Elizabeth Vickers-Drennan

Co-chair

Liz (she/elle) lives on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. She brings to the YCS board a wealth of experience in the non-profit sector in both a volunteer and professional capacity. She is passionate about collaboratively navigating the many challenges of sustainable and socially responsible development, and contributing to a more holistic and ecologically conscious Yukon for future generations, through cocreated pathways. She's actively involved in Yukon Search and Rescue, as well as Scouts Canada and the Yukon Community Choirs Society.

Gerald Haase

Co-chair

Gerald is an ecologist and former biology instructor at Yukon College/YukonU. His background spans aquatic ecology, fisheries, teaching, and volunteer leadership. Gerald sees the world through an ecologist’s lens, and he is motivated by the rare wilderness we still have here and by working with staff, members, and all Yukoners to protect it. Gerald enjoys being outside in natural environments, whether kick-sledding and skiing in winter or via biking, canoeing and kayaking in non-frozen seasons. He is grateful to reside on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün and Carcross/Tagish First Nations, who continue to steward the land for the benefit of future generations.

Brian Charles

Treasurer

Brian has lived in the Yukon for more than 45 years, with experience in the trades, business, and environmental studies — including heritage and archaeology fieldwork. He brings practical financial oversight from years on non-profit executives, including with the Yukon Federal Green Party Association.

Ozunimi Iti

Director

Ozunimi brings over 15 years of global experience in environmental governance and sustainable development, including work with mining communities on safer practices. She holds graduate training in chemistry, environmental management, and business administration, and is committed to climate and conservation action in the Yukon.

Dave Weir

Director

Dave is a long-time Haines Junction resident with careers in outdoor guiding and construction. He has volunteered widely in his community and brings a breadth of vision alongside a passion for justice, equality, and learning from the land.

Lee Hofmeister

Director

Lee is a policy analyst with a background in international development, political science, and public policy. Lee is especially passionate about programs for children and youth, reproductive rights and access, and protecting Canada’s natural landscapes.

Simon Crelli

Director

Simon is a long-time Dawson City resident who has a lot of experience being out in the bush, hiking and surviving and camping. He knows the Dempster area especially well, and is a member of the Friends of Dempster Country. He is interested in joining the board to help plan YCS activities and sees a major role of YCS as a community education place where people can come and learn about the environment in the Yukon and what it means to protect certain endangered areas around our communities.

Dipal Patel

Director

Having lived across Canada, Dipal has moved from Nova Scotia to the territories and has a deep interest in the history and culture of northern communities. Before moving to the Yukon, Dipal lived in NWT, where local Dene knowledge-keepers shared their relationship with the land, water, and wildlife — a connection to nature that felt close to home. Dipal's own ancestors in India were predominantly farmers, and though that way of life did not continue past her grandfather's generation, its knowledge and wisdom carried forward all the same. Dipal holds a degree from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia, and completed her undergraduate studies at Vancouver Island University, BC. With a professional background in Marketing and Communications, Dipal has long wanted to put these skills toward a cause greater than a 9-to-5 career. Dipal believes that understanding a place starts with understanding its people, land, and history, and is drawn to conservation work that honours the knowledge northern and Indigenous communities hold about their environment. She is committed to bringing that same respect for land and community to the organization's mission.

Max Fraser

Director

Max Fraser is a long-time Yukon writer, editor, publisher, film producer, policy geek, political organizer and volunteer. He was first active on the YCS board in the 70s and 80s, and recently stepped up again to help YCS rebuild. Max first came to the Yukon from Vancouver in 1974 for a job as reporter-photographer with the Whitehorse Star. His lengthy career in the Yukon includes marketing, communications, book publishing, printing, politics, land claims policy, editor/reporter/photographer for the Whitehorse Star and, more recently, publisher of The Yukon Star. He owns and operates Hootalinqua Motion Pictures Inc.