Guided by survivors, ha'wiih, council and our people
Tseshaht member Melissa Gus leads ʔuuʔatumin yaqckʷiimitqin “Doing it for our Ancestors”. Melissa Gus and her team meet with survivors to provide wellness-focused support to heal the pain ignored for years. Supporting each other and the community, they gather knowledge to prepare the site and community for ground penetrating radar scanning and the future release of this project’s findings.
ʔuuʔatumin yaqckʷiimitqin "Doing it for our Ancestors"
Nene Kraneveldt is a passionate leadership coach who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the projects and research she undertakes. A member of the Hupacasath Nation (one of the 14 Nuu-chah-nulth Nations), Nene has worked with First Nations, Indigenous organizations, and federal and provincial governments for more than 20 years.
Nene is of mixed ancestry and has walked in both worlds (Indigenous and Non-Indigenous), her entire life. She has first-hand experience in Indigenous issues and has committed her entire professional career to improving social, community, and economic conditions for aboriginal people in British Columbia and Canada. She has also worked in corporate and non-Indigenous settings, which have also informed and shaped her perspectives on human, community and organizational development. The majority of the projects Imagination FX undertakes include an element systemic change within Tri-partite relationships and a multi-media component to aid in capturing the story of change journey.
Nene holds a Masters Degree in Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University and has extensive counseling experience, including working with survivors of trauma. As a lifelong learner she continues to build knowledge through continued academic pursuits and practical research opportunities. Since creating her business, Imagination FX, she has been privileged to work with First Nations and Indigenous organizations across the country, providing support for organizational development, capacity building, promoting culture and wellness in the workplace, and program development. She is best known for her ability to build and maintain positive relationships with community organizations, funders, community members, and federal and provincial governments.
Nene works from the mantra “building individuals, families, communities, and nations one person at a time,” and enjoys co-creating human, social, and economic development programming.
Leanne was born in Nanaimo, BC. and raised in the Lower Mainland. She just recently relocated with her Husband back to Port Alberni in the last year. Her Son remained on the Mainland to attend University. Since moving back to Port Alberni, Leanne has worked with the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council and the Teechuktl/Quu’asa Office covering administrative duties. She enjoys going for walks on the beautiful trails around her new neighborhood. Her favorite is spending time with her Husband, family and friends. A saying that she like to often go by is “Reach for the stars and you can accomplish anything that you put you mind to”
Born and raised in the Tseshaht First Nation. I am married to Annie Ross. We have three children David, Nathan, and the late Jennifer. My father is Jack Watts, and my mother is Lillian Gus. My maternal grandparents are George Gus and Gladys Owens. My paternal grandparents are Watty Watts and Eva Thomas. My employment history is Pre-Employment Supports Coordinator at NTC, Special Projects Coordinator for Nuu-Chah-Nulth Employment and Training Program, NTC Capital Projects Advisor, Haa-Huu-payak School bus driver, Heavy and light construction in Carpentry, Sawmill labourer, Fisherman, and Logger. I have a diploma in Business Administration from VIU, Red Seal Carpenter from Camosun College, OCAP Certificate, Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans Course on Research Ethics (TCPS 2: CORE) Job Developer certificate, plus many more certificates. I am a member of the Tseshaht Land Claim Panel, and have held positions as Tseshaht Treaty Negotiator, Tseshaht Council, and on the Boards of Tseshaht Business’s.
