Lands & Stewardship

This department focuses on preserving Lyackson’s cultural heritage while managing contemporary relationships with various stakeholders. Tyler James, as Cultural Records Coordinator, leads initiatives to document and preserve community history. Working alongside Karyn Scott and Cristina Hoffman, the department handles consultations, major project engagements, and referrals from government bodies. The staff play a crucial role in protecting Lyackson’s rights and interests, managing relationships with other First Nations, and ensuring community members stay connected to Lyackson culture, land, and language.

Cristina is a settler of mixed European ancestry who has been a guest on lək̓ʷəŋən lands for the last twenty years. She has worked with Lyackson since 2021 as the Referrals Coordinator and is passionate about her work.

In Cristina’s own words, “I love my relationship with my colleagues and with the community members. There is something so special about being able to work in a place where you have longstanding, deep, meaningful relationships with the people you work with.”

As the Referrals Coordinator, Cristina handles incoming requests from all levels of government, decides whether the requests infringe on the community’s rights, assesses community impact, and forwards the requests to other departments when input is needed.

Cristina brings a wealth of experience to her role. She spent 10 years working for the Province, gaining valuable insight into government processes and policies, before beginning her tenure with Lyackson. Additionally, in November 2024, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies.

In her free time, Cristina loves to read, sit by the ocean, and spend time with her family, including her 3-year-old daughter.

Tyler was born and raised in Duncan, B.C. and is a member of Lyackson First Nation. He started his journey working with Lyackson as a research assistant before assuming his current role as the Cultural Records Coordinator.

Due to the trauma of residential schooling, Tyler’s mom was unable to expose Tyler and his siblings to Lyackson language and culture. Tyler’s role as the Cultural Records Coordinator allows him to satisfy his interest in history and culture for the first time. In fact, he has learned so much that he is now regarded as a Knowledge Holder for the community.

In his own words, “Everything I do in my role is to connect the community back to the culture, land, and language. It’s not just for now; it’s for future generations. Everything I do is to get the community back to our history; to make sure that the teachings are not only not forgotten, but that everyone understands where they come from.”

When he’s not working for Lyackson, Tyler likes to engage in quiet activities like reading, writing, drawing, and – lately – horology.

Originally from Montréal, Karyn currently lives in Metulia (Victoria) and is currently Karyn responsible for consultations and major project engagement. What Karyn loves most about her role is connecting with community and building strong relationships.

Karyn’s responsibilities are varied. Her work includes collaborating with other Quw’utsun Nation member communities – Cowichan Tribes, Halalt First Nation, Penelakut Tribe, and Stz’uminus First Nation – on projects involving all communities. She also supports the work of the Indigenous Management Board; works on accommodations, assessing potential infringement on Lyackson’s Rights and Title; and helps out the team where possible.

Karyn’s energy and enthusiasm are assets to the community. A passionate communicator, one of her recent accomplishments was launching Lyackson’s mobile app to provide updates including Lyackson news, events, and important notices to community members.

Karyn holds a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts (economics, history, linguistics) and completed the coursework for a Master of Public Administration. In addition, she has a bunch of designations and certificates. Prior to working at Lyackson, Karyn worked as a consultant and was with the province for over 20 years, most recently in senior management and advisory roles. She received several awards for her contributions and is proud to bring that knowledge and experience to Lyackson. The team calls her “Lyackson’s Secret Weapon” because of her wealth of experience and expertise.

When she isn’t at work, you can find her spending time with her partner, her family, and, more specifically, her 3-year-old granddaughter. She loves being in community, cooking for family and friends, and travelling. Her not-so-secret passion is investing in beadwork, especially earrings.

Several new staff have recently joined the Lyackson Marine Stewardship Department, strengthening Lyackson’s capacity to engage the community in stewarding and exercising traditional rights on the Nation’s traditional territory.

The newly expanded Department now includes four talented team members, each bringing their own expertise, energy, and commitment to caring for Lyackson territory. With this team in place, the Department has made significant progress in preparing Lyackson for future stewardship initiatives.

One of its most notable achievements is the establishment of the Lyackson Station at Shingle Point. This new space will provide a safe and welcoming place for members to rest and shelter while carrying out stewardship on the Island.

The team has also been preparing to steward Lyackson’s newly acquired reserve land at Skutz Creek, completing land assessments and hosting the community on-site during a recent, well-attended gathering.

Behind the scenes, staff have been completing the training and logistical preparations needed to support smooth operations for many years to come. Team members have received several certifications, including the Restricted Operator Certificate–Maritime, Small Domestic Vessel Basic Safety, and Small Vessel Operator Proficiency courses, and some also participated in on-water practical boat training.

At the helm is Marine & Island Stewardship Manager, Stephanie Spencer, who joined the Nation in May 2025. A Marine Biologist by training, Stephanie brings many years of experience as a vessel captain and marine stewardship lead. Her experience is grounded not only in technical skill but in a deep love for the ocean and the responsibilities that come with working on the water.

Over her career, Stephanie has dedicated herself to understanding marine ecosystems, protecting coastal environments, and supporting communities in reconnecting with their waters. She has spent countless hours on the ocean and is passionate about sharing that knowledge with others. Her leadership style reflects this love for marine stewardship: collaborative, hands-on, and rooted in the belief that strong stewardship is built through relationships—with the land, the water, and the people. 

Chris – Shuxwitsiston was born and raised in the Snuneymuxw Territory, on the south east coast of Vancouver Island. He is the proud father of 2 amazing children that are now young adults. He attended University of Saskatchewan in 2011 and completed the Indigenous Peoples Resource Management Program, also the Reserve Lands and Environmental Management Program through National Organization of First Nation Lands Managers.

He has worked in many industries throughout his career. After graduating high school, he began working in the Construction Industry then moved onto doing Public Relations; Fisheries and Aquaculture; Land and Resource Management; Economic Development and Governance. During Chris’s personal time he enjoys being outdoors fishing and hunting with family and friends.

Originally from London, England, Alex has called Vancouver Island home for the past six years. With a background in marine biology and sustainable forestry, his work is grounded in a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and ecological resilience.

An avid scuba diver, Alex has developed a particular passion for kelp forest and eelgrass ecosystems, spending extensive time exploring and learning from these rich underwater environments. His experience reflects not only technical knowledge but also a genuine respect for the balance and interconnectedness of marine and coastal systems.

Alex is dedicated to supporting the protection and restoration of the lands and waters around Lyackson Island. In his spare time Alex can be found exploring the islands rivers with his dog Ellie.

Eliza Robinson, a proud member of Lyackson, first joined the Department as a Summer Student Guardian in 2024. Since then, she has grown into a full-time cornerstone of the team, combining hands-on skill, cultural knowledge, and deep dedication to the stewardship of Lyackson lands and waters. As the Department’s longest-standing staff member, Eliza provides continuity, expertise, and mentorship, helping guide newer team members and ensuring that every project is carried out with care and respect.

Recently, Eliza achieved her Commercial Captain certification, further expanding the team’s marine capacity and reinforcing her role as a trusted leader on the water. Her work extends beyond technical skill—she is deeply committed to fostering community engagement, cultural connection, and environmental stewardship. Whether coordinating on-the-water operations, assisting Elders and community members, or supporting land-based initiatives, Eliza’s dedication, professionalism, and passion make her an indispensable part of the Department and a true champion for Lyackson stewardship.