Candidate for Chief
Gitwangak 2021
What do I bring to the table?
My heart is always home. I bring a diverse set of experience, leadership and education paired second only to my commitment to leverage these skills in service to our council and community. I have earned my Masters of Buisness Administration (MBA) at Dalhousie University. This education supported my progressive senior leadership roles through 21 years in the finance and banking industries. I have sound and practical experience in leading, developing and supporting programs for national, international, and indigenous organizations through complex and difficult planning and negotiations. My consensus building leadership style will align our aspirational goals and long term strategies beyond being beholden to government funding.
But, Who am I really?
I am honoured to carry the name xsmaxmagayxws given to me by the late Joan Ryan. I am a proud and participating gisgaast member of Wilps Hannamuuxw and under the guidance of Niistx of our bloodline. My mother Deana Camsell is the youngest daughter of the late Dora (Sigidm hanaak’ Gwa’amaats) and Gordon (Sim’oogit Malii) Johnson. My great grandparents were Fred and Maggie Johnson and Marth and Pawl Benson. I carry the important lessons learned in the feast hall as my foundation and value set. My childhood summers spent with my grandparents and working at the Petro or out in the cannery have continued into my adult years. I have been privileged to have the opportunity to continue these extended weeks and months in the village I call home.