Education Department
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Education Committee
The Education Committee will assist in evaluation of funding applications and recommend the course of action related to important policy matters such as tuition review for specialty courses, etc. As set out in this policy, complete the annual performance assessment of the funded students participate in the appeal process as per policy. Assist and recommend necessary amendments to the policy and procedure and any other relevant duties as requested by Council. Please note that our student committee member has no voting power.
Education Committee Members
Amber Browne
My name is Amber Browne. As a proud member of Lheidli T’enneh, I have spent my life on my traditional territory, deeply connected to the land and its teachings. I am a dedicated parent to two wonderful children, and I cherish the time I spend with family a
nd friends, nurturing our connections and celebrating our culture since 2007, I have worked in the helping and educational fields, passionately committed to supporting student success and fostering a strong sense of belonging in our schools. I hold a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in education counseling, which have equipped me with the skills to advocate for our children, youth, and families. I strive to infuse Indigenous ways of knowing and doing into all aspects of my life, both personally and professionally. My work is driven by a deep desire to help others and to be an active participant in the
collective movement toward decolonizing our educational system. I believe in navigating the space between two worldviews, ensuring that our students feel valued and empowered in their educational journeys.
I am honored to serve on the Educational Committee for Lheidli T’enneh, where I can contribute to meaningful change and support the next generation in walking proudly in the footsteps of our ancestors.
My name is Jamie Holden, and I am a registered member of the Lheidli T’enneh Nation living in Surrey, BC. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology (minor in Sociology) from Simon Fraser University and a Paralegal Diploma from Capilano University.
While I have worked as a paralegal for most of my career, I have also taught at Sprott Shaw Community College and Law Courts Centre. My husband and I are passionate about education and have instilled in our three children the importance of learning.
Our eldest daughter is a lawyer working in Aboriginal law and currently pursuing a Master of Laws degree in Indigenous and Aboriginal tax law. Our son is pursuing a degree in kinesiology and our youngest daughter is preparing to enroll in a Veterinary Technology program.
I believe education evokes growth and opportunity and is often the very starting point of fundamental change. I am honored and humbled to be a member of our Nation’s Education Committee.
Jamie Holden
Jennifer Scott
Jennifer Scott, a settler raised on Lheidli T’enneh territory, recognizes that her presence on this territory is part of a complex history of colonization, a legacy that has often ignored, erased, or minimized Indigenous rights, cultures, and knowledge. As a first-generation college and university student, Jennifer began her career as a dental hygienist (Bachelors in Dental Science), where she developed a strong commitment to cultural humility and providing culturally safe care. She later transitioned from dental practices to academia, joining the College of New Caledonia (CNC) to help shape future dental hygienists into culturally safe practitioners. Jennifer completed a Master’s degree in Education with a thesis that focused on Indigenization of health sciences programs. Jennifer’s desire to influence broader change led her to take on the role of Associate Dean in Diagnostics and Allied Health at CNC. She is currently serving as the Acting Dean for the School of Health Sciences, where she continues to foster an environment of cultural awareness and inclusive care.
My name is Laura Young, I am pleased to be joining the Education Committee for Lheidli T’enneh. Some of you may know me as the daughter of Robert and Susan Bird, and granddaughter to Frank Bird. I am happily married to my husband Guy, and we have two wonderful children, Trinity and Adam. I completed my bachelor’s degree from UNBC in 2003 after which I worked for the federal government and managed our family-owned business for many years. In 2020, I was looking for a change and began working for Lheidli T’enneh in the Education Department. During my time there, I learned a lot and my interest in education grew.
I now work for School District 57. I have worked in both Elementary and Secondary Schools, as well as in the Indigenous Education Department. I look forward to using my knowledge and experience to help make a positive impact on Lheidli T’enneh students.
