Sdahl Ḵ’awaas, Lucy Bell, PhD (ABD)

Watchmen, Skyáanaala’áaylang, stand atop Haida poles, watching for visitors and for danger. Lucy Bell, Sdahl Ḵ’awaas, has served as a Watchman in the museum world, advocating for reconciliation, repatriation, and anti-racism. As a founding member of the Haida Repatriation Committee, she has spent nearly 30 years helping return over 500 ancestral remains to Haida Gwaii, guided by Yahgudang (Respect), and reconnecting the Haida with their 12,000 belongings in global museums. 
 
As the inaugural Head of Indigenous Collections and Repatriation at the Royal BC Museum (RBCM), Lucy advanced reconciliation, co-authored the Indigenous Repatriation Handbook, and pushed for systemic change despite facing institutional racism. Her public resignation led to a year-long investigation and significant changes in the museum sector. She received the Sterling Prize for Controversy for speaking out against racism. Lucy will soon host a Haida Tla Yahda (Making it right) ceremony with the RBCM for closure, and to receive an apology in a Haida way. 
 
Lucy continues to speak out for reconciliation and justice in the heritage field, advising the BC Museums Association, and the Canadian Museums Association. Her co-authored From Stealing to Healing Report on repatriation costs and benefits for First Peoples’ Cultural Council is a first of its kind in Canada.  
 
Lucy is passionate about protecting and supporting her daughter and other upcoming museologists. She co-created a UVic course on decolonizing museums and co-founded Indigenous Museum Cousins. Her forthcoming dissertation will show how the Haida reconcile and work with museums. 

Corporal (Retired) Chris Gosselin M.O.M.

Corporal (Retired) Chris Gosselin, M.O.M., whose traditional name is Makadewaa Makwa (“that comes from the black bear people”), is a band member of Tootinaowaziibeeng, a reserve in Manitoba. Chris served over 23 years with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in BC, building strong relationships between Indigenous communities, RCMP and provincial and federal government agencies. In 2010, Chris was recognized nationally with Order of Merit for Police Award in Ottawa by the Governor General of Canada. 
 
Of Ojibwe and Métis descent, Chris became known for his diplomatic approach to improving tripartite policing agreement with Stó:lō communities. His work centered on reconciliation, cultural sensitivity, and ensuring Indigenous voices were respected within the justice system. 
 
Chris championed cultural education within the RCMP, training officers on Indigenous traditions and advocating for tailored policing services. Noticing gaps in Community Tri-Partite Agreements, he helped to establish the Urban Indigenous Liaison position and formed a specialized unit focused on cultural sensitivity. His leadership culminated in the signing of the Community Safety Agreement in 2021, for 14 Indigenous communities without a policing agreement, solidifying the RCMP’s commitment to culturally responsive policing. Chris’ dedication to fostering trust and mutual respect leaves a lasting legacy in community-focused policing. On October 19, 2022, the Stó:lō Tribal Council communities honoured Chris upon his retirement with being adopted and covered with an ancestral name, Qelets’telts (protector of the people). 

Gloria Morgan

Gloria Morgan, a survivor of St. Eugene’s Indian Residential School and the 60s Scoop, exemplifies resilience and leadership in her lifelong commitment to reconciliation. After serving as an RCMP officer for 11 years, she transitioned to law in 1994. Gloria practiced until 2001, when she was elected Chief of the Splatsin First Nation, serving two terms. Her dedication to justice extended to her role as a Federal Adjudicator for the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada, supporting survivors across the country.

Gloria has contributed to numerous boards, including Tsm7aksaltn Teaching Center and Okanagan College, where she championed Indigenous curriculum development and ensured that Indigenization and Reconciliation worked hand in hand. As an advocate for education and cultural preservation, she has promoted fundraising for Indigenous students and taught Secwepemc Youth Language and Cultural Arts classes. Currently a board member of the Provincial Health Services Authority, Gloria remains a force for reconciliation, bridging cultural divides through her work with the Enderby and District Arts Council and community events. 

Qwelmínte Secwépemc

Qwelmínte Secwépemc is a collective of leadership and technical experts from eight Secwépemc communities, working in partnership with four BC government ministries to advance reconciliation and foster shared governance. Formed in 2019 through a Government-to-Government Letter of Commitment (LoC), the partnership enhances Indigenous law and land management capacity, while ensuring Secwépemc people play a central role in regional economic development, and Governance. 

