We are pleased to introduce the first two members of our new CRSRI team of Nation-based Outreach and Engagement Organizers. We warmly welcome Valerie Michel, Secwépemc Nation, and iitsakitsapoyaki (Carrie Terbasket), Syilx Okanagan Nation. We look forward to a member of the Ktunaxa Nation coming on board shortly.
The CRSRI Nation-based Outreach and Engagement Organizers play important roles in this Indigenous-led Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Initiative, strengthening circles of communication through foundational work within their Nations, collaborating with the CRSRI partners, and raising awareness across non-Indigenous communities.
Valerie Michel
Valerie Michel is a member of the Adams Lake Indian Band from the Secwépemc Nation. Her mother is Patricia Beaulieu (Michel) and her grandfather is the late George Casimir Michel (Georgie Bear). Valerie has a son, Logan Michel, who is currently enrolled in the Canadian Army.
Valerie has held many positions at the Adams Lake Indian Band for the past 20 years. She found her passion working as the Office/Project Manager for the Natural Resources Department and for seven years managing Archaeology, Fisheries, Forestry, Rec Sites, PFRs, which included all the finances for the department.
Valerie wanted to expand her knowledge and experience working with the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, so became the Columbia River Treaty Project Manager and is also a member of the CRSRI Communications Advisory Group for the Secwépemc Nation.
iitsakitsapoyaki (Carrie Terbasket)
way̓ p isnəqsílxʷ naʔɬ islx̌láx̌t
My name is iitsakitsapoyaki (Carrie Terbasket). I’m from the Lower Similkameen Valley, and am part of LSIB and the Okanagan Nation. I currently live in sn̓pin̓tktn̓ (Penticton) with my husband and our three children. My parents are Brenda Terbasket and twi Jim Terbasket; my paternal grandparents are twi Betty and twi Paul Terbasket of Blind Creek. My Blackfoot name, given to me by my father-in-law, means ‘standing above woman.’ My English name was given to me by my Dad to honour my great aunt, Carrie Allison. I have spent almost 20 years involved in many circles advocating for our lands, waters, and more-than-human relatives. I have come to clearly know that centering grassroots People is our way home to ourselves as sqilxw. I am also a university student in my 4th year of my Bachelor of Arts majoring in Cultural Studies.
As a CRSRI Outreach and Engagement Organizer, I get to talk with our People about what bringing our salmon relatives home truly means. I look forward to working with my fellow outreach and engagement organizers, the Communications Advisory Group, Indigenous Knowledge Counsel and all the CSRSI working groups – creating Indigenous-led opportunities for involvement and innovative, inclusive plans for action.
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We are committed to strengthening community relationships to support reintroducing salmon to the upper Columbia region. Please contact Comms@ColumbiaRiverSalmon.ca to arrange speakers and special presentations for your organization’s members and for public webinars and events.
Staying current with you,
The Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Team
