About Us

The Qqs Family

We are a dynamic team unified by our shared vision and commitment to the three pillars of Heiltsuk Youth, Culture, and Environment. Our work with Qqs is the common ground in which we grow strong roots as individuals. We are more than colleagues and coworkers; we are the Qqs Family. Together, like the pillars of our commitment, we stand strong and inseparable.

Our Staff

	Larry Jorgenson, Executive Director, B.A., M.S.W., has been a part of the community of Bella Bella for over 35 years. Originally from London, Ontario, his background is in social work and community development. He has been a strong advocate and planner for integrating community health with environmental stewardship. Email: larry@qqsprojects.org.
	William Housty, Coastwatch Director, B.Sc., holds unparalleled knowledge of Heiltsuk stories, songs, and ceremonies, and is a great cultural leader in our nation. William's work has made great strides in legitimizing the Heiltsuk voice through conservation science. William is of Heiltsuk descent. Email: william@qqsprojects.org.
	Morgan Hocking, Science Director, Ph.D., is joining the Qqs team to work with our Coastwatch Director in strengthening our science agenda. Though he has a long history on the coast, he is currently engaged as a post-doctoral fellow with the Hakai Network for Coastal People, Ecosystems and Management. Email: morgan@qqsprojects.org.
	Jessie Housty, Director of Traditional Ecological Knowledge, B.A., is the founder of Thistalalh Memorial Library and is responsible for outreach, storytelling, and fundraising for all of Qqs' work. She is also an advisor to Small Change Fund and was honoured as a finalist in the 2010 Ecotrust Indigenous Leadership Award. Email: jessie@qqsprojects.org.
	Louisa Jones, Office Manager, has a long history with our organization and has rejoined our team to lend her skills in fundraising and community outreach. As a Koeye Mom, her children are active in many of our youth programs and Louisa's involvement at every level of our initiatives exemplifies the idea of the "Koeye Family". Email: info@qqsprojects.org.

Other Staff and Interns

• Marge Housty – Koeye Lodge Manager
• Collin Reid – Coastwatch Field Technician
• Carl Wilson – Coastwatch Field Technician
• Jordan Wilson – Coastwatch Field Technician

Qqs also hires seasonal staff to run our summer programs. For information about employment opportunities, please contact our office.

Board of Directors

Qqs is governed by a Board of Directors made up of community members and representatives from the elected and traditional leadership. They bring critical input and oversight to the work we undertake as an organization. Through them we are able to ensure that we are responding to our community's needs.

• Carrie Easterbrook, Co-Chair, B.A., has her social work degree and works with elders, children, and our hospital. She has a long history with Qqs and was on our camp staff for several years.
• Johanna Gordon-Walker, Secretary/Treasurer, B.Sc., is a teacher at the Bella Bella school and has worked for many years on science projects in our area. Johanna a great asset in connecting youth and science.
• Joann Green, B.A., is the Executive Director of the Heiltsuk College. Joann and her family are part of the foundation of Qqs and support us in innumerable ways.
• Gary Housty Jr., B.Sc., has worked with Qqs in many capacities in the past and brings his strong medical/nursing expertise and his passion for the environment and culture to our board.
• Shaneal Ignace is a recent graduate of the Bella Bella Community School and will be off to University this fall. Shaneal has worked for Qqs on several projects and we are proud of her successes.
• Maria Martin is a member of the Heiltsuk Tribal Council and a dynamic force within the community. She serves on several boards and works with Heiltsuk Social Development on youth and employment projects.
• Ian Reid is the head carver for the Heiltsuk Bighouse project and a renowned Heiltsuk artist. Ian donated a traditional canoe to the camp and continues to teach and guide us.
• Mavis Windsor, Co-Chair, B.S.W., M.A., was part of the founding team for Qqs. She is the Director of Heiltsuk Social Development and her department is a strong partner to our programs.