Board of Directors
ALEXANDRA CROPP - DIRECTOR
Alexandra is a passionate Indigenous women's leader dedicated to empowering Indigenous communities and promoting their rights and interests. Alexandra is a proud Cree woman from Norway House Cree Nation. With extensive experience in community project management, development and engagement, she currently holds the position of Senior Manager Indigenous Consulting at Mokwateh.
Alexandra plays a pivotal role in leading and managing projects that aim to empower Indigenous communities and drive positive change. She works closely with clients, helping them navigate the complex landscape of Indigenous relations and offering tailored solutions that honor Indigenous perspectives and aspirations through Indigenous ways of being.
Throughout her diverse career, Alexandra was instrumental in the development of the Norway House Cree Nation Health Centre of Excellence, developing a new and innovative approach to community-based project management through Indigenous self-devolution and self-governance. In addition to leading a $100M capital infrastructure project, Alexandra was critical in the management of a large community Health Division and the development of a Health Transformation Strategy for the community. By forging partnerships with the Federal, Provincial, Municipal, and post-secondary institutions, she worked towards building meaningful and sustainable partnerships and programming that furthered Indigenous governance and reconciliation with Industry partners.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Alexandra is deeply involved in her community. She actively participates in local initiatives aimed at advancing Indigenous rights and empowering Indigenous women. Through her leadership, she continues to inspire others and drive forward the path towards reconciliation, equity, and a brighter future for all Indigenous peoples.
Alexandra is a passionate Indigenous women's leader dedicated to empowering Indigenous communities and promoting their rights and interests. Alexandra is a proud Cree woman from Norway House Cree Nation. With extensive experience in community project management, development and engagement, she currently holds the position of Senior Manager Indigenous Consulting at Mokwateh.
Alexandra plays a pivotal role in leading and managing projects that aim to empower Indigenous communities and drive positive change. She works closely with clients, helping them navigate the complex landscape of Indigenous relations and offering tailored solutions that honor Indigenous perspectives and aspirations through Indigenous ways of being.
Throughout her diverse career, Alexandra was instrumental in the development of the Norway House Cree Nation Health Centre of Excellence, developing a new and innovative approach to community-based project management through Indigenous self-devolution and self-governance. In addition to leading a $100M capital infrastructure project, Alexandra was critical in the management of a large community Health Division and the development of a Health Transformation Strategy for the community. By forging partnerships with the Federal, Provincial, Municipal, and post-secondary institutions, she worked towards building meaningful and sustainable partnerships and programming that furthered Indigenous governance and reconciliation with Industry partners.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Alexandra is deeply involved in her community. She actively participates in local initiatives aimed at advancing Indigenous rights and empowering Indigenous women. Through her leadership, she continues to inspire others and drive forward the path towards reconciliation, equity, and a brighter future for all Indigenous peoples.
RHEA MURTI- DIRECTOR
Rhea is a lawyer at Indigenous law firm Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP, where she assists First Nations with issues related to lands, rights, and governance. Prior to joining the firm, Rhea clerked at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
Rhea received her law degree from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, where she also completed the Certificate in Aboriginal Studies. During law school, Rhea worked at the Aboriginal Legal Services Legal Clinic as an intake worker and research assistant. She also served on the Board as a Shadow Member.
Rhea is passionate about issues related to Indigenous criminal justice. Her paper entitled, “The Sentencing of Indigenous People in Canada: Where We Are Two Decades After Gladue” was published by the Indigenous Law Journal in 2023 and studied the courts’ role in the over-incarceration of Indigenous peoples.
Rhea is a lawyer at Indigenous law firm Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP, where she assists First Nations with issues related to lands, rights, and governance. Prior to joining the firm, Rhea clerked at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
Rhea received her law degree from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, where she also completed the Certificate in Aboriginal Studies. During law school, Rhea worked at the Aboriginal Legal Services Legal Clinic as an intake worker and research assistant. She also served on the Board as a Shadow Member.
Rhea is passionate about issues related to Indigenous criminal justice. Her paper entitled, “The Sentencing of Indigenous People in Canada: Where We Are Two Decades After Gladue” was published by the Indigenous Law Journal in 2023 and studied the courts’ role in the over-incarceration of Indigenous peoples.
ANETTE BORGER-SNEL - DIRECTOR
Having educated and mentored thousands of communications professionals, Annette has been on the leading edge of innovative, strategic, and memorable stories and events for over 20 years. She has a global perspective, a commitment to meaningful communications, and an entrepreneurial drive rooted in helping others achieve success. Her ability to build authentic relationships enables her to create positive change and amplify voices needing to be heard in the world. She is an award-winning educator currently heading one of Canada’s leading PR training programs at Toronto’s Humber College and is honoured to be serving on the board of Aboriginal Legal Services.
Having educated and mentored thousands of communications professionals, Annette has been on the leading edge of innovative, strategic, and memorable stories and events for over 20 years. She has a global perspective, a commitment to meaningful communications, and an entrepreneurial drive rooted in helping others achieve success. Her ability to build authentic relationships enables her to create positive change and amplify voices needing to be heard in the world. She is an award-winning educator currently heading one of Canada’s leading PR training programs at Toronto’s Humber College and is honoured to be serving on the board of Aboriginal Legal Services.
