Admin & Finance
Overview
The administration department serves as the backbone of Lyackson’s operations, overseeing core administrative functions including reception, membership services, and financial management. The team includes Maggie Leon (Executive Assistant & Membership Clerk), Josh James (Director of Operations), and Patty Sweet-Coulter (Accounts Payable Clerk).
The administration department handles essential tasks such as payroll, budgeting, community communications, and event coordination. The department is actively working to enhance organizational structure and implement new governance and accounting practices to better serve the community.

Meet The Admin & Finance Team

Maggie Leon
Executive Assistant and Membership Clerk
Maggie, is from the Lower Mainland, proudly to be part of Quw’utsun Nation. As the Executive Assistant / Membership Clerk, she enjoys being on the front lines, where she has the opportunity to connect with and get to know the community members of Lyackson. Maggie has been part of the Lyackson Community for nearly 6 years, and she looks forward to continuing her journey and advancing in her career in the near future.
When she’s not dedicated to her role at the front desk, Maggie immerses herself in Cultural events during the winter months. In the summertime, you can find her out in the ocean catching waves and fishing with her partner, embracing the beauty of nature.

Josh James
Director of Operations
Uy’Skweyul! My name is Josh James from Penelakut Tribe, and I have been recently hired as Interim Director of Operations for Lyackson First Nation. I am excited to be part of the team, and I look forward to working with leadership and community. My father, Rick James, is from Penelakut Tribe and his parents were late Francis and Bertha James. My mother, Marion James, is registered with Penelakut Tribe but is from Tsawout First Nation, and her parents were late Harry and Molly Underwood.
With my previous experience, I have worked on several different projects within administration, as well as being an Elected Councilor. In the past, I have worked with Tsawout doing community research for the Revitalization of Traditional Laws for marine protection, as well as various roles with Penelakut Tribe. During my time working with Penelakut Tribe, we were able to accomplish several large projects such as some work with an Incremental Treaty Agreement, Specific Claims case, and Flood Mitigations to name a few. With my work at Penelakut Tribe, I covered a number of different positions including Tribe Administrator for almost 5 years.
I look forward to bringing my experience to our team, and to working with like-minded individuals to help complete the Lyackson First Nation Action Plan. And I also look forward to creating additional action plans with our leadership and community.

Nichola Henry
Chief Financial Officer
Nichola Henry is a strategic and results-driven Chartered Accountant with an MBA in Finance and a proven track record of leading organizations through growth, transformation, and operational optimization. With extensive C-suite and senior leadership experience, she brings a broad enterprise perspective spanning Finance, Operations, Administration, Asset Management, Information Technology, Communications, Risk Management, Governance, and Human Resources. She started her career as an external auditor articling with Deloitte, where she received her Professional Accountancy qualification. She has worked for Hedge Funds, Financial entities, Non-Profits and Indigenous Governments. Nichola brings a balanced perspective that integrates financial stewardship with operational insight. She has a strong focus on team cohesion, risk mitigation and ensuring that organizations are resilient, compliant, and well-positioned to navigate evolving regulatory, funding, and economic environments. Her career reflects a consistent commitment to strengthening organizations and their community impact.
She is a Jamaican Canadian who lived in Southern Ontario for 12 years and has been in BC working with First Nation members since 2022. She enjoys learning the culture, following the fisheries timetable and exploring the Coast. Her Caribbean roots entrenched a love for seafood and sea adventures. She also enjoys hiking, running, tennis, badminton and board games. She now lives in North Cowichan Valley with her two boys Oliver and Figaro. She is humbled at the opportunity to serve the Lyackson community.

Patty Sweet-Coulter
Accounts Payable Clerk
Patty Sweet-Coulter is Lyackson’s Accounts Payable Clerk and a valued member of the Finance Team. She was born on Vancouver Island and has been blessed to live in the Cowichan Valley for most of her life where she has raised a family with her husband George.
Patty began her career with BC Hydro before going on to hold a variety of administrative roles in federal and provincial organizations. In 2017, she joined the Lyackson team where she continues to work closely with the Director of Operations to support the Nation’s financial operations.
Outside of work, Patty enjoys fishing, hiking, golfing, and spending time with family. She feels honoured to be part of the dedicated team supporting the Lyackson community.
