Zachary James Mosse

Board Chair

Introduction

Sangee ‘laa, my name is Zachary Mosse, I’m a 30 year old Haida man born in Masset and currently living in Old Massett. In recent years, I’ve taken a step forward in my involvement in Youth advocacy within our community, and Haida Gwaii as a whole. As the current Youth & Programs Engagement Lead for Swiilawiid, my focus remains on how we can improve and provide more services for Youth on Haida Gwaii. As Niislaa Naay oversees the Youth Centre in Old Massett, this felt like a great opportunity for me to take on more direct responsibility for Youth in our community.

Early Life & Background

Growing up in Masset in the early 2000’s, our community was ripe with opportunities and experiences for Youth, as the Rec Centre, a more robust version of Harbour Days and a well used Soccer field. Seeing the stark difference from then to now around Youth accessible facilities, inspired me to take new roles within my professional life to where I felt I could best make a difference.

My Naanii and my parents, Jamie and Diana Grosse, have always pushed me to follow my passions, and they have supported me every step of the way.

Education & Training

High school Graduate, College experience.

Work & Leadership Experience

In terms of community roles, I’ve spent time with OMVC as the GIS Technician, Climate Adaptation Assistant, Emergency Services Assistant as well as the Communications Lead for the COVID Response in Old Massett during the pandemic. These positions gave me my first glimpse in working in the public eye. Getting that experience allowed me to understand what to expect from a more public role and I believe helped prepare me to be more public facing. Working with CHN as the Youth Governance Coordinator, it gave me an understanding of working with Youth on a face-to-face level. Learning how to converse and encourage them, while also providing more than I ask of them to participate was a key lesson to learn. Since joining Swiilawiid as the Youth & Programs Engagement Lead, I’ve started to work more on the shaping of programs and opportunities for Youth and gaining an better understanding of the behind-the-scenes challenges, while also working with a tremendous amount of support from my team.

In terms of key accomplishments, I’m most proud of speaking at the Gathering Wisdom for a Shared Journey as a Youth Delegate for the Northwest BC Region. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to become more comfortable speaking in public venues, as well as learning from other Youth across BC about the issues we collectively experience.

Vision for Your Role

I hope that through this role, I can provide positive change where needed and learn from my fellow Directors on the best way to approach being a board member. I aim to help improve Youth services that are offered through Niislaa Naay, while also helping wherever I can. As this is my first time experiencing a role like this one, my goal is to be a net-positive for Niislaa Naay, in any capacity that they ask of me.

Personal Interests & Grounding Practices

Being out on the land with my wife and pets brings me an immense sense of grounding. It allows me to take a moment to breathe and re-center myself when going through busy stretches. I’m a big sports and video games guy! I love watching and playing Basketball, Soccer and Hockey when I get the opportunity. My personal values are centered around care and compassion, understanding the issues others are going through and being supportive when I can provide it.

Final Message

I’d just like to say haw’aa for those who elected me, this is an important role and I intend to treat it as such with utmost care. My dream for Old Massett is for it to become ahealthy, sustainable and youth-driven community. I hope to use my time as a Director to bring Old Massett closer to the incredible community it is becoming.

Haw’aa