BASIMA ROSHAN – TREASURER OF THE BOARD
Basima Roshan is a management consultant with a focus on Finance, Change Management, and Business Transformation. She has an extensive background in working with Fortune-500 companies to plan and manage cross-functional business operations and complex internal integration projects, increasing their effectiveness and profit. Basima guides her clients through the changes in structure, processes, and people they need to meet business and market challenges. Outside of consulting, she teaches Financial Management for the Ontario Architects Association and Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC). She also serves as a member of the Audit Committee of YMCA GTA. Basima has a Queen’s MBA, holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), and is a Chartered Public Accountant (CPA).
Basima Roshan is a management consultant with a focus on Finance, Change Management, and Business Transformation. She has an extensive background in working with Fortune-500 companies to plan and manage cross-functional business operations and complex internal integration projects, increasing their effectiveness and profit. Basima guides her clients through the changes in structure, processes, and people they need to meet business and market challenges. Outside of consulting, she teaches Financial Management for the Ontario Architects Association and Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC). She also serves as a member of the Audit Committee of YMCA GTA. Basima has a Queen’s MBA, holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), and is a Chartered Public Accountant (CPA).
CAROLYN PARKINSON- DIRECTOR
Carolyn has many years of experience as a Strategic Human Resource Leader and Business Partner. She is currently a professional coach, and an instructor of Human Resource programs at Sheridan College. She has developed deep expertise in many of the HR disciplines, including: strategy, talent planning, change leadership and transformation, employment law and is a trusted coach and advisor. In all business ventures, she takes a very pragmatic approach. As a member of the pension committee and BOD member for a private organization she has gained both governance and fiduciary experience.
On a professional note, she is most proud of her accomplishments working to ensure representation and equity for all associates. She raised her hand to be co-lead of an employee resource group for persons with disabilities. With the mission to educate, build allies and create an inclusive environment to allow co-workers to feel a sense of comfort by allowing them to be their authentic self.
On a personal note, she is incredibly proud of her two children (young adults) that inspire her to be a better person every single day. Carolyn enjoys golfing (although not very good), skiing, travelling, spending time with family and friends, in addition to her dog Sonny (Soñador – a Mexican rescue). Carolyn is excited to leverage her experiences as a member of the Board of Directors for ALS.
Carolyn has many years of experience as a Strategic Human Resource Leader and Business Partner. She is currently a professional coach, and an instructor of Human Resource programs at Sheridan College. She has developed deep expertise in many of the HR disciplines, including: strategy, talent planning, change leadership and transformation, employment law and is a trusted coach and advisor. In all business ventures, she takes a very pragmatic approach. As a member of the pension committee and BOD member for a private organization she has gained both governance and fiduciary experience.
On a professional note, she is most proud of her accomplishments working to ensure representation and equity for all associates. She raised her hand to be co-lead of an employee resource group for persons with disabilities. With the mission to educate, build allies and create an inclusive environment to allow co-workers to feel a sense of comfort by allowing them to be their authentic self.
On a personal note, she is incredibly proud of her two children (young adults) that inspire her to be a better person every single day. Carolyn enjoys golfing (although not very good), skiing, travelling, spending time with family and friends, in addition to her dog Sonny (Soñador – a Mexican rescue). Carolyn is excited to leverage her experiences as a member of the Board of Directors for ALS.
JUSTIN THOMPSON- DIRECTOR
Justin is Anishinaabe and a member of Nipissing First Nation. In 2023, Justin graduated with a JD from Osgoode Hall Law School, and he is currently an Associate at Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP in Toronto.
Before attending Osgoode, Justin attended Trent University as a first-generation university student and graduated with both a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies in 2019 and Master of Arts in Canadian Studies & Indigenous Studies in 2020. During his Master’s, he researched the Indian Act's place within the context of over-incarceration in Canada and wrote a major research paper on this topic as the final assignment.
Justin is Anishinaabe and a member of Nipissing First Nation. In 2023, Justin graduated with a JD from Osgoode Hall Law School, and he is currently an Associate at Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP in Toronto.
Before attending Osgoode, Justin attended Trent University as a first-generation university student and graduated with both a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies in 2019 and Master of Arts in Canadian Studies & Indigenous Studies in 2020. During his Master’s, he researched the Indian Act's place within the context of over-incarceration in Canada and wrote a major research paper on this topic as the final assignment.
CHELSEA YOUNG- VICE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
Chelsea Young is of Inuit ancestry and grew up in various communities in the North West Territories and Nunavut. She obtained her JD from the University of British Columbia in 2019 and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Carleton University. During law school, Chelsea was part of the Indigenous Legal Program and volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada and the Law Students’ Legal Advice Program. Chelsea is an associate lawyer at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP (Fasken) in Toronto, Ontario. She maintains a broad practice in corporate/commercial and securities law, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, corporate finance and corporate governance matters. She is a member of Fasken’s Truth and Reconciliation Committee and prior to joining Fasken, she participated in negotiations with Indigenous communities on oil and gas projects. Chelsea is passionate about access to justice initiatives and programs that support Indigenous controlled and culturally based justice alternatives.
