Shannon Pelkey
As the Cultural Protocol Liaison for the Office of the Vice-President Indigenous, my role is to assist Margaret, the Director of Culture, Protocol and Community Relations. I will be helping with the Elder/Knowledge Keeper bookings and connecting with some of our local community members for cultural and ceremonial purposes. I take a great deal of pride in our cultural ways of living and helping to care for our SELW̱ÁN, which is why I am very grateful for this opportunity to support Margaret and the OVPI team as a part of my new role.
Biography
ÍY¸ SȻÁĆEL!
My name is Shannon Pelkey and my traditional name is KELSMA, which comes from Kelsmaht, apart of the NUU-CHAH-NULTH territory through my mother. I am a member of SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) First Nation, through my father’s side. I was born and raised on the Saanich peninsula. I reside on the land of W̱SÍ,ḴEM (Tseycum) First Nation with my common-law John, of 18 years and I am a very PROUD mom of 4 beautiful children, 1 son and 3 daughters. My family and I are very culturally involved throughout the year. We strongly believe in carrying on our ancestors’ traditions and practicing our culture with humility and pride.
With my role here with the OVPI, I will do my very best in caring for our SELW̱ÁN and providing the best support to the University with my cultural knowledge and teachings.