Shianne E.

Tansi! (Hello) My name is Shianne, and I am Nehiyaw (Cree) from the Kawacatoose First Nation in Saskatchewan, with French ancestry. For most of my life, I have had the privilege to live, grow, and learn in East Vancouver on the unceded and ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḳwẃ1wǔ7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

My helping journey began as an Elders Helper, co-facilitating healing circles for Indigenous women experiencing violence. Since then, I have continued to support Indigenous women, youth, and families navigating child welfare, mental health, and healthcare systems. I also worked closely with Indigenous women and girls during pregnancy, focusing on family preservation, and continue to provide support to survivors of gender-based and intimate partner violence. With a critical understanding of how colonial and gendered policies impact Indigenous peoples, I assist individuals dealing with issues such as shame, grief, identity, violence, and trauma. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and non-judgmental, rooted in Indigenous and intersectional perspectives, while promoting wellness, safety, and healthy resistance.

I hold a Master of Social Work degree with an Indigenous specialization from UVIC, integrating my cultural teachings into my work and continuously striving to embody decolonizing and healing practices.