ABOUT US
WHY CULTURALLY COMMITTED
The purpose of Culturally Committed is threefold: first, it creates a pathway for client feedback, so professionals can learn what Indigenous Peoples want and need to create trusting relationships. Second, it provides a list of professionals and organizations who are demonstrating a desire to offer culturally safe(r) services, so clients can choose offices where they know cultural safety is a priority. Finally, we offer ongoing learning opportunities, facilitated by mentors, Elders, and experts in the field of cultural safety and humility, with the intention of supporting providers in expanding their knowledge around cultural practices, barriers to care, and to educate on what safe relationships looks and feels like to Indigenous Peoples.
OUR MISSION
We are building a community where safe spaces for learning ignite authentic, reciprocal relationships between Indigenous peoples and settlers. With unwavering respect and a deep commitment to reconciliation, we take responsibility together, recognizing that true healing and growth come from shared efforts. Through the power of reciprocity, we create an environment where every voice is honored, and the path toward understanding and meaningful change is walked side by side.
CULTURALLY COMMITTED MENTORS
Culturally Committed Mentors are dedicated individuals who provide mentorship and build meaningful relationships with non-Indigenous people. Drawing from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, they offer deep, multifaceted perspectives on the subjects we explore, fostering mutual understanding and growth.
DAN ELLIOT
Stz'uminus First Nation
Artist | Cultural Worker | Counselor
Dan Elliott is a drug and alcohol counsellor, artist, and cultural worker and was born into the the Stz'uminus People on Vancouver Island. Dan has brought culture to many seeking it -- first in the Nanaimo public school system, and then to the Indigenous inmates of Nanaimo Correction Centre. Now Dan supports those in his community seeking a healing path away from drug and alcohol use. Dan actively and frequently facilitates smudges, sweat lodges, and traditional cooking classes. He is an incredible artist, and recently finished a collection entitled "The Winds of Change", which is rooted in the path towards reconciliation.
GEORGE HARRIS, JR.
Wholwolet’za
Stz'uminus First Nation
George Harris Jr. (Wholwolet'za) of Stz'uminus First Nation is a Cultural Advocate who is proud to have spent many years lending his hands in his home Nation. He is deeply connected to his cultural teachings, and believes strongly that all children need access to culture, whether they reside in community or are living away from home. George is proud to share his traditional name with his father and, and strives to live and work in such a way that honours his Ancestors.
EMILY WHITE
Tla'amin and Klahoose First Nations
Traditional Language and Governance Advocate | Owner of Emily's Beading
Emily White of Tla’amin and Klahoose First Nations graduated from the University of Victoria in 2021 with a degree in Indigenous Studies and Applied Ethics. Shortly after was elected as Councillor for Klahoose First Nation, where she holds the portfolios of Health and Culture & Language. Emily also joined Tla’amin shortly after her graduation as an Intergovernmental, Policy, and Fiscal Analyst. She is now the Manager of Treaty Implementation and Intergovernmental Relations at Tla’amin Nation. In her spare time, Emily enjoys doing beadwork, learning language, and reconnecting with the land.
THOMAS GEORGE JR.
Smulthun
Halalt First Nation
Thomas George Jr. is a proud member of Halalt First Nation with roots in Lyackson, Quw'utsun, Stz'uminus, West Saanich, Bella Bella, and Scottish heritage. A deeply connected Coast Salish cultural practitioner, Thomas began assisting his father with cultural work at the age of 17 and continues to honor his cultural teachings. Thomas' professional journey includes serving as a Cultural Support Worker for Malahat First Nations from 2022 to 2024, where he ran the Sweat Lodge and men's group. He has also been a part of the Tsow Tun Lelum Cultural Support Team since 2020. Prior to these roles, he worked as a Child & Youth Support Worker from 2010 to 2020, including positions at group homes and Changing Directions, where he worked with high-risk youth. Thomas is incredibly proud to share his traditional name with his father and strives to live and work in a way that humbly honors his ancestors. His dedication to his culture and teachings continues to guide and inspire his work. Thomas is also available for the facilitation of smudges and spirit baths, offering guidance and support through traditional Coast Salish practices. His deep connection to his culture and understanding of these sacred ceremonies allows him to provide a meaningful and healing experience for individuals and groups seeking spiritual nourishment and renewal. Huy tseep qu (Thank you all).
