Project Description

Sharon Hobenshield, Ha-Youly, is a member of the Gitxsan First Nation on her Mother’s side and has Austrian-German ancestry on her Father’s side. Sharon has 25 years’ experience working on Coast Salish Territory as a social worker, educator and administrator. She is currently the Executive Director of Kw’umut Lelum Foundation, the first Indigenous led Foundation in Western Canada.  She believes strongly in Indigenous people’s right to self-determination to ensure authenticity and sustainability in upholding culture and in securing healthy, strong communities.

Sharon completed her doctorate in 2016 and her dissertation, Haq wil la hlo is sim: Walk Slowly on the Breath of your Ancestors, was an examination of gift-giving inspired by her Grandfather’s teaching.  Sharon is a proud mom of twin girls and makes her home in Nanoose Bay with her husband and mother.