In 2022, the Sku7pecen’s Journey LoC reinforced this collaboration with multi-year funding, resulting in the Joint Intentions Paper (JIP) that outlines a strategic path forward. Embracing the “Walking on Two Legs” philosophy, the collective integrates both Western and Secwépemc knowledge in governance. 

Qwelmínte Secwépemc’s work spans forestry, water, wildlife, and energy. Its recent successes include successful co-development of Forest Biodiversity Principles with BC as a precursory step to its Forest Landscape Plan work, and Collaborative Stewardship Forum. The Qwelmínte Secwépemc Office (QSO) staff have also contributed to the drafting and creation of the Together for Wildlife Strategy and advises its implementation. QSO staff and interns’ contributions to this work includes co-development of innovative ways for the Province to approach reconciliation at a strategic scale in an inclusive fashion by drafting an approach to non-Statutory Shared Decision-Making and collaborating on a principled approach to reconciliation through a potential wildlife act review. The #TeamSkú7pecen Knowledge Builders Program ensures future generations continue this work by providing interns with hands-on education in reconciliation work, including a Summer Speaker Series that connects interns with Elders, fostering cultural healing, learning, and leadership. 

Phyllis Webstad

Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) author and activist, is a leading voice in raising awareness of the painful legacy of Indian Residential Schools. A member of the Stswecem’c Xgat’ First Nation, Phyllis is a founding member of the Orange Shirt Society, dedicated to educating the public about the lasting trauma of these institutions and honouring survivors and their families. Her activism began in 2013 when she shared her own residential school experience, which inspired the creation of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

Phyllis is also a member of the Survivors Circle, supporting fellow survivors and promoting healing. Through her books, The Orange Shirt Story and Every Child Matters, and the film Returning Home, she amplifies the call for reconciliation. Phyllis’s advocacy ensures that the history of residential schools is remembered, transforming trauma into education and hope for future generations.
 

Usma Nuu-chah-nulth Family and Child Services, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council

Usma Nuu-chah-nulth Family and Child Services (Usma), part of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, is an Indigenous Child and Family Services Agency dedicated to the protection and cultural continuity of Nuu-chah-nulth children. “Usma,” meaning “precious one,” reflects the agency’s mission to ensure the safety and well-being of children while preserving their cultural identity. 
 
Central to Usma’s approach is the Nuu-chah-nulth Haahupa Program, brought to the agency by Elder Geraldine Edgar-Tom, which combines traditional teachings with modern education to support healing and cultural resilience. “Haahupa,” meaning “teaching in a loving way,” offers initiatives such as the Chaputs Program in collaboration with local School District 70-Pacific Rim, which incorporates traditional food and medicine teachings, and language revitalization. A key element is the “From Residential Schools to Reconciliation” course, educating local service providers about the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools to foster community-wide understanding. 
 
Through its programs, Usma reconnects children with their heritage while building bridges between Nuu-chah-nulth and non-Nuu-chah-nulth communities, advancing reconciliation and cultural preservation. 

Photo credit: Ha-Shilth-Sa Newspaper 

Dr. Eldon Yellowhorn

Dr. Eldon Yellowhorn (Otahkotskina) is an Indigenous engagement leader in archaeology and academia whose trailblazing efforts have paved the way for subsequent generations of Indigenous scholars and students to thrive in these fields. Eldon joined Simon Fraser University (SFU) faculty in 2002 and helped establish the Department of Indigenous Studies in 2012, serving as its inaugural Chair until 2017. As a speaker of the Blackfoot language, Eldon is dedicated to its preservation. He has contributed his voice to narrate animated videos that incorporate Blackfoot for teaching mathematics. Eldon is now exploring the potential of artificial intelligence to create language learning instruments that allow citizen linguists to participate actively in preserving it. His research explores the potential of machine learning to revitalize Blackfoot and ensure that his generation is not the last to speak it.  

Eldon grew up on a farm on the Peigan Indian Reserve, part of the Piikani Nation. His upbringing nurtured his passion for earth sciences while shaping his professional path. His pursuit of knowledge led him on a learning journey culminating in graduate studies at SFU where he became the first Indigenous student to earn a Master of Arts degree in Archaeology in 1993. He completed his Ph.D. in 2002 at McGill University.  

