Rhiannon is Musqueam and was raised in Ladner by her parents and grandparents with a large extended family, attending and actively participating in her local public schools. Having learned early the value of community service, she has continued to work and volunteer with children, youth and families for over two decades. The overarching themes of her professional career have been decolonization and reconciliation, working full time with Indigenous youth and families until the birth of her daughter in 2016.
She remains active in her community, volunteering her time with a variety of recreational, cultural, and community organizations in Delta and beyond. She passionately works to create a more equitable world for all people. She is well-known for asking tough questions in a manner that encourages engagement and dialogue, and has extensive experience handling sensitive issues with staff and families to ensure fairness and follow through.
Rhiannon made history in 2014 as the first Indigenous woman elected to the Delta Board of Education. After over a decade of strained relationships in education in BC, Rhiannon has been working on creating a safe and supportive environment where staff and students feel valued. In her first term, she has delivered on her promise to focus on repairing and building stronger relationships. She has met with education partners to discuss funding formula review, employs her skills as a former shop steward during staffing isuess, and works diligently to ensure the BC School Trustees Association (BCSTA) remains a dedicated supporter and advocate of public education. Additionally, she was appointed to the BCSTA’s Indigenous Education Committee, and has been an active member of Delta’s Equity Scan Committee. In 2017, Delta was one of six districts selected to pilot an Equity Scan – a resource for the district to explore and address inequity in the treatment of Indigenous students.
And there is still more to be done. Looking ahead, Rhiannon is eager to see the Equity Scan through to completion and implementation. She will continue to cultivate respectful relationships with partners and pursue excellence and equity in education to ensure every Delta student and education partner has a voice.