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.
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.
CHELSEA YOUNG- SECRETARY 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.
CHEYENNE LATIMER - SHADOW DIRECTOR
Cheyenne Latimer is a Kespu’twitk Metis woman, mother, and business owner. Cheyenne holds a Paralegal licence and is in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario. After graduating from Mohawk College with her Paralegal Diploma, Justice Studies Certificate, and a Legal Cannabis Certificate, Cheyenne attended Wilfred Laurier University where she is currently completing her BA in Criminology and Policing. Cheyenne opened her own legal practice in January 2022. She is the Founder, Owner, and Operator of Latimer Legal Services. Her firm focuses on tenant rights and is devoted to meeting its client’s needs while ensuring full transparency. Cheyenne is very involved in her community. Being a young mother herself, she strives to share her story, education, and resources with other young parents. Cheyenne regularly attends Young Parent Resource Centres where she shares her knowledge and experience. Cheyenne also speaks at the St. Martin’s Manor Graduation Ceremonies. Cheyenne enjoys being immersed in nature as much as possible. She loves camping, hiking, and gardening.
Cheyenne Latimer is a Kespu’twitk Metis woman, mother, and business owner. Cheyenne holds a Paralegal licence and is in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario. After graduating from Mohawk College with her Paralegal Diploma, Justice Studies Certificate, and a Legal Cannabis Certificate, Cheyenne attended Wilfred Laurier University where she is currently completing her BA in Criminology and Policing. Cheyenne opened her own legal practice in January 2022. She is the Founder, Owner, and Operator of Latimer Legal Services. Her firm focuses on tenant rights and is devoted to meeting its client’s needs while ensuring full transparency. Cheyenne is very involved in her community. Being a young mother herself, she strives to share her story, education, and resources with other young parents. Cheyenne regularly attends Young Parent Resource Centres where she shares her knowledge and experience. Cheyenne also speaks at the St. Martin’s Manor Graduation Ceremonies. Cheyenne enjoys being immersed in nature as much as possible. She loves camping, hiking, and gardening.
DARIAN BASKATAWANG - DIRECTOR
Darian Baskatawang is an articling student at OKT. Darian is a two-spirit Anishinaabe man from Whitesand First Nation. He is the community's first home-grown JD candidate and the youngest to perform advisory roles for Chief and Council at the age of 16. Darian spent the last year on the reserve teaching remote high-school students, volunteering for the COVID-19 community relief, and doing classwork for his JD. Darian has dedicated his professional life to building stronger Nations from coast to coast. He is guided by values and principles his great-grandmother taught him, which knit Indigenous nations together: kindness, humbleness, respect, collaboration, and laughter. Darian has served as an advisor to various federal and provincial cabinet ministers, and leaders of both orders of government. He has worked in the Prime Minister's Office, advised Premier Wynne, and served as Primary Advocate for Youth for the Chiefs of Ontario. At the Chiefs of Ontario, Darian sat on the Political Confederacy and maintained roles in Education, Child Welfare, and Justice. In these roles, Darian worked extensively on the revamped Children, Youth and Family Services Act, and the Anishinaabe Nation Education Agreement/Master Education Agreement for sectoral self-governance, amongst others. Darian enjoys sailing, cycling, hiking, watching RuPaul's Drag Race, and playing Halo or Star Wars.
Darian Baskatawang is an articling student at OKT. Darian is a two-spirit Anishinaabe man from Whitesand First Nation. He is the community's first home-grown JD candidate and the youngest to perform advisory roles for Chief and Council at the age of 16. Darian spent the last year on the reserve teaching remote high-school students, volunteering for the COVID-19 community relief, and doing classwork for his JD. Darian has dedicated his professional life to building stronger Nations from coast to coast. He is guided by values and principles his great-grandmother taught him, which knit Indigenous nations together: kindness, humbleness, respect, collaboration, and laughter. Darian has served as an advisor to various federal and provincial cabinet ministers, and leaders of both orders of government. He has worked in the Prime Minister's Office, advised Premier Wynne, and served as Primary Advocate for Youth for the Chiefs of Ontario. At the Chiefs of Ontario, Darian sat on the Political Confederacy and maintained roles in Education, Child Welfare, and Justice. In these roles, Darian worked extensively on the revamped Children, Youth and Family Services Act, and the Anishinaabe Nation Education Agreement/Master Education Agreement for sectoral self-governance, amongst others. Darian enjoys sailing, cycling, hiking, watching RuPaul's Drag Race, and playing Halo or Star Wars.
