The SFN office would like to introduce you to our newest staff member: Lahalawuts’aat, Shana Manson, Legislation and Policy Coordinator.  Her Grandfather is the late Clifford Thomas of Lyackson First Nation, her Grandmother is Joyce Moody of Squamish Nation, her Great Grandfather is late George Moody of Squamish Nation and her Great Grandmother is late Marie Moody (nee Albany) of Lekwammen Nation (Songhees First Nation), her Great-Great Grandmother is late Irene James of Snuneymuxw.  Shana Manson has been working in the field of First Nations advocacy for over 15 years.  Previously, she has worked with the Nation on projects including the Departure Bay protest in 2007.

Shana is a strong role model for all First Nations women.  One of the initiatives she developed while working for the Hul’q’umin’um’ Treaty Group was a women’s caucus.  This allowed women to meet, talk, discuss and understand treaty issues.  This eventually led to a mentorship campaign, where indigenous women from different roles and environments were connected to assist and inspire young women.

Shana takes a holistic approach to her health and finds balance in work, family and community.  She resides in Snuneymuxw territory with her husband, Oxe:enathun Jerome Manson and their three children.

Shana has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Indigenous Governance, both from the University of Victoria.  She served 3 terms as an elected council member for her community.  Today Shana is the elected Coast Salish Representative for Vancouver Island to the First Nations Health Council and she works as a Consultant assisting First Nations in Nation Building.  Shana has served a term as a Treaty Commissioner, working along side Chief Commissioner Sophie Pierre at the   BC Treaty Commission, elected by the Chiefs of the First Nations Summit; was employed as a Sessional Instructor in the First Nations Studies Department at Vancouver Island University where she/team taught First Nations Governance, First Nations Community Development and Introduction to First Nation Studies; Shana Worked with Chief Judith Sayers at Hupacasath, as a Treaty Negotiator for two years, where she was also responsible for Nation Building and Constitution Development; and Shana worked for the Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group for six years in the capacity of Communications Director and Senior Negotiations Support where she did extensive work in community engagement and nation building.