Florence James is a Coast Salish Elder from Penelakut Island. She is a fluent speaker of the Penelakut Tribe dialect of the Hul’qumi’num language, which is also part of the Coast Salish Nation. She is an educator and lifelong learner who draws on both her traditional gifts and teachings from the Ancestors and her university-based education.
Thiyuas is a highly respected Elder in her community, widely known for her cultural expertise, her knowledge of and dedication to the environment, and her commitment to the care and education of young children. Thiyuas has been a teacher and powerful advocate for many languages, cultural heritage, environmental education, healing and legal projects for more than 15 years.
She was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws on June 14, 2024.
