Past Presenters, Facilitators & Guest Speakers

Day 1

• Eliza Julius, founder of the Indigenous Youth Conference. Eliza is also an Indigenous Youth Podcast staff with Children of the Setting Sun Productions. Also check out their Facebook page here.

• Liz Baxter, Executive Director of North Sound Accountable Community of Health (ACH), started off the gathering by sharing her experiences growing up--and as a leader in North Sound. Liz also shared her “why” and helped us think about what elements motivate us in the work we do.

• Colleen Echohawk, Executive Director of Chief Seattle Club reminded us that we are brilliant and we are never alone. We have the power to pursue our dreams and to make the world a better place.

• Jacque Julien, Executive Director of the Communities of Color Coalition, grounded our conversation in the systems that shape our experiences--and that we must change. From classrooms to neighborhoods, we can create spaces that are welcoming and inclusive to everyone.

• Erin Montgomery, Community Health Educator from Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood, shared an overview of the youth programs and health resources available at Planned Parenthood. The Roo app makes it easy to ask questions about sexual health, relationships, and growing up. It’s free and private.

• Page, Manager of the Queer Youth Project at Northwest Youth Services, described all the ways that Northwest Youth Services make teens feel safe and welcome, especially LGBTQ+ youth. Resources like emergency housing, resume help, and free counseling are all available at Northwest Youth Services.

• Michaela Vendiola, Project Manager at North Sound Accountable Community of Health (ACH), shared how her personal and professional journey came together for this conference--and the inspiration she draws from youth leaders in her community. The North Sound ACH curates resources from partners across the region, including this list for Indigenous youth.

Day 2

• Darrell Hillaire, Lummi Elder and founder of Children of the Setting Sun Productions, shared how he takes care of his family and community every day. As a leader, mentor, and visionary, Darrell intentionally holds love and possibility in his heart.

• Thomas Ghost Day, Native Project Coordinator from WeRNative, described how W R Native meets the needs of Indigenous youth: the team asks youth what they want. W R Native has resources on health, relationships, culture, and more. Ask Auntie is a popular resource. It’s free and private--and the Aunties (and Uncles) are ready to answer any questions you have.

• Dr. Adams discussed growing up, facing racism, and the importance of believing in yourself to achieve your dreams. Dr. Adams shared his story of becoming an actor in order to make due as part of his journey to now serving as the Deputy Chief Medical Officer with the First Nations Health Authority. With Dr. Adams, the First Nations Health Authority is responsible for the health and well-being of more than a million Native people across Canada.

• Amy Nichols, Communities of Color Coalition (C3) and North Sound Indigenous Futurity Alliance young leader and event organizer.

• Michaela Vendiola, North Sound ACH.

• Jenna Bowman, Indigenous Affairs Manager with United Health Care.

• Jacque Julien, Executive Director of Communities of Color Coalition (C3).

• Tempest Dawson, Tribal Liaison of North Sound ACH.

• Amy Nichols, Communities of Color Coalition (C3) and North Sound Indigenous Futurity Alliance young leader and event organizer.

• Liz Baxter, North Sound ACH.

• Marcais Frazier, Community Initiatives (CI).

• Tiffany Edlin, North Sound ACH.