Learning Hub

(250) 847-5211

Email: project.coordinator@dzelkant.com

Liz has been with Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre since 2021. She is a first-generation settler of Scottish and Welsh heritage (MacPherson Wild Cat clan). Liz has a Masters in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University, and has specific expertise in teaching adult literacy, developing and delivering Essential Skills curriculum; she also has a Bachelors in Developmental Psychology.

Tracing her socialist and emancipatory roots to her Celtic heritage, she is an advocate for students and dedicated to promoting accessible educational opportunities that lead to greater justice for all. Liz has specialized in Indigenous community-based education since moving to B.C. in 2010; acknowledging with gratitude the `Namgis, Kwakiutl, Tsimshian, Nisga’a, Stellat’en, Nak’azdli, Haisla, Pacheedaht, Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en peoples for their generosity and patience in supporting her learning and growth as an educator and a person

In her role as the Project Coordinator of the Dze L K’ant Learning Hub, Liz liaises with high schools, post-secondary institutions, as well as public and private training providers to support culturally safe access for Indigenous learners. She identifies and explores funding opportunities, and engages with community organizations and stakeholders to develop community capacity and build internal organizational capacity that extends Friendship Centre capacity and initiatives.

Kimberly joined the Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Society team as its Catapult Youth Program Coordinator in September, 2022!

A member of the Nisga’a Nation, wilps Axx Dii Wii Luu Gooda (Frog/Raven Clans), family is extremely important to Kimberly! A proud mother to five and Jiji (grandmother) to four, Kimberly’s children and grandchildren are her inspiration in life!

Living life with an abundance of family is everything,” says Kimberly, “Once you have those connections—biological or chosen family; relationships and bonds established over years and shared experiences—these are to be treasured, and are fulfilling to reflect upon!

Kimberly has been on a personal healing journey since 2011. Recently, Kimberly earned her diploma as an Addictions and Community Service Worker through CDI College. In the spring of 2023, she will be furthering her education, working towards a diploma in Counselling Therapy through Stenberg College. Her end goal is to develop a program for at-risk Indigenous Youth, helping guide them towards learning, adapting to, and maintaining healthy lifestyles.

In her spare time, you will find Kimberly outdoors, taking in the beauty of the Bulkley Valley: walking, hiking, biking, and swimming. She also loves being on the water, participating with her Gathering Strength Canoe Journey family every summer since 2011!

The Catapult Youth Program Coordinator plans and organizes virtual and in-person group workshops for Indigenous youth, aged 13-29, through local Indigenous community members and knowledge-holders, as well as Provincial educational institutions and training organizations.

Youth Moving Forward is a community development project that aims to support Indigenous youth to articulate and achieve their goals through formal and informal learning, using a culturally safe, holistic model, promoting resilience and purpose.

(250) 847-5211
community.cook@dzelkant.com

A member of the Lake Babine Nation, Debbie Dominic joined the team at the Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Society in September, 2022. Among her talents, Debbie brings many years of experience in food preparation and service in Indigenous communities, as well as in commercial settings.

In the past, Debbie has worked in the residential care department of Hazelton’s Wrinch Memorial Hospital; she holds certifications as both a Health Care Assistant and Home Support Worker. At times, she has also provided childcare for children of all ages, and classroom support for students ranging from kindergarten to grade 12.
Caring for and mentoring others is in her nature and are Debbie’s professional areas of expertise!

As a mother and grandmother, Debbie treasures spending time with her family, as well as in her garden at home—a source of joy and relaxation for her. She also loves fishing, ensuring that she takes time to pass on traditional fish smoking techniques to family members and community youth!

Through the Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund, a community development project is supporting urban Indigenous members experiencing food insecurity.

Our Community Cook makes use of locally sourced produce whenever possible, and prepares a weekly hot lunch at the Dze L K’ant Friendship Society Community Centre hall, located at 3955 3rd Avenue in Smithers.

In collaboration with other Learning Hub programs, this project also creates opportunities for Indigenous youth to gain expertise in cooking, food preparation, and service to the community through supervised experiential learning in a physically, culturally, and emotionally safe, supported environment.