Honouring the Strength of Indigenous Women in Our Communities

Honouring the Strength of Indigenous Women in Our Communities

As we launch our new signage package for the Indigenous Women Entrepreneur Program (IWE), we are proud to feature Gloria who is also known by her Kwak̓wala name, Dza̱mxdza’esa̱la’og̱wa — as a reflection of the strength, resilience, and leadership of Indigenous women in our communities.

Gloria Hunt is a proud member of the Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw Nations, with deep roots in the Kwagu’ł, Ławit̕sis, Ma’a̱mtagila, ‘Nak̕waxda’x̱w, and Ligwiłda’x̱w tribes. Raised in Alert Bay, BC, she grew up immersed in Bak̕wa̱mk̓ala language and cultural teachings that continue to guide her work today as an educator, cultural knowledge holder, and advocate for language revitalization.

She currently serves as the Language Program Manager with the Nawalakw Community Foundation, supporting land- and language-based learning for children and families and helping create spaces where Bak̕wa̱mk̓ala is lived and strengthened daily.

Gloria is also a business owner, educator, weaver, and wellness facilitator who brings together education, language, and cultural teachings through her work in schools and community settings, including yoga programming infused with Bak̕wa̱mk̓ala.

Her lifelong practice of weaving, beginning with cedar bark weaving at age nine and continuing through Chilkat and Ravenstail traditions, is shared across generations in schools, universities, and cultural gatherings.

We are honoured to feature Gloria’s image on our signage as part of this initiative, recognizing her leadership in business, language revitalization, cultural continuity, and community strength.

This work reflects a broader commitment to uplifting Indigenous women and the impact they continue to make in our communities.