About the Author

Elaine is from the Syilx (Okanagan) Nation and Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation and is a member of the Penticton Indian Band. Elaine was raised by her grandmother who spoke only the nsyilxcen language. It is this foundation that shaped her world view and the importance of connection and relationships. In 2008 she led a four-year process in her community to create their Comprehensive Community Plan for the Penticton Indian Band. The PIB CCP gained national recognition and as a result has been invited to speak about their process in other communities across Canada. Elaine has worked for Provincial and Federal governments as both employee and contractor for the past 20 years and has extensive experience in designing inclusive processes that can mediate and bring together opposing perspectives and varying experiences. She has worked as a political advisor to British Columbia leadership, Chief of Staff to the BC Assembly of Chiefs Regional Chief and served a three-year term as the Union of BC Indian Chief's Women's Representative. She is an advocate for women and girls, facilitator of healing circles and mediator for highly sensitive issues that occur as a result of multigenerational trauma. Elaine has spent over 20 years in over 100 communities across Canada to promote healing and wellness. She is a partner of an Indigenous owned and operated planning company called Alderhill Planning Inc., along with Chris Derickson and Jessie Hemphill who are all leading experts in Indigenous community planning.