Meet Our Board of Directors
HEATHER ‘VON’ STEINHAGEN
Heather “Von” Steinhagen is an artist, arts administrator, and curator based in Whitehorse, Yukon. Born and raised in the Yukon landscapes, her work is shaped by her Cowessess First Nation (mother) and German (father) families, blending diverse influences with a deep connection to her northern upbringing.
Her leadership is rooted in the Yukon arts sector. With over a decade of experience in arts administration, including roles at the Canadian Crafts Federation, Yukon Art Society, and the Yukon Arts Centre, Heather brings strategic vision and creative advocacy to the organization. She is commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and cultural sovereignty.
As an intuitive painter and fine toy maker, Heather is known for her vibrant use of colour and her ability to twist the mundane points of memory into visual codes that explore themes of identity and connection usually in playful and surreal explorations of both real and imaginative landscapes.
BOARD PRESIDENT
NICOLE SCHAFENACKER
Nicole Schafenacker is a writer, interdisciplinary artist and community organizer with German and Ukrainian ancestry residing on the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Carcross/Tagish First Nation in Marsh Lake, Yukon. Hard to pin down in any one field or discipline she creates projects at the intersection of art, community building and care for wild spaces through plays, site specific installations, and community art and writing projects in the Yukon and beyond. She holds an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Northern Specialization from the University of Northern BC and Nord University (Norway). Nicole is the proud co-editor of the forthcoming anthology Urban Coyote: Yukon Voices. She is thrilled to be serving her first term as Board Vice President following four terms as Board President.
Photo by Brian Pelchat
BOARD VICE PRESIDENT
JENESSA TLEN
Bio & Headshot Incoming
BOARD DIRECTOR
TRISTEN WESTMAN
Tristen Westman is Northern Tutchone and a member of the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation in the Yukon. Growing up, she lived in Whitehorse YT and BC’s Lower Mainland. In 2015, she completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary studies from the University of British Columbia. During the following year, she participated in the Indigenous Youth Internship Program, where she had the opportunity to work within a Government Agency, as well as an Indigenous Organization. Tristen continues to be involved in working with Non-Profit Organizations. Aside from work, she enjoys outdoor activities, book club, and exploring her creativity through painting.
BOARD DIRECTOR
We are currently seeking Board Members for the 2026/27 Season, including a Treasurer and Secretary.
If you would like to know more about becoming a Board Director, please email info@gwaandaktheatre.ca.