Founding Directors

Sam Kirsch

Founder & Visionary Director
Group One West

Sam Kirsch is the Founder and Visionary Director of Group One West Institute for Climate Research and Cultural Stewardship. Guided by a vision of regenerative development, he is redefining the future of hospitality by placing climate responsibility, Indigenous cultural stewardship, and environmental restoration at its core.

With more than five decades of experience in relationship-building, business development, and sustainability-driven innovation, Sam has dedicated his career to creating meaningful partnerships that generate lasting social, environmental, and economic value. His leadership brings together Indigenous knowledge, scientific research, conservation, and regenerative tourism to create a model that strengthens ecosystems, supports community well-being, and advances economic reconciliation.

Driven by the belief that responsible development can leave places healthier than they were found, Sam continues to lead Group One West in building collaborative solutions that create long-term prosperity for communities while protecting the natural environment for future generations.

Namrata Chadha, B.Com., LL.B., MBA

Founding Director
Group One West Institute for Climate Research and Cultural Stewardship

Namrata Chadha is a Founding Director and Project Manager at Group One West Institute for Climate Research and Cultural Stewardship, providing strategic leadership across governance, organizational development, partnerships, and project implementation. She plays a key role in translating the Institute's vision into practical frameworks that support sustainable growth and collaborative impact.

An internationally trained lawyer with an MBA, Namrata brings an interdisciplinary background spanning legal frameworks, governance, business strategy, and organizational development. She contributes to the Institute's governance structure, strategic planning, policy development, funding initiatives, and stakeholder engagement, helping build a strong foundation for long-term organizational success.

Passionate about collaborative leadership and systems thinking, Namrata works to strengthen partnerships that advance Indigenous cultural stewardship, climate action, and economic reconciliation. Her work reflects a commitment to ethical governance, sustainable development, and creating lasting value for communities and future generations.

Trevor Cootes

Founding Director, Group One West
Founder & President, Indigenous Economic Pathways & Cootes Consulting Services

Trevor Cootes is a Founding Director of Group One West Institute for Climate Research and Cultural Stewardship and a respected Nuu-chah-nulth business leader with more than 25 years of experience in Indigenous economic development, governance, and community partnerships. Through his leadership, Trevor contributes valuable expertise in building relationships, advancing co-governance models, and creating opportunities rooted in collaboration, cultural values, and shared prosperity.

As Founder and President of Indigenous Economic Pathways and Cootes Consulting Services, Trevor has worked extensively with First Nations, governments, industry, and community organizations to support sustainable economic development and strengthen Indigenous participation in meaningful partnerships. At Group One West, he provides leadership in Indigenous engagement, Nation-to-Nation relationship-building, and collaborative frameworks that ensure initiatives are grounded in authentic Indigenous leadership and community priorities.

Trevor's work reflects a commitment to strengthening relationships, supporting economic reconciliation, and creating long-term social, cultural, environmental, and economic benefits for current and future generations.

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