Meet the Team
Michelle George
Michelle George is from the Squamish Nation. She has a Master's in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and over 27 years of experience in executive management working for urban Aboriginal Organizations and First Nations Communities, including leadership roles at Squamish Nation, Tseil Waututh Nation and Kwikwetlem First Nation. She leads with her cultural values.
Over the years, Michelle has volunteered on many boards, including the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network, Healing Our Spirit & Red Road HIV/AIDS Network. Michelle brings a strong ability to advocate with all levels of government in leveraging resources and building partnerships. Michelle George was a member of the Ministerial Council for HIV/AIDS for 12 years, informing the Federal Minister of Health on HIV/AIDS policy and direction. Michelle has led Indigenous non-profit organizations for over two decades as a senior leader or board member.
One of Michelle George's philosophies is, "The power for change is with the people," and “We are stronger together.” These beliefs are vital in leading change. On a more personal note, Michelle George is a Coast Salish Weaver who has had a piece displayed in an exhibit at the Portland Museum and commissioned pieces for private buyers. She enjoys teaching her family to weave when asked. Michelle strongly supports Traditional War Canoe racing and manages a family canoe club.
Michelle (Ta7talíya) Nahanee
Michelle Ta7talíya Nahanee is also from Squamish Nation. She grew up in the village of Eslha7an. Ta7talíya’s collaborations have influenced opinions, changed behaviours and mobilized community action. Her approach earned her the 2019 City of Vancouver Award of Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion. She is also a 2023 Dialogue Associate with the Simon Fraser University Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue. She is the author and designer of two decolonial workbooks, two decolonial board games, and many impactful workshops and seminars. Her clients include Vancity Credit Union, the City of Vancouver, the City of Coquitlam, North Vancouver Public Library, Metro Vancouver Regional District, Arts BC and many other organizations that have committed to activating decolonizing practices.
As a decolonial creative educator with over 30 years of experience in social change through communication and design, Ta7talíya endeavours to make learning accessible and applicable. She focuses on creating space to develop a shared language, learn how to criticize systems instead of people and visualize success outside of dominant culture conditioning.
Ta7talíya holds a Master of Arts in Communication from Simon Fraser University, where she wrote a thesis on decolonizing identity. She is continuing her education with a PhD in Education, where she focuses on organizational transformation through indigenization. She is excited and proud to co-found St'elxwets' Consulting to serve Indigenous-led organizations.