Claiming Spaces Contributors

Tashia Kootenayoo

I am Tashia Kootenayoo a twenty-three year old Indigenous, queer identifying woman from the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation. I have been a student-leader on my campus for the past two years and am currently the elected Vice-President Internal of the SUO of UBC. My advocacy work is currently focused on supporting student survivors of sexualized violence and creating more accessibility to education through open educational resources. I’m continuously mobilizing and leading initiatives that seek to improve the university environment and administrative structures for students. Upon completing my Bachelor of Arts with a specialization in English, it is my goal to attend law school with a focus on human rights and policy. It is my belief that if our governing structures have educated leaders and policies that reflect intersectionality, they can truly benefit those they are meant to help. My personal experiences within these systems is what drives my passion for leadership and belief change is possible.

Taya Jardine

Kwe, my name is Taya Jardine and I am a Mi’kmaw woman from Natoaganeg First Nation in what is currently known as New Brunswick. I am in my final year of my Bachelor of Arts majoring in Cultural Studies and minoring in Indigenous Studies at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan Campus. I am currently one of three Co-Coordinators of our Indigenous Student Council, as well as working as an Aboriginal Peer Mentor through our Aboriginal Programs and Services on campus and an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Intern at the UBCO Library.

Penína Sara-Lynn Harding

Penína is a Ph.D. Student in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies at UNBC and an accepted member of the Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation. Penína is a recipient of the 2017-18 IWAU Award; received the UNBC Senate Student Leadership Award – Campus Community category in 2017-18 and 2018-19. In 2019-20, she was elected as the President for the Northern BC Graduate Student Society (NBCGSS) and has been a Graduate Teaching Assistant since Fall 2016. She is an intergenerational survivor of the Canadian Residential School System; three generations of her family have attended the St. Joseph’s Mission. “Penína” means “a female of high ranking” in Secwepemctsín (Shuswap Language), this name was gifted to Sara-Lynn by her great-grandmother, Alice Belleau, at birth and is her preferred name. She is a mother of 4 children and the first Indigenous student to have been fast-tracked from a master’s degree to a doctoral degree program at UNBC. Penína convocated from UNBC in May 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts – Public Administration & Community Development degree.

Dallas George

My name is Dallas George. My grandparents are Jeannie Robbins, Wilfred Robbins and Lori George. I’m from Esketemc (Alkali lake-band) I’m Secwepemculcuw, and 20 years old and live an alcohol-free life. I’m the second oldest out of my eight siblings—I’ve helped them all in different ways and getting to know our Secwepemc culture. I take my younger siblings to powwows and gatherings, and I’m a former title holder for SD27 (School District 27) as their First Nations Role model 2017/2018. I’m currently on the Yucwemintem board as the youth board member. I also work with the Secwepemc Youth Council and I volunteer with SNTC(Secwepemc Northern Tribal Council) with the gatherings they host . I’ve been a long time volunteer in my community with different fundraisers throughout the years. I’m a powwow dancer—I dance men’s grass/men’s chicken, and I’ve been dancing for three years now. I love learning more of my Secwepemc culture. I love inspiring youth to be the best role models they can be.

Sarah Dixon

Weytk, Hello, my name is Sarah Dixon. I am a Secwepemc, Nisaga, Haida woman from Williams Lake BC. I belong to the Esketemc First Nations. My great grandparents from my mother’s side are Alice and Joe Belleau from Esketemc and my grandparents are Sarah Belleau from Esketemc and Stanley Pye from Newfoundland. My great grandmother on my Father’s side is Pauline Grandison and my grandparents are Norma Pollard and Robert Patrick Dixon. My Parents are Junie Paul from Esket and Tony Dixon from Prince Rupert who is also apart of the Killer Whale Clan. I was a former title holder of the Jim Johnson Memorial powwow from 2015-2017. I am in my 2nd year of the General Bachelor of Arts program and will hopefully be moving into the First Nations Studies program later in the semester. I am a women’s traditional dancer and have been dancing many styles my whole life, which include hoop dancing with Francis Johnson Sr. and dancing with the clans of Yekooche First Nations with Francois Prince for the school year while my mother was teaching there. When I was in high school, I helped co-plan a school powwow with the staff at Lake City Secondary Columneetza Campus which has now turned into a yearly tradition at the junior high. Growing up I learned early on the importance of my Secwepemc culture and am slowly learning the ways on my father’s side. I am very lucky to come from two very strong nations which has helped me come stronger as a person. I hope I can continue to be a good role model for the younger generation coming up behind me.

Gerald Bent

Gerald is a Two-Spirit, Status Indian and a member of the Lytton Indian Band, which is located in the traditional territory of the Nlakapamux nation. Prior to commencing his role with the CSC, Gerald worked for the Vancouver School Board (VSB) as an elementary school teacher. Throughout his time at the VSB, Gerald worked closely with the Aboriginal staff on creating lesson plans that would enlighten staff and students about the history of First Nations people. Over the past ten years, Gerald has had the privilege of working in correctional programming for the CSC. For five years, while at a federal institution, Gerald worked as an Aboriginal Correctional Programs Officer (ACPO). Gerald states, “Working with Aboriginal offenders is a rewarding and honourable path. Many of us view our role at the CSC as a calling to assist in the healing, teaching and leadership of our people." Gerald now works at a Community Parole Office assisting offenders who are on conditional release to the community. Gerald has recently started graduate school at UNBC. He is working on an MA in First Nations Studies and will be researching and writing about the Nlakapamux Restorative Justice and Education program.

Cori Ramsay

Cori Ramsay has lived in Prince George for the last 16 years and is proud to call the region home. In 2010, she graduated from the University of Northern British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts in English and is currently working on her graduate diploma in Public Relations through the University of Victoria.

Upon graduation, Ramsay started work in the financial services industry and has spent the last several years working in marketing and strategic communications.

New to politics, Ramsay grew up living in poverty and is passionate about making a difference in the lives of those she serves. in 2017, she gave a TEDx talk titled, "Poverty and the Power of the Living Wage" and in 2018, the Prince George Chamber of Commerce named her a "Top 40 under 40".

Lori Ackerman

In her third term as the Mayor of the City of Fort St. John BC, Lori is not only a steward for the needs of her city but, she is a champion for her citizens.

Whether in paid leadership positions for local community groups, or as a volunteer, Lori has used her expertise and unparalleled drive to benefit her community.

Lori was named one of the Top 35 Most Influential Women in BC in February of 2016 and was recently recognized as the 2019 Canadian Energy Person of the Year by the Energy Council of Canada.

Susan Scott

My name is Susan Scott. I am an active life-long volunteer who seeks ways to contribute to the fabric of my community and region. I am a wife, stepmother, Nana, aunt, cousin, and friend. I believe in the inherent goodness of people and was raised to not consider, race, creed, gender or skin colour ahead of the values that a person lives by.

Susan holds many roles, including: elected to Prince George City Council in 2014, Board Member of the Salvation Army Community Council, Oncore Seniors Society, and Grace Anglican Church. Chaplain of the Prince George Fire & Rescue Service, Royal Canadian Legion, and Canadian Cancer Society.