Meet Shezell-Rae Sam, Tsartlip’s New Stewardship Administrative Assistant
Learn more about Shezell-Rae Sam and the work she’ll be doing through the transcript of her interview below.
Interviewer: Can you tell us a bit about who you are and where you’re from?
My name is Shezell-Rae Sam. I am from the Ahousaht First Nation. My children and our family are from the Tsartlip Nation. Therefore, our family follows and believes in W̱SÁNEĆ values and traditions.
Interviewer: Can you tell us a bit about your education and or experience?
I have a degree in Child and Youth Care and am a current master’s student at the University of Victoria. Although my historic professional experience has primarily focused on the mental health field, my long-term goal has always focused on resurgence, restoration, and development of our Indigenous people.
Interviewer: What’s your role within Stewardship?
I am the administrative assistant, for the stewardship department. I will be providing administrative and clerical support to the Stewardship Director and staff.
Interviewer: What kind of impact do you hope to make while you are working here?
I hope to support the process of Stewardship development while working within the values and traditions of W̱SÁNEĆ people. I look forward to being behind the scenes and supporting on the administrative side with the progress of Tsartlip’s protection of lands, waters, and cultural resources.
Interviewer: What do you do when you’re not working?
We are raising our children who are actively engaged in activities and sports. I enjoy baking and creating art and applying it to diverse mediums. We also have two dogs and attend cultural gatherings during the summer and winter.
