A BRIGHTER, HEALTHIER FUTURE
FOR ALL
Together,
Let's Make a Difference
ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Liza
I am proud to be Quw'utsun and am dedicated to lifting up our people towards a brighter future, now and for future generations.
WHERE I COME FROM
I am from Cowichan Bay Tun'ni'tsun utl Tlpalus, Pacheedaht. My maternal grandparents were late Robbie and Mary Anne Daniels of Tlulpalus. My paternal grandparents were late hereditary Chief Queesto Charles Jones Sr. and Ida Jones of Pacheedaht.
My late mother Shishamtunaat Bertha Sam and late father Walter Jones gave me 18 siblings. I’m the youngest. I have the priviledge of having family all around the Salish Sea.
I live in Cowichan Bay, where I was raised, and where my husband, Brian and I have raised our four children.
WHAT I BELIEVE
I have lived my life guided by my core values of family, culture, hard work, honesty, humility and excellence. I have worked in both the public and private sector and for Indigenous organizations for 33 years, which has taught me to speak up when it matters most to highlight the needs of our people in the face of colonial oppression.
I am a residential school "thriver". I attended Kuper Island and St. Mary's (Mission, BC). I believe that healing from trauma is a life-long journey that gives me the strength to show up for my family and my community with an open heart.
VISION STATEMENT
A BRIGHTER, HEALTHIER FUTURE
I envision us reclaiming our place in society as culturally strong, self governing and prosperous First Peoples.
I envision us working together to bridge cultural difference and eliminate prejudice.
I envision a future where all of our members working together decide on the future we will create for ourselves.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Putting My Experience
to Work
EDUCATION
Formal training in finance, business administration, commerce, banking, accounting, public administration.
KNOWLEDGE
Understanding of the diversity of First Nation governments, associations, socio-economic conditions and cultural values. Understanding of the objectives, principles and practices of economic and social development in First Nations. Knowledge of the principles and practices of financial management, borrowing and debt financing in the private and/or public sector. Knowledge of policies, principles and practices for the governance and management of a decision making body. Knowledge of good management practices in finance, human resources, and corporate service functions within private and/or public sector
ABILITIES
Ability to analyze, interpret and make decisions on large volumes of complex and conflicting information across a broad range of disciplines and bodies of knowledge. Ability to assess and provide guidance with respect to a number of socio-economic variables to arrive at decisions that are financially prudent and supportive of First Nation financial management capacity. Highly developed interpersonal skills. Ability to diplomatically address differences of opinion in an open, respectful and constructive manner. Highly refined ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.
EXPERIENCE
Prior CFO of Naut'sa mawt Tribal Council and Executive Director/Interim President of Xyntax Systems, I am experienced in dealing with financial management issues acquired through active participation in organizations at the local, regional and national levels, notably in First Nation governments. Experience participating in a decision making body dealing with financial management matters at the policy and/or operational levels. Experience dealing with financial, governance, legal and economic issues associated with business development, borrowing, debt financing. Demonstrated success in representing the interests and concerns of a community of interest in a decision making body. Experience in the assessment of risk associated with financial performance of First Nation or local government as well as the development and implementation of associated risk mitigation strategies. Demonstrated success in creating partnerships, working collaboratively across organizational boundaries, and working effectively with boards, committees, councils, government and/or other bodies. Experience in priority setting, strategic planning and managing multiple priorities and multiple agendas.
PERSONAL SUITABILITY
Structured, tough, logical. Reputation for honesty, transparency and integrity. Collaborative, purposeful, and reliable. A desire to learn from my community and listen to the voices of individual community members. Dedicated to lifting up our people towards a brighter future, now and for future generations.