Chris Lewis

Syeta’xtn (Chris Lewis) is Indigenous Executive Lead at Simon Fraser University. As part of the President's Office, Chris is a member of SFU's Executive Team and oversees the university's Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenization commitments and the Office for Indigenous Peoples. Prior to this role, Chris served as the Director of Indigenous Initiatives, playing a leading role in SFU's Aboriginal Reconciliation Council, and served on SFU's Board of Governors from 2015-2021. 

Chris is a proud member of the Squamish Nation and a former three-term Councillor, including acting as Spokesperson for the Nation. Chris is a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and Reconciliation across education, health, and governance. He serves on the boards of Providence Health, ICBC, and several community advisory groups. A recipient of SFU’s Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award, Chris is also a dedicated family man and active lacrosse coach, deeply connected to his territory and traditions.

Kaylena Ryan, Director

Kaylena Ryan is the Director, Office for Indigenous Peoples at Simon Fraser University, and comes from the Secwépemc, Gitxsan, and Tsimshian Nations.

Her work focuses on strengthening relationships and embedding Indigenous perspectives into institutional structures, policies, and spaces. She brings over a decade of experience in higher education and a relational, values-driven approach to leadership. 

Kaylena holds a BA in Psychology and an Executive MBA in Indigenous Business and Leadership from Simon Fraser University.

Gary George, Officer for Community Relations

Gary George hails from the Bulkley Valley around the Telkwa/Smithers/Houston/Burns Lake region in North-central British Columbia.  Gary holds a BA degree from University of Northern BC (U.N.B.C.) in Prince George, a Professional Development Program Certificate (PDP), and a Master's in Education (MEd) from Simon Fraser University.  Gary believes that he was raised in one of the "nicest places in the world," and often tells people in the Lower Mainland that, "if you haven't seen Northern BC, you haven't seen BC."

Alicia Deasy, Coordinator, First Peoples Gathering House

Bio information forthcoming

Laura Benson, Senior Administrative Assistant to Indigenous Executive Lead Chris Lewis

Laura is the Senior Administrative Assistant to Indigenous Executive Lead Chris Lewis. Prior to joining SFU, Laura spent more than 20 years with social and environmental justice non-profits in community organizing, political campaigning and executive leadership roles, most recently at Dogwood BC. Laura holds a B.A. in History (Lewis & Clark College) and a Masters of Urban Studies (SFU).

A mother of two, Laura is grateful to live with her family and cats on səltaɬ sme:nt / Lheḵw’lhúḵw’aytn on the territories of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. As a dual citizen and a settler of Norwegian, French, Irish, English and Anishinaabe ancestry, Laura feels privileged to support Truth & Reconciliation as paid work and honored to walk alongside the outstanding Indigenous community at SFU.