Laura Young
Keilani Rose
Keilani Rose – Student Member is a proud member of the Lheidli T’enneh Nation, great-granddaughter of Captain Owen Forrester Browne, and descendent of Granny Seymour – The Matriarch of the North. Rose is an honours student and Ambassador for the Northern Promise Partnership initiative at UNBC, deeply committed to cultural revitalization and Indigenous education reclamation. They have been awarded ongoing scholarships in the First Peoples’ Cultural Council’s Youth Empowered Speakers Program, fostering language preservation and knowledge sharing. As an Indigenous Research Ambassador (UNBC), Keilani contributes to bridging academic research with community representation and perspective.
Their dedication to supporting Elders and uplifting traditional knowledge is evident in their role as an LTFN Elders Support Volunteer along with their participation on the LTFN Language Committee.
Additionally, Keilani is engaged in Indigenous Cultural Safety& Ethics, advocating for respectful and inclusive practices within various professional and educational spaces. Their efforts in securing resources for community projects are highlighted through their work in funding proposals and fundraising initiatives. As a leader in the LheidliToo Water Campaign, Keilani is committed to protecting and advocating for water rights. In their capacity as the President of the Indigenous Arts Council, they champion the Dakelh lifeway of arts and cultural expression, ensuring that Indigenous voices, stories, and creativity are shared, supported, and celebrated. Rose stars as Miigwan in the CRAVE series Shoresy, bringing Lheidli representation to international screens. Founder of Two Rivers & a Rose Filmworks, she champions Indigenous justice and narrative sovereignty. A survivor of gun violence, Rose was attacked and shot outside her apartment in Hollywood, CA. She took a bullet straight through the chest. Today, she continues to transform trauma into resilience through her art. Rose is led by the teachings of the converging Rivers. Themes of duality and balance guide her community work that flows alongside her creativity.
Department Staff
Chelsey Hardy
Education Manager
Chelsey Hardy Sa hutni, is the Education Manager at Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to her role.
Since joining the team, Chelsey has focused on building meaningful relationships with membership, knowledge holders, and Elders, while prioritizing the educational needs of the community. Chelsey holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Care and Education from Capilano University, complemented by an Early Childhood Education Diploma from Douglas Community College. With licenses in Early Childhood, Special Needs, and Infant/Toddler Education, she possesses a comprehensive skill set tailored for educational leadership. Chelsey’s career journey is marked by her commitment to early childhood education and community development. Her roles have ranged from Infant Toddler Educator positions to managerial responsibilities.
As the Education Manager, Chelsey plays a pivotal role in supporting members seeking further education through post-secondary institutions. To serve and protect the interests of the students and parents. Work within established policies and procedures for funding considerations. To develop and implement holistic education programs. To strive for family and/or parental involvement; to ensure their full understanding of what is taking place and where concerns arise, to ensure full open consultation. To look at language preservation and cultural integration into the education department’s work priorities and program logic models. Chelsey Hardy’s leadership as Education Manager at Lheidli T’enneh First Nation exemplifies her dedication to educational excellence, cultural preservation, and community engagement.
Hadih, my name is Beverly Tiljoe, Gilseyhu (Big Frog) from Witset First Nation.
As the Education Assistant, my role is to support your child through the provincial education system (K – 12). I play a crucial role in supporting their educational programs and initiatives, ensuring a seamless experience for our students. My direct role works in conjunction with the Education Manager. I bring a wealth of experience of 20 + years as an Aboriginal Community Support Worker, Education worker and Employment Coach. I was also instrumental as an instructor for CNC, Canadian Vocational Training Centre, job coach with Kopar Administration and Life skills worker for Carrier Sekani Family Services.
I completed my Life Skills Facilitator and Coach Diploma from College of Edmonton, Employment and Business – Teacher Education in Prince George, Indigenous studies and Psychology Certificate from Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, Human Resource Worker from Northwest Community College.
I look forward to providing educational services on behalf of your child and all families of the Lheidli T’enneh Nation.
