Vanessa Mitchell

Vanessa is a syilx (Okanagan) woman, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, and mother of two young adults. She lives in her home community within the syilx Nation. She continues to do the hard work and heart work of anti-Indigenous racism because she knows there are Indigenous peoples not accessing healthcare to the detriment of their health due to experiences of racism and discrimination. Vanessa is pursuing her doctoral degree in Health Sciences at UNBC and was the 2023 recipient of the BC NEIHR Doctoral Scholarship Award. As a lifelong learner and facilitator, she is forever learning different ways to challenge colonial ways and mindsets through stories. Her research strives to elevate generational healing and transformative leadership practices that are centred on Auntie-isms to foster wellness for Indigenous peoples who are leading anti-colonial and anti-racism work within the realm of health.