Lenora Starr

Lenora Starr (Cílcelnak) is a member of the St’át’imc  Nation and the community of Xaxli’p. She is a 60’s Scooper that has return to the home fires, reunited with family, immersed herself in her Secwépemc and St’át’imc  language and culture to find her connection, identity and sense of belonging. She balances both worlds with diplomacy, upholding her strong identity, values and principles.

She has almost 30 years’ experience working with Indigenous children and families. Much of this work has been at a supervisory level or in positions to influence change in policy and practice. Lenora has worked within Indigenous communities, delegated agencies, as well as at Splatsin Stsmamlt Services (a band that has exercised its own jurisdiction over Splatsin children since 1980) and later ventured into the Mediation practice. Lenora has been on the Provincial CP Mediation Roster for over 12 years. She has also instructed at university level and assisted at a provincial level with training development and policy review for various Indigenous agencies/bands, BC Foster Parents Association, and the Child Protection Mediation Program. Lenora has also worked within her territory as a Nation Lands and Heritage Manager, working with the leadership from eleven St’at’imc communities and surrounding Nations. These teachings from leadership and elders reinforced the values and principles learned from her immersion in language and culture over the past several decades.

Lenora understands that this is a time for making changes that allow for a better relationship between mainstream society and Indigenous peoples. Creating a safe environment for learning is integral the implementing change. Upholding values, beliefs and principles is integral to everything she puts energy into.