Thank you taking the time to get to know me…
chelsea hanson ʔetᶿ nan
My name is Chelsea Hanson
heɬ χʷomaɬkʷu tʊwa
I am from Homalco
nišč ʔəkʷ snuneymuxw
I am here in Nanaimo
heɬ kevin hanson ʔetᶿ man tawa kʷ χʷomaɬkʷu
My father is Kevin Hanson from Homalco
heɬ betty hanson ʔetᶿ čičyɛ olth tawa kʷ ʔop
My grandmother was Betty Hanson from Church House
heɬ everson waters ʔetᶿ kʷukʷpa tawa kʷ ʔop
My grandfather is Everson Waters from Church House
From me to you…
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I'm honored to be considered for a council position and believe it's essential to evaluate all candidates thoroughly. I understand that some of you may not know me, and I humbly ask that you keep an open mind. About me: I'm a proud mother of three beautiful children, and I'm passionate about homesteading, writing, art, and entrepreneurship. Although we currently live in Nanaimo, my family and I are eager to move back to the community and live closer to our loved ones. As a self-taught individual with experience in healthcare, Indigenous and cultural safety studies, and as a successful multi-business owner, I believe I bring a unique perspective to the table. My experience as a parent has taught me the importance of listening, and I vow to be a dedicated advocate for our people. I'm committed to being open-minded, inclusive, and transparent in my decision-making, ensuring that every community member has a voice. My vision is to promote wellness, safety, and a brighter future for our youth. I believe that by focusing on individual wellness, particularly for our youth, we can strengthen our community and create better opportunities. I'd like to propose investing in skills such as self-sufficiency, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, which align with our path to self-governance. I'd love to hear your thoughts, concerns, and ideas. As a council member my role is to represent you. I'm committed to being your advocate. Let's work together to build a safer, healthier, and more prosperous community for generations to come. I look forward to meeting you and getting to know each other better.
Businesses
Salish Design Co.
I have always been passionate about creating art. I started this business as a way to be home and close to my younger children. It quickly became a way for me to not only showcase and sell my art but also to share and document my experience learning Ayajuthem with the following I gained. I primarily offer pyrography (wood burning) and 3D wood and acrylic scroll saw signs. Each project is carefully and thoughtfully created by hand. Each piece takes many hours to complete and often requires additional hours of communicating with clients and fine tuning the design to ensure that everyone is happy with the finished product.
https://www.facebook.com/salishdesignco/
Kaelen Anderson Contracting
My partner Kaelen and I started a general contracting business in the midst of the pandemic. Businesses were closing their doors. Kaelen and I were both laid off of work while we were newly expecting our second child. Out of necessity we built our business from small beginnings. I quickly took on the roll of manager, operations leader, bookkeeper, social media management, administration, customer service, and labourer at times. We are now currently in our 4th year of business and I am proud to say they we have successfully built longstanding relationships with our many returning clients.
https://www.kaelenandersoncontracting.com/
ReSport Nanaimo
Kaelen and I have spent the last several years planning the startup for our next business venture called ReSport Nanaimo. It is a quality used sports equipment retail store that offers affordable gear through a buy, sell, trade system. The purpose of this business is to provide affordable sports equipment to local youth and young adults. At this stage I am sourcing funding so I can open our first retail store. We will offer services such as equipment sanitization, skate sharpening, equipment repair, sizing, and more. I am most excited to implement our ‘Off the Sidelines’ program where we donate sports equipment to those in need. I look forward to making more contributions to our local community and sponsoring sports teams in the future. From there I would like to incorporate pop up events throughout Vancouver Island and eventually open additional locations in Campbell River and Victoria.
Volunteer Experience
My official volunteer experience includes the Royal Canadian Legion, Vancouver Island Exhibition, Regional Recycling Exchange, Ford Give and Go Events, Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank and more. I have participated in various fundraising events and am always eager to donate time and services to good a cause.
Education
Indigenous Studies
I am dedicated to seeing our nation come together healed, strong, and sovereign. I am passionate about our Indigenous rights and freedoms. I have invested my time and energy into learning about our history, rights, culture, and language. My formal education in Indigenous Studies include the following courses:
Indigenous Awareness (BCIT)
Indigenous Canada (UA)
Ayajuthem 096/097 (NIC)
Sany’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety (VIU).
Additionally, I enjoy supporting and learning from Indigenous authors, artists, documentaries and films. I have enjoyed listening to the Homalco Podcast (Remember - Recordings of Elders Explored) and regularly utilize our First Voices website to translate words throughout my day to day. It warms my heart to hear our elders speak and to recognize them by their voices, especially hearing my grandfather Everson. I am so proud of the initiatives our nation has taken in language and culture revitalization. I look forward to being closer so that my family and I can participate in the classes offered in the community.
Other Education and Certificates
Dogwood Diploma
Occupational First Aid Level III
ABE Math, Biology, Chemistry
University Writing and Research
Pisces BSN Entrance Scholarship
Timberwest Homalco First Nations Award
BSN Professional Practice
BSN Nursing Practice
BSN Relational Practice of Self and Others
BSN Health and Healing: Living Health
Bloodborne Pathogens Training
Transport Canada Passenger Safety Management
Transport Canada PSM Certificate of Competency
LSA Slide Training Certificate
Survitec RFD Marin-Ark Liferaft Certificate of Approval
Serving it Right
Food Safe
WHMIS