Shuel-let-qua Q:olosoet is a Faculty Member with the Enowkin Centre at the University of Victoria and a Cultural Teachings Facilitator for Work BC skilled training. Previously Shuel-let-qua Q:olosoet was a Cultural Competency Trainer for BC Hydro. Active in her community, Shuel-let-qua Q:olosoet is Board Secretary for the Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre and Treasurer for the Fraser Valley Powwow Committee. Shuel-let-qua Q:olosoet holds a Bachelor of Native Studies and a Bachelor of Education from the University Alberta.
She also holds a Human Service Diploma from Salishan Institute and a Provincial Instructors Diploma from Vancouver Community College. In addition to her degrees, she is a Grief Recovery Specialist from the Grief Recovery Institute.Shuel-let-qua Q:olosoet was the only indigenous woman to sign the partnership accord Feb 1st an agreement that ensures fair & equitable , anti-racist health services reaching all indigenous peoples. Ensuring reciprocal partnership accountability.
Shuel-let-qua Q:olosoet belongs to the Qw’oqw’elitha Elders society and strives to ensure equitable representation for our indigenous women (the most marginalized population in Canada).
Shuel-let-qua Q:olosoet is a former, third generation, residential school survivor.
Vanessa Wideski is a proud Métis and Samoan mother of four, deeply committed to cultural reclamation and community empowerment. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of Xwéwenaqw Xwexwilmexw Cultural Reclamation Society, Vanessa draws from her lived experiences of overcoming adversity to lead with empathy and resilience.
Raised without a strong cultural connection, she is on a journey of rediscovering her Indigenous roots, embracing the values of interconnectedness and the principle of “All My Relations.” Vanessa believes in the power of collective action and honors the teachings of Indigenous traditions, fostering unity, growth, and healing in the communities she serves.
My name is Sharnelle Matthew and I am from Simpcw First Nation which is in the Secwepemc Territory. My mother attended the residential school and so did my grandparents and it is our painful journey that has been a catalyst in my life. I understand intergenerational trauma personally and I have utilized my education to walk with our people on their healing journey.
I have been fortunate to work with Indigenous communities in many different capacities over the past twenty-five years. I have a passion working with children, youth and families. My personal experience has been instrumental in my role as a mental health counsellor and I strive to make the counselling experience positive and respectful of Indigenous history and experiences for the people I work with.
I also am an instructor in the Bachelor of Social work with a focus on Aboriginal Social Work. In 2001, I completed my Bachelors of Social Work at Thompson Rivers University and in 2006 I completed my Masters of Social Work at the University of British Columbia. I am currently in a Doctoral program with a specific focus on Indigenous Knowledge that will enhance my practice.
I am very honoured [touching my heart] to be part of a board that encompasses our Indigenous teachings and be part of a change that will impact future generations. Planting seeds and being part of process that gives all people voice is integral to who we are as Indigenous people.
