Land-based Healing Coordinator

Introduction

My Haida Name is Kagan Jaad-meaning Mouse Woman. I am the Land-based Healing Coordinator, this will be my fourth year working at Niislaa Naay. I have two daughters and one grandchild. My Mom was Eleanor Russ, she was born in Old Massett, & her parents were William Russ Sr. & Flora Adams. They had a traditional Haida Marriage that was arranged by their parents. My Dad was Harold Minaker, he was born in Port Clements, his parents migrated from Prussia.

Early Life & Background

As a single parent, I have worked hard to create the kind of home I once hoped for — one that is safe, stable, and free from alcohol and drugs. Raising my two daughters has been my greatest motivation and responsibility. 

My Chinnii taught me that education is important. He attended Residential School in Chilliwack. As a child, I loved school and earning good grades. He was proud of me for doing well. His strength and encouragement shaped who I am today.

Education & Training

Graduated in G.M. Dawson in Massett in 1981. Attended UBC in Vancouver for couple of years in the Education department.

Relevant Certifications:

• Wilderness First Aid Training Certificate

• Food Safe Certificate

• First Aid Certificate

Work & Leadership Experience

• CHN as the Citizenship Coordinator for 6 years in Old Massett and Skidegate

• Haida & Child Services for 2 years as the Haida Parenting Coordinator in Old Massett

• Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council as the Non-Insured Benefit Clerk for 4 years in Port Alberni

• Port Alberni Friendship Center for 10 years as a Medical Travel Clerk and ran the Parenting groups as well

Vision for Your Role

I deeply value our land-based healing programs. I hope to teach participants how to make Haida regalia. I want them to carry these skills home and create regalia for their families. I plan to keep the paddle-making group strong. We are boat people, and this work keeps that knowledge alive. I also hope to continue the stinging nettle workshop. We will twine fish nets together every year so we can repair the fish net. I hope we can use the net to catch fish during the Welcome Back Salmon Ceremony.

Personal Interests & Grounding Practices

Learning Xaad Kíl keeps me grounded. I attend every class I can. I hope one day we will speak it fluently every day. Sewing and creating also supports my wellbeing. I am currently working on a piece for the Trashion Fashion Show. Walking on the beach brings me peace. I go almost every day, weather permitting. I aim for 10,000 steps each day.

Final Message

Through our land-based healing programs, I have witnessed meaningful transformation. Seeing community members reconnect with the land, learning their Haida crests, and completing their regalia, paddles, and other cultural pieces is incredibly powerful. These achievements reflect renewed pride, resilience, and a strengthened sense of identity. Serving our community is something I truly value. I feel proud to work for our Haida Nation and to give back in whatever ways I can. 

I do my best to attend community events that are meaningful to our people because I believe showing up, listening, and being present is an important part of serving with heart. I remain committed to supporting spaces where healing, culture, and community can continue to thrive.

Family Art Therapist

Introduction

My name is Jessica Day and I’m the Family Art Therapist and have been since May 2025, my preferred name is Jessica or Sagaate (pronounced Saw-gaw-tay, translates to “sunrays”). I originally moved to Haida Gwaii (Daajing Giids) in late 2017 and left the island in July 2019 to attend Art Therapy school in Nelson BC. I moved back to Haida Gwaii June 2024 and just bought a house near my sister in Masset. What brought me to this role was Megan Campbell the previous Health Director, she encouraged me to work with the organization as I had previously been working with the Skidegate Health Centre. 

Education & Training

Formal Education / Degree(s): Bachelor of Child and Youth Care with Indigenous Specialization from the University of Victoria, Diploma in Art Therapy from the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute (Art Therapists in BC are currently not able to register as Clinical Counsellors as the field of Art Therapy is considered psychotherapy, however this is changing in 2027 and Art Therapists will be able to register under the College of Psychotherapists) 

Relevant Certifications:

• Play Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy training

• Expressive Arts and large group creative arts facilitation training (all ages)

• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST, taken three times)

