Professional Experience
QQS PROJECTS SOCIETY
Executive Director, 2019-present
Jess was appointed Interim Executive Director in 2019 and formally accepted the role of Executive Director in 2020. They are proud to support Qqs’ transformational community projects which uplift Heiltsuk youth and families.
Prior to taking on the role of Executive Director, Jess was responsible for telling the story of Qqs through its communications channels and fundraising program. This included digital, print, and in-person engagement, and a blend of grant writing and donor relations. Jess filled this role for more than 15 years before stepping into their administrative leadership role.
Right Relations Collaborative
Co-Lead
The Right Relations Collaborative is a shared space for Indigenous leaders and funder partners who recognize the inequities, harms, and volatile future that is manifesting from our current disconnected and extractive financial system.
Through honest collaboration guided by Indigenous leaders, the Collaborative breaks down silos and barriers, increases the flow of funding into community-rooted work, and nurtures healthy relationships that support the restored and regenerative future we all envision.
Jess is proud to co-lead this space with Kim Hardy under the guidance of the Council of Aunties.
Coastal Foodways
Lead
Coastal Foodways is a support hub for Central Coast community champions who are building food systems resiliency in the places where they live and thrive.
Jess is proud to support the organization’s goal to break down the systemic barriers to food security, starting by creating resources and building capacity that make sense for our bioregion and cultural systems.
BOARD & COMMITTEE WORK
Jess is not presently serving on any boards or committees as they focus on building out their own organizations and tending to their family’s needs.
Past Board Roles
Governing Circle Member, THE CIRCLE ON PHILANTHROPY
Board Member, DOGWOOD INITIATIVE
Advisor, LEVEL PROGRAM, VANCOUVER FOUNDATION
Board Member, NATURE UNITED
Board Member, PACIFIC INSTITUTE FOR
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
Advisor, RESILIENT INDIGENOUS LEADERS NETWORK
Advisor, SMALL CHANGE FUND
Board Member, WEST COAST ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
Past Political Roles
From 2012-2021, Jess served as an elected representative on Heiltsuk Tribal Council. They acknowledge that tribal councils are inherently colonial institutions; they believed at the time that they could foster change from within.
With the benefit of hindsight, they recognize that upholding colonial institutions is a form of upholding white supremacy and runs counter to the expression of authentic Heiltsuk sovereignty.
When you know better, you do better; this is part of Jess’ personal learning journey.
UVIC GEOGRAPHY 453
Indigenous Resource Management
The Indigenous Knowledge, Science & Resource Management Field School (a.k.a. the "University of Koeye") is based in the remote Koeye River Watershed.
This field school connects students with Heiltsuk and Western scientists to learn about the intersections and divergences of these knowledge systems and their role in implementing stewardship priorities. Notably, all coursework must have applied use for land-based Heiltsuk youth or stewardship programs.
This University of Koeye has been in operation since 2013. Jess is proud to design and deliver this field school alongside their w̓aq̓vá du m̓áyáɫa Dr. Chris Darimont of Raincoast and the ACS Lab at UVic.