Who We Are

Shirina Evans nitisithīkāson (is my name). Nīthōma nihithāw iskwīw (I am a Woodland Cree woman) īkwa kayatī mistahi-sākahikan iskonikanihk nitohcīn (and originally I am from Lac La Ronge Indian Band, SK). I am proud of my Woodland Cree ancestry on my maternal side: nohkom (my grandmother) is from wapāwikoscikanihk (Pelican Narrows – “the narrows of fear”), and nimosôma (my maternal grandfather) was from mistahi-sākahikan iskonikanihk (Lac La Ronge Indian Band, SK). On my paternal side, I am of English, Scottish, and Irish ancestry.

My work centres on Indigenous governance, community-driven lawmaking, and strengthening Nation-to-Nation relationships. I have supported First Nations in developing foundational legal documents, including Constitutions, Governance Acts, Custom Election Codes, and Citizenship Acts. My approach is grounded in Indigenous Legal Orders while ensuring alignment with relevant statutory frameworks under Canadian law.

Previously, as an Indigenous Education Policy Lead with the Ministry of Education and Child Care, I provided expert leadership in developing and implementing policies, programs, and services that advance Indigenous education. This role deepened my experience in bridging legal, policy, and community-based approaches, ensuring that Indigenous voice, rights, and laws are meaningfully reflected across governance and education systems.

Kai Peetoom is a settler of mixed Jewish and European heritage. Kai has extensive experience working with Indigenous Nations, organizations, and knowledge keepers across BC in diverse governance, policy, and regulatory contexts. His Master’s thesis was completed in partnership with a self-governing Yukon First Nation, reflecting a long-standing commitment to respectful, community-informed research.

Kai previously interned with the Indigenous Law Research Unit (ILRU), where he conducted story analysis to interpret narratives as sources of living law. He has also owned and operated a consulting business and produced comprehensive and community land use plans for Kluane First Nation. Additionally, Kai’s past and ongoing social justice work includes contributions to the Environmental Law Centre, West Coast Prison Justice Society / Prisoners’ Legal Services, the Law Students’ Legal Advice Program, and Lawyers Against Transphobia. 

Across all roles, Kai has acted as a legal researcher, project manager, and policy analyst, advising Indigenous leadership and senior government officials on complex resource and governance issues requiring adaptive legal and political solutions.

Dorothy is originally from Opaskwayak Cree Nation and brings extensive experience in Indigenous pedagogy, circle facilitation, and land-based learning. She integrates ceremony and the medicine wheel into her teaching, supporting participants in connecting their emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual quadrants. 

During her time in the Public Service, she facilitated Public Service Education circles in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, helping staff understand the true history of Canada and the impact of law and policy on Indigenous Peoples. Since retiring in 2024, she has continued her education in Social Work while providing cultural guidance and healing-centred support to Indigenous communities.