Miranda Kelly

Gratefully on the homelands of my Stó:lō ancestors
S’ólh téméxw
(Chilliwack, BC)

éy swáyel

Tilyen tel xwélmexw skwíx. Miranda Kelly tel xwelítemqel skwíx. Telítsel kw’e The’wá:lí.

I am of Stó:lō and mixed settler ancestry. I live in my home community, Soowahlie First Nation (near Chilliwack, BC) with my husband and two children.

tel sqwéltel

Halq'eméylem

Totí:lttsel kw'e Halq'eméylem. Tsel éystexw kw'els totí:lt te Halq'eméylem.

I started learning Halq’eméylem through the Stó:lō Shxwelí language immersion program in 2024. I have completed the Halq’eméylem 1 Adult Fluency Transfer System.

I am also enrolled in the UFV Halq’eméylem Proficiency Certificate, and have completed my first year.

It is a privilege and joy to learn my language. Learning in community is my favourite way to learn. I am so grateful for all the hard work of the Elders, teachers, and students to breathe life into our beautiful language.

Indigenous Health Consulting

I have worked in Indigenous health since 2007, in roles in health leadership, planning, policy, evaluation, education, research, and birthwork. I currently work as an Indigenous health consultant with a focus on perinatal and reproductive health.

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology from UVic, and Master’s degree in Public Health from UBC.

Please note: My current capacity for ongoing consulting work in the coming year is extremely limited as I will be focussing my time and energy on Halq’eméylem language learning.

tel syó:ys

Indigenous health

Some Examples of My Work

First Nations Health Human Resource Strategy

Assembly of First Nations

Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility Training

Canadian Association of Midwives

Indigenous Midwives Strategic Plan

Indigenous Midwives Council of BC

A Resource of Indigenous Midwifery Education Programs in Ontario

Association of Ontario Midwives

A few notes

Based on frequent inquiries I receive…

For organizations & allies:

Please do not ask Indigenous people for free labour. If your organization/project has the budget to pay you, it has the budget to pay me too. Exploiting Indigenous wisdom is not reconciliation. If you provide an honoraria, please include the rate.
I am not interested in “Indigenizing” your nearly-finished project/work. My approach is relational; I work best when I am meaningfully engaged from the start of the process and I see my involvement reflected in the outcome.
My current capacity for ongoing consulting work in the coming year is extremely limited as I will be focussing my time and energy on Halq’eméylem language learning.

For Indigenous folks:

Indigenous families - Please note that I no longer offer doula services.
Indigenous students and birth workers - I am always happy to have a conversation with you! Let’s chat.
Indigenous scholars and professionals - I am keen to collaborate and learn from one another. Thank you for the work you do.

Ts'íthomé.