Our Team
Pitane’s specialized team is dedicated to transforming communities through comprehensive physical planning, development, and deep community engagement. We believe in the power of training and change management to empower individuals. Our unique mentorship program, where elders guide the youth, fosters pride and ownership in the younger generation. By integrating cultural practices and values into our initiatives, we honor and maintain the community's rich history and identity. While we proudly serve Indigenous Peoples of Canada, we are excited to extend our expertise to a broader audience, tailoring projects to meet unique needs and fostering vibrant, thriving communities deeply connected to their roots. This approach not only preserves cultural heritage but also inspires the youth to actively participate in their community's development, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for all. Together, we are building communities that thrive, flourish, and remain deeply connected to their cultural roots.
Neal Mills
President & CEO
A Bit About Neal
A multifaceted and dynamic individual, Neal was born to a Cree mother from Alexander First Nation in Alberta’s Treaty No. 6 Territory and Tsimshian father from the Kitsumkalum First Nation in Northern BC. Neal has been blessed with the opportunity to learn from and actively engage in dual First Nations culture and spirituality throughout his life.
Neal has lived and witnessed firsthand the socioeconomic inequalities and challenges First Nations across Canada have faced with respect to issues such as inadequate housing, high unemployment, and lower income levels, to name a few. Holding these issues and other challenges close to his heart, and wanting to make a difference for all First Nations people, is what inspired him to co-found Pitane Consulting Services Ltd.
He has spent many years working for and alongside First Nations in multiple disciplines and capacities such as a youth coordinator, court worker with Native Counselling Services of Alberta, Correctional Officer at Stan Daniels Healing Centre and AISH support advocate, to highlight a few. Most recently, Neal worked as a project manager with the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations engaging 17 area Nations in creating the Confederacy Investors Group whose intent is to engage in long term, high-yield investment opportunities.
Personal highlights include creating new, or expanding on existing First Nation businesses, for individuals and companies throughout Western Canada. Listening first to the type of business the client wanted to create or expand on; plans are developed with guidance through necessary regulatory processes to ultimately incorporate. Each one of those newly formed businesses remains operational today.
With over 20 years of construction management, quality management, project management and general management experience working for some of Canada’s largest and highly respected construction companies such as PCL and Supreme Steel, Neal has carved out a reputation known for his industry knowledge, and ability to pull people and teams together to get the job done right.
A Criminal Justice graduate and natural leader whose integrity is second to none, Neal truly is someone who leads by example and lets his actions do the talking. No challenge is too big or small.
Clarence Wong
Vice President & COO
A Bit About Clarence
Edmonton, Alberta is the birthplace and hometown of Clarence Wong, a first-generation Chinese Canadian, who is a passionate champion for people of colour, a dedicated supporter of human rights, and a strong advocate for equality.
He is also a seasoned Professional Engineer (P.Eng) with over two decades of experience spanning business development, planning, design, construction, and operations, and currently holds the position of COO with Pitane Consulting Services Ltd. Along with a Master of Engineering Degree in Construction Management from the University of Alberta, Clarence has navigated a distinguished career, leaving a notable impact on both provincial (Alberta Transportation) and municipal (City of Edmonton and Parkland County) public service.
His multifaceted career showcases technical expertise and leadership prowess across various roles, providing him with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by community administrators. Clarence's ability to navigate political sensitivities while consistently delivering value to communities sets him apart in the field.
Known for his adaptable leadership style, Clarence has consistently showcased exceptional problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills. His impressive track record encompasses successful management of business development, stakeholder relationships, change initiatives, and strategic planning, all underscored by a steadfast commitment to customer service.
Over the last 10+ years, Clarence has played a pivotal role in community planning and redevelopment, contributing significantly to economic growth, and aligning with community-specific growth strategies. His contributions include overseeing industry services that facilitated well over $1 billion worth of residential, commercial, and industrial development during his tenure at the City of Edmonton.
Lena Land
Executive Vice President & CAO
A Bit About Lena
Is Tsimshian matrilineally and first generation Dutch paternally. She has been blessed with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse and unique cultures of both Indigenous peoples and new Canadians, as well as the social, economic, and educational challenges related to living in the inner city, as well as on and off Reserve, especially for our youth. Lena has benefited from formal cultural training through the University of Alberta, Edmonton Public Schools, and Alberta Education, but much of her traditional and cultural teachings came from her Tsimshian and Cree family, as well as from the Nakoda, Lakota, and Heyokha elders she mentored with. Lena has participated in various traditional ceremonies such as Sweat Ceremonies, Sundances, and Potlatches.
Lena is an enthusiastic and multidimensional professional with over 30 years of experience in school administration, cultural engagement, community development, and entrepreneurship. She graduated from the University of Alberta (B.Ed.) specializing in Elementary and Special Education degree, teaching both elementary and middle school students with standard and diverse needs, transitioning into school leadership and administration.
During her tenue as an educator, Lena has supported, initiated, and led the creation of many school district and provincial programs, including curriculum development, alternative teaching methods, differentiated assessment practices, and teacher professional development. Eventually, she became a school principal, leading a team of educators and staff to create a positive and inclusive learning environment, while managing multimillion-dollar budgets.
Never afraid of new and exciting challenges, Lena later pursued employment in the private corporate sector with a First Nations company managing Human Resources (IAPHRC), Indigenous Relations, Learning and Development, and Project Management. During that time, she has been responsible for overseeing the recruitment, training, and development of employees, assisted with implementing various initiatives, worked with project teams, managed employee relations and performance, as well as implement various initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
Lena is passionate about education, innovation, culture, and social impact. She has a lifelong learning mindset and an excellent understanding and appreciation for the challenges of initiating self-improvement, creating goals for success, and getting involved in community service. As a result, she understands the importance of having meaningful community, education, and social programs that engage youth, young adults, their families, and their communities. Lena believes whole-heartedly that engagement, collaboration, and empowerment, as well as the pride in one’s culture and history, will make a positive difference.