DEREK JAMES MASTIN - SHADOW 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
HUGH O'REILLY - DIRECTOR
Hugh O’Reilly is the President and CEO of Acuity Global, a boutique consulting firm that provides advice on strategy to insurance companies, investment managers, real estate developers, scale-ups, and startups. Hugh is the Executive Director of Innovate Cities, an Executive-in-Residence at the Global Risk Institute, and a Senior Fellow at the C.D. Howe Institute. Hugh serves on the Board of a number of organizations including Aboriginal Legal Services, Namerind (a not-for-profit indigenous housing corporation), and Orbis Canada (a registered charity). Hugh is the former President and CEO of OPTrust where he led an organizational transformation. Key achievements at OPTrust during his tenure included the implementation of a new investment strategy and the launch of a new defined benefit pension plan for not-for-profit organizations. Hugh practiced law for over three decades. Hugh is recognized for his risk, innovation, pension, and governance expertise. Hugh has spoken at numerous conferences and has published many articles.
Hugh O’Reilly is the President and CEO of Acuity Global, a boutique consulting firm that provides advice on strategy to insurance companies, investment managers, real estate developers, scale-ups, and startups. Hugh is the Executive Director of Innovate Cities, an Executive-in-Residence at the Global Risk Institute, and a Senior Fellow at the C.D. Howe Institute. Hugh serves on the Board of a number of organizations including Aboriginal Legal Services, Namerind (a not-for-profit indigenous housing corporation), and Orbis Canada (a registered charity). Hugh is the former President and CEO of OPTrust where he led an organizational transformation. Key achievements at OPTrust during his tenure included the implementation of a new investment strategy and the launch of a new defined benefit pension plan for not-for-profit organizations. Hugh practiced law for over three decades. Hugh is recognized for his risk, innovation, pension, and governance expertise. Hugh has spoken at numerous conferences and has published many articles.
KARLIE NORDSTROM - VICE PRESIDENT
Karlie Nordstrom is of mixed Métis and Swedish ancestry from Treaty 6 territory and is a member of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan. She is slated to attain her JD from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law in June 2022. Karlie also holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Human Resources from the University of Saskatchewan, where she graduated with great distinction. During law school, Karlie volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada for two years, working in partnership with the Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women to develop and deliver legal education presentations at women’s shelters. She was co-president of the Indigenous Law Students’ Association at the Faculty for three years, sat on the Dean’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Implementation Committee for two, and was an executive member of the Peer Mental Health Support Program. Karlie completed the Rotman OnBoard Fellowship Program in 2022, where she worked with the board of directors at Casey House, a sub-acute specialty hospital for people living with and at risk of HIV, to complete governance projects relevant to the needs of the organization. Karlie is an incoming articling student at Aird & Berlis LLP. She loves beading, travelling, and spending time with her cats Mick and Jagger.
Karlie Nordstrom is of mixed Métis and Swedish ancestry from Treaty 6 territory and is a member of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan. She is slated to attain her JD from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law in June 2022. Karlie also holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Human Resources from the University of Saskatchewan, where she graduated with great distinction. During law school, Karlie volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada for two years, working in partnership with the Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women to develop and deliver legal education presentations at women’s shelters. She was co-president of the Indigenous Law Students’ Association at the Faculty for three years, sat on the Dean’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Implementation Committee for two, and was an executive member of the Peer Mental Health Support Program. Karlie completed the Rotman OnBoard Fellowship Program in 2022, where she worked with the board of directors at Casey House, a sub-acute specialty hospital for people living with and at risk of HIV, to complete governance projects relevant to the needs of the organization. Karlie is an incoming articling student at Aird & Berlis LLP. She loves beading, travelling, and spending time with her cats Mick and Jagger.
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.
RHEA MURTI - SHADOW DIRECTOR
Rhea Murti is a third year law student at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, completing a joint Juris Doctor and Certificate in Aboriginal Legal Studies. From 2022-2023, Rhea spent a year working at the Aboriginal Legal Services Legal Clinic as an intake worker and research assistant, under the supervision of Christa Big Canoe. Rhea is currently working as a summer law student at Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP.
Rhea also serves as a Senior Editor on the University of Toronto Indigenous Law Journal, and has been published on topics including sentencing and Indigenous over-incarceration, and Indigenous fishing rights. Prior to law school, she completed a Bachelor of Arts & Science at McMaster University, during which she served as Co-Chair of the McMaster Indigenous Health Movement and was involved with Indigenous community organizations such as the Native Women’s Centre and De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre.
Rhea Murti is a third year law student at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, completing a joint Juris Doctor and Certificate in Aboriginal Legal Studies. From 2022-2023, Rhea spent a year working at the Aboriginal Legal Services Legal Clinic as an intake worker and research assistant, under the supervision of Christa Big Canoe. Rhea is currently working as a summer law student at Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP.
Rhea also serves as a Senior Editor on the University of Toronto Indigenous Law Journal, and has been published on topics including sentencing and Indigenous over-incarceration, and Indigenous fishing rights. Prior to law school, she completed a Bachelor of Arts & Science at McMaster University, during which she served as Co-Chair of the McMaster Indigenous Health Movement and was involved with Indigenous community organizations such as the Native Women’s Centre and De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre.
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.