Beyond his role as an educator at SFU, Eldon served as President of the Canadian Archaeological Association (CAA) from 2010 to 2012 as the first Indigenous person to hold this position. His contributions to the Missing Children Project and the Brandon IRS Cemeteries Project have been invaluable in restoring the dignity and reclaiming the identities of Indigenous children who died at residential schools. Eldon’s commitment to promoting reconciliation principles resonates in his involvement with initiatives such as SFU’s First Peoples’ Gathering House planning committee. His advisory role and close collaboration with SFU’s senior executives help shape the university’s reconciliation efforts. Eldon’s ability and willingness to bridge different worlds inspires others to join forces in creating inclusive and welcoming societies and organizations. 

Klith-wii-taa, Dr. Barney Williams

Klith-wii-taa, Dr. Barney Williams, a hereditary leader from the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation of the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation, is renowned for his expertise in Indigenous healing and counselling. Fluent in the Nuu-chah-nulth language, he integrates traditional teachings into his work, particularly in the realm of mental health. Throughout his career, Barney has held notable positions as an executive director and social service administrator, specializing in counselling areas that encompass youth, community prevention, crisis intervention, and addictions. His contributions include the establishment of a ground-breaking counselling program for Indigenous peoples at Vancouver Island University. The program served as a model for the integration of traditional healing knowledge with Western approaches, marking a crucial step towards holistic and culturally responsive care.  

From 2008 to 2015, Barney played a vital role as a member of the Survivor’s Committee for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), offering cultural and spiritual guidance. As a survivor, counsellor, and leader, Barney’s knowledge and personal experiences informed the TRC’s work. As the Elder in Residence, he offered constant support to the TRC staff, and his contributions have been recognized and celebrated by many institutions.In 2017, he received an Honorary Doctorate in Laws from the University of Victoria, acknowledging his exceptional achievements. 

Barney actively encourages personal growth, drawing from his own journey to sobriety. Recognized with the 2022 Courage to Come Back Award, he collaborates closely with First Nations communities, deepening the understanding of addiction and trauma therapy. Barney creates a safe space for survivors to share their stories, preserving the history of residential schools and promoting healing within Indigenous communities. Through reconciliation initiatives, decolonization advocacy, and empowering Indigenous students, Barney embodies Indigenous resilience, inspiring cultural reconnection through community engagement.  

Chief Willie Sellars

Chief Willie Sellars’ leadership embodies integrity, respect, and a commitment to furthering reconciliation. His efforts inspire others to participate in the collective journey of healing and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. A member of the Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) of the Secwepemc Nation, Willie was first elected to WLFN Council in 2008. After serving on WLFN Council for a decade, he was elected as Chief in 2018 and is currently in his second term of office. Both as a WLFN employee and an elected official, Willie advocates for reconciliation, recognizing the need for healing from the impacts of colonialism, residential schools, and the Indian Act 

Willie recognizes that building relationships and partnerships in business creates an avenue for reconciliation. His negotiation of three impact benefit agreements with local mines generated employment opportunities and community revenues used to fund programs for WLFN youth, elders, and vulnerable individuals. As Chief and chief negotiator, Willie concluded the first government-to-government agreement under section 119 of the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act, resulting in the establishment of WLFN’s Unity Cannabis retail chain. WLFN Cannabis enterprises employ more than 50 people, the majority of whom are Indigenous.  

Willie works tirelessly to improve governance in his community transitioning WLFN to sectoral self-government over lands with the implementation of a Land Code under the First Nations Land Management Act and a Financial Administration Law pursuant to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act. The last five years have been transformative for WLFN, with more than $40 million in capital projects and development taking place on WLFN lands during that term. 

Working collaboratively with other orders of government, the public and the Catholic Church, Willie played a key role in the investigation of the former residential school at St. Joseph’s Mission. He recognizes that the revitalization of culture and language is key in addressing the impacts of colonization and residential schools. Willie and his Council have made substantial investments in programs and infrastructure to reconnect the community with Secwepemc (Shuswap) roots using a youth focus. In 2022, WLFN held its first competitive powwow. 

 Willie always strives for the betterment of his people, writing children’s books, dancing in powwows, playing competitive sports, and engaging in various other community initiatives, and promoting unity and mutual respect among all Canadians.