Hello – My name is Edna Irene Jack. I was born and raised in Stz’uminus First Nation (Ladysmith, B.C.), and was raised within the Tsartlip First Nation (West Saanich, B.C.) as well. Both Nations have shaped me into who I am today.
I have learned from knowledgeable elders and leaders within both Nations and hold their teachings dearly. These teachings have taught me that we are connected to everything – and this includes the lands and waters that GSA is committed to caring for.
My late great grandparents lived off the lands and waters and taught the importance of keeping these safe for the future. My late great grandfather filled his land with fruits and vegetables. We would work as a team to pick berries, make jams, and jar fish. Today, I cherish time with my grandmother, who I visit when I can in between work and school. She’s teaching me the culture that was nearly stolen, and it is my learning journey for a lifetime. I am truly thankful for my family for raising me and teaching me through stories. These stories contain science to care for the future of lands and waters that have been passed down from generation to generation since time immemorial.
The science and preservation processes that Nations have known for centuries continue to amaze me. Learning and sharing what is important for the future of our Nations is what drives me and I cannot thank the Nations enough for the gifts of knowledge they have provided me with.
At Georgia Strait Alliance, I have been the Operations Coordinator since August 2021 and I am proud to be supporting GSA in the wonderful work it has done and continues to do. I come with a mixture of work experience which includes customer service, youth work, and public administration in all levels of government and an educational background in business administration, and accounting and payroll administration. I look forward to applying my skills and knowledge in support of GSA’s objectives and goals.
Huy’ceep’qa
(Thank You)