Tan’si, my name is Kristy Bell. My Indigenous ancestry is from the Driftpile Cree Nation in Northern Alberta and my settler ancestry from Scotland. I am grateful to walk gently on the unceeded territory and lands of the K’omoks First Nation. I have four children, two of whom have graduated from G.P Vanier and Nala’atsi and two in grade 7 and 11. My children and I have a beautiful blended family and hold family connections to K’omoks First Nation, Stz’Uminus First Nation and Cowichan Tribes.
I studied Criminology in Post Secondary and have spent many years advocating for Indigenous youth and families involved with the Criminal Justice System and the Ministry of Children and Families. I am a passionate grassroots organizer raising awareness on the many issues we as Indigenous peoples face in a broken colonial system with a focus on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited peoples across Canada. I worked with the First Nations Justice Council of British Columbia, the Provincial Government as an advisor and the Federal Government as an assistant to Members of Parliament in the House of Commons. In that work, I ensured decisions made that impact our lives should have the representation of Indigenous voices at decision making tables within every level of Government.
I am inspired to start this new journey with Indigenous Education at Mark Isfeld. I believe our young people are our greatest gifts and I’m humbled to be in this role and excited to get to know each student, celebrate their gifts and walk together in a good way.