KATY CARSON
Métis
Director, Organizational Journeys
Katy Carson is of mixed Métis, Italian, and Hungarian ancestry, with Métis roots in Duck Lake, SK, and St. Francis-Xavier, MB. Her family names include Vivier, Delorme, Ross, Short, Thibault, Pierce, Smecher, and Ujvary. Katy discovered her Indigenous ancestry later in her adult life, having not grown up in Community. Joining Culturally Committed in April 2021 marked a pivotal moment in her journey to reconnect with her Métis identity. A Community Call encouraged her to embrace her heritage, and since then, she has immersed herself in learning about her Indigeneity. This path has led her to hold leadership roles, such as Region 2 Director on the Métis Women of BC Board and Vice-Chair of the Amelia Douglas Institute Board. Building meaningful relationships has always been a core value for Katy, both personally and professionally. She deeply believes that relationships form the foundation of Cultural Safety and Humility work and are central to everything that Culturally Committed stands for. As Director of Organizational Journeys, Katy guides and supports Organizational Members in their learning journeys. She helps members strengthen their commitments to cultural safety and humility, fostering meaningful change within their organizations.
JARED QWUSTENUXUN WILLIAMS
Quw'utsun Tribes
Indigenous Food Sovereignty Advocate | Educator | Storyteller | Writer
Qwustenuxun is a passionate Indigenous Foods educator who spent his youth immersed in Salish culture. After graduating from culinary arts he spent over a decade working in restaurants before moving back home to Quw’utsun to take the role of Elder’s Kitchen Manager. Now, after more than 13 years of cooking for his elders, Qwustenuxun works as an Indigenous foods educator, writer, and consultant for various universities, ministries and health authorities. Most recently Qwustenuxun won several Canadian Online Publishing Awards, gave a TEDX talk on the power of Indigenous Foods, and presented at the UN World Food Forum in Rome. When he is not working on furthering Indigenous food sovereignty Qwustenuxun spends much of his time with his wife and children on their small hobby farm in Quw’utsun.
JENN SMITH
Tlowitsis First Nation
Standing Together in Strength Consulting
Cultural Safety and Humility | Reconciliation Educator
Jenn Smith is from the Tlowitsis Nation (pronounced “tlow-eet-sees”). With a Master’s in Health Leadership and over 25 years of community-based experience, she possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the areas of Indigenous Cultural Safety and Reconciliation. For the past decade, Jenn has been a leader in delivering Cultural Safety education to a wide range of audiences throughout BC. She firmly believes that understanding BC's shared colonial history and its significant impact on First Nations people is the crucial first step in anyone's cultural safety journey. An Indigenous thought leader, change agent, cycle-breaker and a proud grandmother of five, Jenn is dedicated to fostering safe spaces for learning and dialogue that emphasize truth-telling, Cultural Safety, and Reconciliation. She draws on traditional oral histories and wisdom that have been passed down by ancestors and mentors over generations. Jenn is committed to driving progress in Truth and Reconciliation, ensuring a positive legacy for future generations. Through her compelling storytelling approach, she effectively engages her audience, connecting powerfully with both hearts and minds. Consulting services include (not limited to): - Lunch and learns - Multi-part Webinars - In-person sessions Gilakas’la!
CARMEN GEORGE
Tsulotsulwut
Penelakut Tribe
Community Oral Health Program Coordinator
Cultural Mentor
Carmen George Tsulotsulwut) from the Penelakut Tribe, serves as a Cultural Mentor for Culturally Committed. With her extensive background as a Community Oral Health Program Coordinator, Carmen is dedicated to guiding and supporting individuals in their journey toward cultural safety and understanding. Her mentorship is deeply rooted in her heritage and commitment to community health, making her an invaluable resource for those seeking to learn and grow within the Culturally Committed community.
LEN PIERRE
piliqʷələq
Katzie First Nation
Len Pierre Consulting
Educator | Social Activist
| Traditional Knowledge Keeper
Len Pierre is Coast Salish from Katzie (kate-zee) First Nation. Len is an educator, consultant, TEDx Speaker, social activist, traditional knowledge keeper, and cultural practitioner. He has completed his Master of Education degree from Simon Fraser University focusing on curriculum and instructional design. His experience includes Indigenous education and program leadership from various health organizations, including the First Nations Health Authority, Fraser Health Authority, and the Canadian Centre for Mental Health and Addiction. As an agent for change, Len leads and advises for systemic transformation in universities across North America. He specializes in the development of educational programs and services with decolonization and reconciliation as its core values. He comes to us with an open heart and open mind, and hopes to be received in the same way.
CANDICE GEORGE
E:enthu Wushqtunaat Sh-wunituma-lh
Stz'uminus First Nation
Kwthunu sta'lus Smaalthun Sh-wunituma-lh sne' Thomas George Jr tuni' 'utl Xeláltxw Kwthunu me'n Wushq Sh-wunituma-lh sne' Jerry Harris tuni' 'utl thuq'min 'i Stz’uminus First Nation Lhunu te'n Wiiaat tuni' 'utl kwumluqwuthun 'i Stz’uminus First Nation. Candice is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Education with a focus on Indigenous Language Revitalization through Stz’uminus Education and the University of Victoria.
