Mentors | Culturally Committed

Culturally Committed Mentors

Wholwolet’za

Stz'uminus First Nation

She'ey'tun Coordinator

George Harris Jr.

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 people 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 strives to live and work in such a way that honours his Ancestors.

Dan Elliott

From Stz'uminus First Nation

Artist, Cultural Worker, and 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.

Ethel Henry

Lachwiltach First Nation
Registered Dental Hygienist
Owner of Care Dental Hygiene

Ethel Henry is a registered dental hygienist who was born into the Laichwiltach People of Campbell River on Vancouver Island. Ethel is proud of her grandparents persistence in passing forward the cultural practices of their Ancestors, as they were raised at a time when being active in those practices was illegal. She is a mother to 5 wonderful children and grandmother to 4, and loves to continuing sharing cultural teachings and practices with them. Ethel has been a dental hygienist for 26 years, and is the owner of Care Dental Hygiene in Campbell River.

Consulting Mentors

Thomas George Jr.

Smulthun

Halalt First Nation

Thomas George Jr. of Halalt First Nation is a Cultural Support Worker for Malahat First Nations, and has been working for Malahat for a year running the Sweat Lodge. Before starting with Malahat, Thomas spent 2 years with Tsow Tun Lelum on the Cultural Support Team. He has worked as a Child & Youth Support Worker for ten years. Thomas started helping hs dad when he was 17, doing our Coast Salish Cultural Work, and feels deeply connected to his cultural teachings. He is very proud to share his traditional name with his father, and strives to live and work in such a humble way that honours his Ancestors, and continues to teach the teachings that have been taught to him. Huy tseep qu (thank you all).

Beau Wagner

Coast Salish | Ojibwa Cree | Irish

Coast Salish Artist, Traditional Dugout Canoe Carver, and owner of Beau's Boats

Beau Wagner is an artist and woodworker, and specializes in Coast Salish dugout canoes, masks, and bentwood boxes.Beau's paternal grandmother was a residential school survivor, and the trauma and shame she endured caused her to fear her culture and conceal her Indigeneity from her family and children. Beau has been actively seeking reconnection, and knows that his roots lie in Coast Salish and Ojibwa Cree territories. Beau loves supporting others in learning about culture through facilitated workshops, and is the founder of Beau's Boats, where he offers hands on learning in Indigenous arts.