• Non-Violent Communication training

• First Aid

Work & Leadership Experience

I have been working in community health, wellness and community roles since I was 17 years old, about 16 years. I initially began working for the Ooknakane Friendship Centre in Penticton BC, co-facilitating two drop-in programs for children and youth— admittedly I had no experience, but I knew I loved working in Indigenous community and with families/children/youth. At this point in my life, I was disconnected from my Anishinaabe heritage, as my father had not been in my life since I was 2 years old due to alcoholism and other personal reasons. My father had attended St. Josephs Reformatory School in Ontario, which was a Catholic boarding “reformatory” school for Indigenous boys. His attendance at this school negatively impacted his connection to our culture and he became very spiritually and mentally ill, which is why my sister and I were not connected to our community or that side of the family/  My mother moved us from Thunder Bay to Vancouver in 1993, so I did not grow up in my home territory and I was estranged from that part of my family due to a lack of safety. As a child and teen I was very shy and unsure how to express or connect to my Anishinaabe heritage, especially since I was white passing and had been treated as such my entire life. I was kindly encouraged and supported by my Syilx peers and elders to participate in their ceremonies, such as Winter Dances, Sweat Lodges, Salmon ceremonies and wild food harvesting. This began my journey into recognizing I had a passion for working with Indigenous children, youth and families (especially with traditional arts) and I needed to know more about my mixed ancestry. When I attended the University of Victoria, I immersed myself in learning Anishinaabek traditional arts such as sewing regalia/quilting, beadwork, traditional hand drumming and pow-wow singing, and old-style jingle dress dancing. I ran beading/regalia making circles, joined a local drum group named Standing Nation and an Anishinaabemowin language class, and I received my traditional name of Sagaate through my connections with these groups. I enrolled in classes that were Indigenous focused, attended lectures, events, talking circles and local activist and protesting events. I specialized in my practicum placements working in Indigenous settings, and volunteered hours at local events at Friendship Centres or local reservations (there were 9 in the surrounding Victoria area). When I attended my art therapy program, I wrote my thesis on traditional regalia making as a therapeutic process, constructing a dress and providing a presentation to share my methodology and process. 

Key organizations and roles I have worked in throughout the years have been Early Childhood Education (with Hulitan Community and Family Services in Victoria), Youth and Family Counsellor (with SD 63 in Saanich BC), Aboriginal Policy Analyst  (Provincial Ministry of Children and Families), Child and Youth Mental Wellness Counsellor (Haida Health Centre), Administration Assistant (Gidgaalang Kuuyas Naay, SD 50), and PEACE Counsellor/Child and Youth Mental Health Outreach (Salmo Community Resources Society in Salmo BC). I also have extensive experience with facilitating creative arts-based activities at Indigenous youth-focused land-based summer camps, where I designed and facilitated many art workshops and co-managed camp operations (primarily with IndigenEYEZ and Power of Hope Canada and US).  In my career as an Art Therapist, I have facilitated various community and school-based groups primarily for Indigenous children, youth, families, and adult individuals. I have facilitated online art therapy groups and in person groups at assisted living facilities, family and youth drop-in centres, and elementary/high schools. In working towards my full registration as a Canadian Art Therapist I worked privately as an Art Therapist for three years and have my own business called Zhawenim Art Therapy & Counselling (Zhawenim is our word for “the act of loving kindness”). 

Vision for Your Role

I began my role here at Niislaa Naay in May of 2025, the last 8 months in my role have been primarily focused on establishing my clients, the art therapy/sand tray space and have only just caught up with all of my charting with massive delays from switching the record system to MOIS. My priority is to continue delivering quality art therapy to this community and to continue networking so families and other working professionals are aware of my services. I dream of continuing to deepen my understanding of Sand Tray and Play Therapy and to also provide art therapy supervision to practicum students. 

Personal Interests & Grounding Practices

Agate hunting, windy beach walks, hiking, traditional arts and food harvesting/preservation, family and friends.

Dental Care

Introduction

My preferred name is Stephanie. I was born and raised in Masset and joined the Old Massett Dental Clinic in 2012 after completing my education as a Certified Dental Assistant at the College of New Caledonia in 2011. Over the years, I have remained deeply committed to advancing oral health care in our community. I am passionate about promoting positive change and supporting improved Oral Health experiences and outcomes for future generations.

Early Life & Background

I feel incredibly grateful to have grown up immersed in Haida culture, experiencing it firsthand each day at home and throughout my school years. Being raised within the community provided a strong foundation of identity, values, and connection. I was especially fortunate to learn from my Naanii, Leona Clow, whose strength and teachings deeply influenced who I am today.

