Merv Thomas

Merv Thomas is a proud Nehiyew, Cree, First Nations, from Pelican Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Circle of Eagles Lodge Society (COELS), located on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples in Vancouver, British Columbia.

With more than thirty (30) years of leadership experience in Indigenous health and social services, Merv has built a career defined by practical innovation and community accountability. Under his leadership at COELS, hundreds of Indigenous men and women have successfully transitioned from institutional settings to lives of stability, purpose, and connection to culture.

Earlier in his career, he served as Communications Director for a national Indigenous nonprofit organization, experience that sharpened both his public voice and his strategic perspective.He has been instrumental in developing and overseeing a wide range of programs serving Indigenous peoples, including a youth treatment facility for young people in conflict with the law, an Aboriginal halfway house and homeless shelters, Elders Meals on Wheels, canoe projects and healing journeys, pre-employment and job training programs, and traditional healing workshops.

A recognized filmmaker and advocate, Merv has directed five documentaries that have earned numerous awards at international, national and regional film festivals. His films address critical issues facing Indigenous communities, including HIV, harm reduction, Hepatitis C, racism in healthcare settings in British Columbia, and the Circle of Eagles Lodge 50th Anniversary.

Merv is deeply committed to sector-wide collaboration and currently serves in board and leadership roles across multiple organizations. He is President of the BC Yukon Halfway House Association, Vice President of the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS), Co-Chair of the Metro Vancouver Indigenous Executive Council, and a member of the steering committee of the former First Nations Justice Council, Bundle G, where he contributed to advancing decarceration initiatives for Indigenous peoples.

Merv earned a diploma in business management from B.C. Institute of Technology. Outside of his professional responsibilities, he is the guardian and devoted caregiver of his grandson.