Chelsea Young is of Inuit ancestry and grew up in various communities in the North West Territories and Nunavut. She obtained her JD from the University of British Columbia in 2019 and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Carleton University. During law school, Chelsea was part of the Indigenous Legal Program and volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada and the Law Students’ Legal Advice Program. Chelsea is an associate lawyer at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP (Fasken) in Toronto, Ontario. She maintains a broad practice in corporate/commercial and securities law, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, corporate finance and corporate governance matters. She is a member of Fasken’s Truth and Reconciliation Committee and prior to joining Fasken, she participated in negotiations with Indigenous communities on oil and gas projects. Chelsea is passionate about access to justice initiatives and programs that support Indigenous controlled and culturally based justice alternatives.
DEREK JAMES MASTIN - DIRECTOR
Derek James Mastin (Wawatay) is a status member of Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation. Derek works as an Associate at Morrow Sodali where he advises public issuers on proxy and shareholder matters during M&A transactions. Walking in the corporate and indigenous worlds, Derek is also the Principal Consultant & Advisor for James and Oak Inc., where he provides strategic consultation and indigenous relations advice. Derek has separately worked for First Nations as a project manager on various economic development projects.
As a law graduate from Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, Derek completed his practical training at the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. From 2019 to 2020, Derek studied at the University of Sydney Faculty of Law where he was elected Vice President (Careers) of the Law Society. Derek graduated with distinction from Carleton University where he obtained degrees in law and sociology. During his undergraduate, Derek completed his co-op placement at a criminal defence firm that assisted a number of aboriginal clients avoid incarceration.
Derek will help ALS expand their external resources and relationships to better assist ALS, ALS clients, and Indigenous communities
Derek James Mastin (Wawatay) is a status member of Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation. Derek works as an Associate at Morrow Sodali where he advises public issuers on proxy and shareholder matters during M&A transactions. Walking in the corporate and indigenous worlds, Derek is also the Principal Consultant & Advisor for James and Oak Inc., where he provides strategic consultation and indigenous relations advice. Derek has separately worked for First Nations as a project manager on various economic development projects.
As a law graduate from Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, Derek completed his practical training at the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. From 2019 to 2020, Derek studied at the University of Sydney Faculty of Law where he was elected Vice President (Careers) of the Law Society. Derek graduated with distinction from Carleton University where he obtained degrees in law and sociology. During his undergraduate, Derek completed his co-op placement at a criminal defence firm that assisted a number of aboriginal clients avoid incarceration.
Derek will help ALS expand their external resources and relationships to better assist ALS, ALS clients, and Indigenous communities
PAUL-EMILE MCNAB – PRESIDENT AND CHAIR OF THE BOARD
Paul-Emile is the current Vice-President of Business Development and Membership Experience with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. He has been active in the field of Research, Consulting, Fundraising and Business Development for the past fifteen years. In 2007, he completed his honours degree in History, Political Science and Canadian Studies at the University of Toronto. In 2010, he completed his Master's in environmental studies at York University with a focus on Indigenous knowledge and a Major Research Paper titled The Traditional Rights of Ways on the Walpole Island First Nation.
He has served as a Member of the Research Advisory Committee with Canadian Energy Research Institute and the Chair of the National Advisory Committee with ORIGIN Inc. In his spare time, he is an avid fan of sports and business.
Paul-Emile is the current Vice-President of Business Development and Membership Experience with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. He has been active in the field of Research, Consulting, Fundraising and Business Development for the past fifteen years. In 2007, he completed his honours degree in History, Political Science and Canadian Studies at the University of Toronto. In 2010, he completed his Master's in environmental studies at York University with a focus on Indigenous knowledge and a Major Research Paper titled The Traditional Rights of Ways on the Walpole Island First Nation.
He has served as a Member of the Research Advisory Committee with Canadian Energy Research Institute and the Chair of the National Advisory Committee with ORIGIN Inc. In his spare time, he is an avid fan of sports and business.
STEPHEN KNIGHT- DIRECTOR
Stephen Knight (he/him) is Director of Marketing and Communications at Ronald McDonald House Charities Toronto, one of the country's best-known not-for-profit organizations. Stephen brings more than 20 years of experience in journalism, communications, government and media relations, and marketing to the ALS Board. A graduate of the University of Toronto and Ryerson University, Stephen has extensive communications experience across both the private and public sectors, including in financial services, healthcare, institutional investing, innovation, consumer packaged goods, and fundraising. He lives in Toronto with his wife and stepson.
Stephen Knight (he/him) is Director of Marketing and Communications at Ronald McDonald House Charities Toronto, one of the country's best-known not-for-profit organizations. Stephen brings more than 20 years of experience in journalism, communications, government and media relations, and marketing to the ALS Board. A graduate of the University of Toronto and Ryerson University, Stephen has extensive communications experience across both the private and public sectors, including in financial services, healthcare, institutional investing, innovation, consumer packaged goods, and fundraising. He lives in Toronto with his wife and stepson.
