H̓ḷagṃ̓iɫ - Frances D. Brown

Hḷagṃ̓iɫ known as Frances D. Brown is descendent of the Heiltsuk and Kitasoo tribes. Frances’s mother is Láǧax̌náiyax̌ known as Shirley Windsor (nee Mason) of the Qvúkva ̓áitx̌v du Xaíxais tribes. Frances’s late father is Q̓ámas known as Charlie Windsor, of the W̓úyálítx̌v du Y̓ísdáitx̌v tribes. Frances has spent over two decades revitalizing the Heiltsuk language and culture.

As the Language Revitalization Manager Frances is unwavering in her commitment to improving Haíɫzaqvḷa programs. She is a passionate community activist and has the ability to empower, motivate and inspire new learners to reach their potential. Through her supportive and thoughtful leadership Frances has promoted significant change in how revitalizing haíɫzaqvḷa is delivered. Her passion to learn new ways of teaching an Indigenous language has afforded exciting and engaging experiences for Frances both within and outside of Bella Bella. She has travelled, with other community members, to share and to learn from other’s experiences in revitalizing Indigenous languages in New Zealand, Squamish Nation, Japan, Ontario and Chase B.C. Frances also serves on First Peoples Cultural Council Advisory Committee (3 terms). The FPCC Advisory Committee acts as a bridge to First Nation’s communities and brings building community-based ideas and issues to the attention of FPCC and in turn advises the committee on FPCC programs research and advocacy.