Staff | UBC Vancouver
Lauren comes to the land colonially known as Vancouver from Haida Gwaii, which is the home of her Nuni’s (grandmother) people. Lauren is a registered member of the Skidegate Band, of the Haida Nation. Her family’s crest is the Hummingbird, of the Juus Clan, on her father’s side. She is the great-great-granddaughter of Chief Skidegate (Edward Collinson), and Emma Young. On her mother’s side she is of Cree Metis heritage from the Red River Valley, through southern Alberta. Lauren’s traditional name is llaanaay, given to her by her Nuni, which means Beloved Friend in Haida, specifically the X̱aayda Kil dialect from the southern part of the island.
Lauren calls the land of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Skwxwú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ her second home, as an uninvited guest. It is with great care that she walks gently on the land of her cousins’ ancestors, knowing the responsibility her role as a guest carries.
Lauren attended the University of British Columbia, prior to working in the areas of health governance, public relations, and education. She specialized in Issues Management for several organizations, most significantly for two years as Issues Manager with the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Lauren has been involved in the MMIWG movement from a very young age, including advocacy, activism and support work in the downtown eastside of Vancouver.
Her commitment to serving Indigenous peoples locally, in BC, and across Turtle Island is what led Lauren to the work she has done for more than 10 years. It is the Grandmothers, the Elders, and the Knowledge Keepers in communities across this land that Lauren credits with educating her to better understand Indigenous history, culture and ways of knowing. This sacred knowledge is what guides Lauren in her work every day with Indigenous survivors and allies.
Lauren has a particular interest in looking at the colonial institutions that have laid the foundation for marginalization and made Indigenous peoples vulnerable. Ensuring everyone understands the necessity of not just removing barriers but dismantling the colonial structures and rebuilding with Indigenous approaches as our foundation is the only way to end violence is central to Lauren’s outlook on the work at UBC, and beyond.