Bios
Catherine Blackstock- Hereditary Chief Sim'oo'git Geel
Catherine Blackstock is a proud Gitxsan woman, born and raised in Hazelton, B.C. She has held the name, Geel, since 2009. She brings over 30 years of experience working with federal, provincial, and First Nations organizations. Catherine’s diverse background spans finance, human resources, communications, cross-cultural awareness training, and consultation advisory. Her deep understanding of Indigenous perspectives and strong leadership in both public and private sectors uniquely position her to guide Geel Enterprises with integrity and vision.
Robert P. Blackstock- Aluuxw
Robert P. Blackstock is an experienced project manager and negotiator with over two decades of leadership in operations, logistics, and community-based consultation. As Chief Operations Officer of Geel Enterprises Ltd., he led strategic planning and negotiations with proponents accessing Indigenous territories. He brings strong conflict resolution skills, Indigenous negotiation training, and a commitment to confidentiality and cultural respect. Robert is known for his ability to foster partnerships while protecting community interests and heritage.
Wendy Blackstock- Axgagoodit
Wendy has a long history of leadership and community involvement in the Hazelton area. She served as a Village Councillor, elected in October 2007, and has been an active participant in local governance and watershed initiatives, attending monthly meetings for the Kispiox and Upper Skeena regions.
In September 2010, Wendy received the traditional name Axgagoodit, a wing chief name. In 2020, she was accepted as an Elder for the Hazelton Indigenous Court, a role through which she continues to support justice and reconciliation efforts locally.
Professionally, Wendy worked as a personal banker with RBC until her retirement in 2019. Outside of her formal roles, she enjoys baking treats and snacks for small gatherings and spending time with her two chihuahuas and her fat cat, whom she affectionately calls her “work team.”
Wendy’s dedication to her community, her cultural heritage, and her love for family and friends reflects her ongoing commitment to leadership, care, and connection.
Cindy Jensen Fisk- Lax Lo’op
Laax Lo'op, Matriarch of Wilps Geel
This Gitx’san woman was born and raised in Hazelton, BC until the age of 12 when she then moved to Vancouver with her parents.
She has an archaeology assistant certificate and does the archaeology field work for the wilp. She researched the wilp history and works on the genealogy documenting.
Outside of the wilp, she embarked on her language immersion journey at the age of 50. She started the Doreen Jensen Memorial Gitx’san Language class and was the teachers assistant. She is the past chair person for First Peoples Cultural Council and currently sits as a board member for First Peoples Cultural Foundation.
She is a wife, a mother of 2 daughters and now a very proud Naa’a of a beautiful grandson.
John Heit- Nii Yee Staxhuk
Bio coming soon!
Janice Heit Romano- Xgaydit
Janice Heit Romano is a dedicated community member who brings both compassion and advocacy to her work. Though she did not grow up immersed in Gitxsan culture, she is now reconnecting and learning with gratitude and hope for the future of her people.
Janice completed the Legal Assistant program at VCC and spent several years advocating for individuals detained under the Mental Health Act. She also volunteers with the local hospice society and other community organizations. A passionate traveler, Janice values learning from others and giving back wherever she can.
Shelley Blackstock- Green- Luu Lak
Bio coming soon!
Mike Heit- Gamanhoot
Bio coming soon!