I firmly believe in Gin ’waadluwaan gud ’ahl kwaagiidang — Everything Depends on Everything Else. That teaching continues to guide me, reminding me that we are all interconnected and share responsibility for one another as we move forward together on this island.

Education & Training

Formal Education / Degree(s): Certifed Dental Assistant – College of New Caledonia 2011. 

Canadian Dental Anaesthesia Assistant 2021

Relevant Certifications: BLS (CPR), Dare to Lead, COHI Aide

Work & Leadership Experience

The majority of my adult life has been dedicated to serving the community of Old Massett through oral health care. I consider it a meaningful personal accomplishment to continue providing care in my home community as a familiar and trusted presence who shares common values and lived experiences. My leadership approach is grounded in consistency, accountability, and leading by example through my commitment to my dental career and to those we serve.

Earlier in my adulthood, among many various roles- I worked full-time as a Lifeguard with G.M.D.C. That experience played an important role in shaping my sense of responsibility, teamwork, and public service. I continue to reflect on the positive influence it had on my personal and professional development.

Vision for Your Role

In my role with Niislaa Naay, my hope is to continue strengthening and expanding access to quality oral health services within our community. I am committed to building a supportive, culturally grounded environment that prioritizes prevention, education, and long-term wellness. I want to inspire positive change for future generations.

Personal Interests & Grounding Practices

Spending quality time with my husband and our two daughters is what keeps me most grounded. I value the simple moments we share together and the connection they bring to my daily life.

In my personal time, I enjoy crafting, beachcombing, fishing, and baking. I also find a great sense of purpose and creativity in sewing regalia and making clothing for my daughters. These practices help me stay connected to culture, family, and tradition.

At the core of everything I do are the values of honesty and integrity, which guide both my personal life and my professional work.

Final Message

My commitment is to continue serving with integrity, compassion, and accountability. I am here not only as a dental professional, but as a community member who genuinely cares about the health and wellbeing of our people, today and for future generations.

Maternal Child Health

Traditional Wellness

Introduction

In this role, I am passionate about working with plant medicine and food, honoring the land, and integrating ceremony into daily life. I look to many of our Elders and Knowledge Keepers for guidance or grounding and attempt to both share and model these teachings in my personal and professional life. 

Traditional Wellness

Introduction

Delevina did the Indigenous Tools for Living Training which will aid her in providing land-based support to the community. She really enjoys working with Women’s programs and accompanying women on healing journeys. She enjoys helping her community as well.

Traditional Wellness

Introduction

What stands out most in this role, is the importance of connecting to our Xaadaa cultural values. Connecting our community to these traditional values is imperative to our Indigenous way of being. To engage with our community members in programs tailored to promote cultural teachings is the main objective within my role. Presenting these opportunities in a safe, non-biased, culturally enriching environment is another equally important aspect of being on the Traditional Wellness Team. I look forward to connecting with our youth, my peers, and our elders in building relationships to strengthen our connections to our ancestral ways of life.

Family Nurse Practitioner

Introduction

Nurse practitioners can:

• Diagnose and treat medical conditions

• Interpret Tests

• Prescribe medications

• Make referrals

• Lead and coordinate care.

Rachael will start working for Niislaa Naay & the community of Gaw Tlagee upon returning from an upcoming maternity leave.

Rachael is a waasun jaanas/white settler and grateful guest to Haida Gwaii, the sovereign, unceded and ancestral territory of the Haida Nation. She is of Spanish ancestry on her father’s side and Irish/British on her maternal side. Raised on the territory of the Komox people on so-called Vancouver Island, she has worked as a nurse in different roles on Haida Gwaii on and off for the last 12 years. Before becoming an NP she was a Mental Health Nurse at Niislaa Naay. She is passionate about decolonization, mental health & addiction, approaching health with a holistic lens, integrating traditional health & wellness, community as healthcare, and building relationships.

She is the mother of a fun, feisty three-year old, and her partner also works in healthcare. In her free time she likes to garden, make/eat/share delicious food, travel, read, adventure around, blast Latin pop music, and have dance parties with her toddler.

“I welcome feedback regarding my practice and how I can best serve community, such as through one on one clinic appointments or group information sessions. I am a life long learner and I promise to continuously reflect on and work towards decolonizing my own practice and help the effort of decreasing barriers to accessing primary care. Haa’wa, Rachael”

Physiotherapist