KALILA GEORGE-WILSON
Tsleil-waututh Nation
Kalila George-Wilson is a member of the Tsleil-waututh Nation. Former BCAFN Female Youth Representative. Currently a Language and Culture Consultant. She has been working and learning to speak and teach the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and hul’q’umi’num languages. She also can understand all three halkomelem dialects, hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, hul’q’umi’num and halq’eméylem. She has travelled to New Zealand and taught at a Te Kura Kaupapa Māori an immersion school, where she learned te reo Māori immersion style and taught those students the three dialects of halkomelem. She also hopes one day that we can all be multilingual again, speaking all of our traditional dialects one day. Keeping our traditional ways going and strong, teaching those who are willing to understand the xwelmexw ways and laws of the old people is what is important to her work and in all aspects of her life.
REBECCA HARRIS
Mentor Coordinator and Administrative Support
Rebecca Harris is of mixed settler ancestry mainly English, Scottish, and French. She was raised all over BC and has lived on the traditional unceded territories of the Tsleil-Waututh, Kwantlen, Sto:lo, Syilx, Splats'In, Secwepemc, and Matsqui peoples. She now lives, works and plays on Stz'uminus First Nation, the home community of her husband George Harris Jr. (Wholwolet’za) Rebecca's role with Culturally Committed started as a small behind the scenes venture that quickly spiraled into a much larger adventure. She looks forward to more of that adventure in the future. Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys reading, crocheting, and gardening. She is the proud plant mom to over 20 houseplants much to her husbands dismay.
ABOUT
KIM TROTTIER
CULTURALLY COMMITTED FOUNDER AND FACILITATOR
Kim Trottier (Settler - England, Ireland, Germany) graduated from the National School of Dental Therapy at the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (now First Nations University of Canada) in 2001 and has experience in both private practice and public health settings. Since 2014, she has dedicated her career to working exclusively with Indigenous Peoples in some of the most remote areas of British Columbia. Through this work, she has been privileged to receive invaluable guidance and mentorship from the patients, community members, and colleagues she interacts with. Recognizing the transformative potential of fostering relationships between non-Indigenous people and Indigenous Mentors to improve health outcomes and cultural safety, Kim founded Culturally Committed in January 2021. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to engage with both Mentors and Community Members who support and enrich this work.
GET INVOLVED
BECOME A MEMBER
Culturally Committed offers membership programs that supports both professionals and allies in advancing cultural safety and reconciliation. This program empowers providers working with Indigenous clients to enhance their practice, while also offering allies the opportunity to learn and actively participate in reconciliation efforts. By joining, members can showcase their commitment to creating safer, more inclusive environments.
ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERSHIP
The Organizational Membership is for those ready to embrace the journey of cultural safety with humility and respect. Through active listening, heartfelt learning, and practical application, members receive the tools and resources needed to foster respectful relationships and enhance the cultural safety of their organization.
INTRO TO CULTURAL SAFETY COURSE
The Intro to Cultural Safety course is a self-paced, three-part learning series that delves into the impacts of colonization through powerful storytelling. It blends historical context with personal and familial experiences, offering rare insights into the lived effects of colonization. Join us for an inspiring journey towards deeper understanding and meaningful action.
WORKSHOPS
Our monthly workshops feature guest speakers who are experts in cultural safety and humility, providing valuable insights and practical guidance. Each session is designed to deepen your understanding and equip you with the tools needed to contribute to safer, more inclusive environments. While these workshops are included in the membership, they are also available separately for those who want to explore our offerings before becoming a member.
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTABILITY
Culturally Committed operates as an incorporation, not a nonprofit, because we believe in a community-driven model that prioritizes sustainment and long-term impact. As a diverse group of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, we are united by our shared responsibility to uphold Cultural Safety and Humility. By investing in our work, our community help us uphold these values while ensuring Indigenous Mentors are not only fairly compensated but fully respected and valued for their deep expertise.
If we were structured as a nonprofit, we would be eligible to pursue grants intended for this work, however, we do not want to compete for resources that are critical to other indigenous organizations and communities. Our model allows us to sustain ourselves through community investment, ensuring that funding for BIPOC-led initiatives remains untouched and that we can focus on partnerships that honor and elevate Indigenous voices and the important work of reconciliation -working together as one heart, one mind.
This approach fosters accountability, collaboration, and trust, enabling us to work alongside Indigenous communities in ways that amplify their leadership and drive real, lasting change. Together, we’re committed to advancing reconciliation, fostering understanding, and creating a future where Indigenous knowledge and leadership are at the forefront of meaningful transformation.