing sight of real-world needs.

Housing advocate: In his role with the Old Massett Village Council, he’s exploring smart housing options—engineered wood products, modular solutions, and other innovative approaches to make warm, safe homes more accessible for everyone.

Ginaawaan’s work is about people first: building not just structures, but welcoming, resilient communities where neighbors can thrive together. His leadership blends tradition with practical innovation, guiding HaiCo and the wider region toward steady, shared prosperity.

I am part of the Yahgulanaas Clan, spent most of my childhood in Gaw Tlagée Old Massett and went to school here until Grade 10, when I moved to Ontario. While there I completed my B.A and B.Ed at the University of Ottawa and taught for 3 years until 2006, when I moved back to Haida Gwaii to teach. In 2015, I completed my M.Ed in Special Ed and Leadership at UNBC.

Over the past few years, I helped numerous adults obtain their Adult Grad Diploma and youths transition to work with SD and NW Community College programs. Over the last four years, I have represented public school teachers as their Union President, enhancing my knowledge of budgets, policies, governance, constitutions and negotiations.  Ensuring our Indigenous "ways of being" are followed while keeping meaningful work for our people has been at the forefront of my research, relentless assertiveness and discussions at meetings.

I am currently completing a "Truth and Reconciliation in the Workplace" microcredit through Royal Roads to better address suppressive colonialist systems. I actively participate in our Nation and its politics, and strongly believe that our Nation can prosper with viable business opportunities that also respects our environment, island and communities!

I am thoroughly excited to work with this team to finalize and mobilize the amazing strategic and transition plan while also honouring my values as a strong, educated Haida Woman!