Hekwa’gila’ogwa, has been immersed in the lessons and traditional ways of being of the Kwakwaka'wakw people since birth, and it has shaped who she is. With that foundation, she has done cultural exchanges throughout Turtle Island and the world.

She has been on her healing journey since 1987 and has combined her lived experience with education, as well as formal western schooling, in the spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional well-being of people, families, and communities. She prides herself in holding safe space for people to learn, heal, grow and move forward in new ways — so that all of us can create a better world for the next generations — all together.

Experiencing racism and inequality was dehumanising. But having experienced first hand how empowering connection is, has driven her passion to learn about and share that knowledge of Lateral Kindness, Cultural Safety and Reconciliation.

After nine years helping Reconciliation Canada with their Community Engagement strategies and delivery, Shelley is excited to deepen the understanding of NAMWAYUT through L2K.