Nyanna Wright

Nyanna Wright is Gitxsan, from Wilps Haaxw. While she lives in Prince George, her roots will always be Gitanmaax.

Nyanna is a powerhouse – having worked as a hairstylist and in business for over 38 years. Nyanna was awarded the home based business of the year award multiple times for her home based salon, which was opened with the help of Gitxsan Development in 1995. This shows just how important business development and local opportunities are to Nyanna – they’ve changed her life for the better on a personal level!

An avid mentor, Nyanna has helped and trained new and seasoned stylists, providing employment and the skills needed to succeed. She passed on her many skills and relational know-how to her daughter Shannon, who has opened her own salon, The Pepper Tree Hair Studio. These generational teachings have paid off in Shannon’s business, which Nyanna manages, being the first salon in Prince George to be an Aveda choice salon – a prestige line of products only carried in extremely luxurious boutique environments. Through their work together, The Pepper Tree Hair Studio has been the recipient of many awards. 

In her spare time she loves spending time with family as well as researching and documenting her genealogy and sharing her rich beautiful culture. 

Nathan Combs

Council Appointed Director

Nathan Combs’ life has revolved around his deep passion for fire services and community leadership. He currently holds the positions of Fire Services Manager at FNESS, and Hazelton Fire Chief. Through these roles, he’s honed his emergency management skills and prioritized ensuring the well-being of the public.

When Nathan is not busy protecting his community from fires, he takes joy in being active, frequently venturing outdoors with his family. Whether hiking, playing sports, or simply enjoying nature, Nathan takes deep solace and satisfaction at getting to share these special moments with his loved ones.

Nathan has also embraced his entrepreneurial spirit and cultural heritage by launching an indigenous-themed clothing brand, which melds artistry and cultural values.

Above all, Nathan is committed to making a positive impact that shines for generations to come. His goal remains steady” enhancing community safety and celebrating the heritage of his people in innovative and meaningful ways.

Bonita Danes 

Bonita Danes is Gitxsan - born and raised. Her Wilp is Wii Gaax and her name is M'eenhl Guuxws. She also goes by Bonita Danes.

Bonnie has spent most of her life in Gitanmaax  - except  when attending College or University. She attended Northwest Community College (now known as Coast Mountain College) in Terrace. She also attended University of British Columbia for 5 years.

For the majority of her working life, Bonnie worked in Social Development & Social Services. She has served on the Gitanmaax Band Council for an aggregated total of 6 years.

Open Position

At Large Director

Ross McRae

Council Appointed Director

Pauline Rubinato

Business Manager

Pauline Rubinato is of Indigenous and European decent. Her Mother is from the Carrier Nation, a small village called Stellaquo outside Fraser Lake. Pauline’s father immigrated from Italy and wound up as a long shoreman in Prince Rupert where he met Pauline’s mother. After blessing Pauline’s mother with three daughters her father passed, her mother remarried had a son. In 1988 the family got their status through membership with the Gitanmaax Band.  

Pauline’s journey with numbers began when a careful-eyed teacher noticed how well she did in accounting. After completing accounting 12 half way through the year that same teacher arranged for Pauline to get job experience at the Carnaby Sawmill Office. Pauline attending the College of New Caledonia and obtained her Business Administration Diploma.  

Pauline’s employment history has been with Glen Vowell Band, the Carnaby Sawmill Office, Gitanmaax Band, Gitksan Government Commission and Kispiox Band. In March 2023 Pauline decided that she no longer wanted to push paper and crunch numbers and applied for the Business Manager position at the Gitanmaax Development Corporation. Having previously worked in finance and economic development, the hire was an easy choice. Pauline natural passion for her community and joy at being able to help those she cares about shine through each day as she goes about her business in the office.

Pauline loves her family, the outdoors, processing fish, and daily walks with her sister. Pauline’s favourite get away is going to Curacao for a month which she had been doing since 2016. She hopes to someday own a camper van and go somewhere different each weekend.

Floyd Krishan

Director of Operations

With over two decades of retail industry experience and a steadfast commitment to the Bulkley Valley community, Floyd Krishan is a dedicated leader who has left an indelible mark on the region.

Floyd's journey began in 1993 when he first joined Safeway, and in 2001, he made the move to the Bulkley Valley as an assistant manager, marking the beginning of his impactful career in the region. His leadership skills and ability to successfully manage retail operations were evident when he became the Store Manager for Safeway in 100 Mile House in 2007.

In 2011, Floyd returned to the Bulkley Valley, this time as the Store Manager at Safeway in Smithers. Throughout his tenure, he continued to demonstrate exceptional leadership and a profound commitment to serving the local community.

Beyond his illustrious retail career, Floyd has been a dedicated School District 54 Trustee since 2018, emphasizing his dedication to education and community development.

In 2021, Floyd  joined the Gitanmaax Development Corporation, contributing his wealth of experience to drive economic progress for the Gitanmaax Market.