Our Team
The strength of Pitane lies in its people.
Pitane’s team is shaped by lived experience, cultural insight, and unwavering commitment to Indigenous communities.
From cultural revitalization and community planning to infrastructure development and education strategies, our team brings together diverse perspectives and decades of hands-on experience. What unites us is a shared purpose to walk alongside First Nations in creating strong, self-determined futures, guided by trust, integrity, and action.
Neal Mills
President & CEO
“Every project is a chance to build trust and possibility.” – Neal
About Neal
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Born to a Cree mother from Alexander First Nation (Treaty No. 6, Alberta) and a Tsimshian father from Kitsumkalum First Nation (Northern BC), Neal was raised within the richness of two Nations. Throughout his life, he has actively engaged with both Cree and Tsimshian cultural teachings and spirituality, grounding his work in lived experience and cultural integrity.
Neal has witnessed firsthand the systemic challenges faced by First Nations across Canada, from housing shortages to high unemployment and economic inequity. These realities, held close to his heart, became the foundation for co-founding Pitane Consulting Services Ltd., a firm dedicated to empowering Nations through self-determined growth and culturally grounded solutions.
Over the years, Neal has served First Nations communities in diverse and impactful roles, as a youth coordinator, AISH support advocate, correctional officer at Stan Daniels Healing Centre, and court worker with Native Counselling Services of Alberta. Most recently, he served as project manager with the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, where he led the formation of the Confederacy Investors Group, a collective designed to pursue long-term, high-yield Indigenous investment strategies.
His entrepreneurial impact is equally strong. Neal has helped create and grow several First Nations owned businesses across Western Canada, guiding clients through regulatory pathways and incorporation. Many of these businesses remain successfully operational today.
With over 20 years of combined experience in construction, quality, and project management, including leadership roles at PCL and Supreme Steel, Neal is known for his industry knowledge, strategic thinking, and ability to unite diverse teams to deliver results.
A graduate in Criminal Justice and a leader grounded in action, Neal leads with humility, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to building stronger futures for Indigenous communities. No challenge is too big or too small and every step forward is grounded in respect, purpose, and Nation-first leadership.
Clarence Wong, P.Eng.
Vice President & COO
“I believe strong partnerships begin with listening.” – Clarence
About Clarence
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Clarence is a first-generation Chinese Canadian born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. A passionate advocate for human rights, equity, and representation, Clarence is a strong voice for inclusive leadership and meaningful community impact.
As a seasoned Professional Engineer (P.Eng) with over 20 years of experience in business development, infrastructure planning, construction, and operations, Clarence brings a unique blend of technical precision and people-first leadership to his role as Chief Operating Officer at Pitane Consulting Services Ltd.
He holds a Master of Engineering in Construction Management from the University of Alberta and has led initiatives across both the provincial and municipal levels including Alberta Transportation, the City of Edmonton, and Parkland County. His diverse experience gives him a deep understanding of the operational and political complexities faced by communities and administrators alike.
Clarence is known for his collaborative leadership style, strong communication skills, and strategic mindset. His track record includes managing large-scale infrastructure projects, stakeholder relationships, business development, and governance systems, always with a focus on sustainable growth and community service.
Over the past decade, Clarence has played a pivotal role in regional planning and redevelopment, helping to drive economic growth and align infrastructure projects with community-specific development goals. During his time with the City of Edmonton, he helped oversee industry services that supported more than $1 billion in residential, commercial, and industrial development.
Clarence is a trusted, visionary leader who excels at turning complex challenges into opportunities for growth and remains deeply committed to strengthening communities through respectful partnership and innovation.
Lena Land, B.Ed.
Executive Vice President & CAO
“Our stories and culture are the foundation of future success.” – Lena
About Lena
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Lena is proudly Tsimshian through her matrilineal lineage and first-generation Dutch on her paternal side. With a life rooted in both Indigenous traditions and newcomer experiences, she brings a unique perspective shaped by cultural depth and social awareness.
She is recognized as a Hereditary Matriarch of her clan, a role that reflects her lifelong commitment to upholding and honoring Tsimshian values, teachings, and responsibilities. Raised across diverse environments including inner-city communities and both on and off Reserve settings, Lena holds a deep understanding of the social, economic, and educational challenges faced by Indigenous youth and families.
While she earned formal cultural education through the University of Alberta, Edmonton Public Schools, and Alberta Education, her most transformative teachings came from her Tsimshian and Cree family, as well as the Nakoda, Lakota, and Heyokha Elders she was mentored by. As part of these teachings, she actively participated in ceremonies such as Sundances, Sweat Lodges, and Potlatches.
Lena is a passionate and multidimensional professional with over 30 years of experience in education, cultural engagement, community development, and entrepreneurship. A graduate of the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Education in Elementary and Special Education, she taught students of all abilities in both elementary and middle schools before transitioning into school leadership.
As a principal and educational leader, Lena spearheaded curriculum development, alternative learning strategies, differentiated assessments, and teacher professional development, creating inclusive, innovative learning environments while managing multimillion-dollar school budgets.
Later, she brought her talents to the corporate sector, joining a First Nations owned company to lead Human Resources, Indigenous Relations, Learning and Development, and Project Management. In those roles, she oversaw recruitment and training, advised on employee engagement, and helped implement equity-driven workplace strategies that supported growth and inclusion.
Lena is a lifelong learner, community builder, and firm believer in the power of youth, family, and cultural pride. She is driven by a passion for innovation, meaningful education, and social impact while working every day to uplift communities through empowerment, collaboration, and connection to culture.