🌊 Meet Marissa Jim (I,MIUW̱), our new Junior Marine and Land Use Planner at the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council!

Marissa brings cultural knowledge, a passion for community, and experience in marine and land use research. She’s excited to connect and help shape a bright future.

When she’s not working, she enjoys beading, spending time on the land and being with her family. 

Let’s give her a warm welcome! 💛✨

Can you tell me a bit about who you are and where you’re from?

My name is Marissa. My ancestral name is I¸MIUW̱.  I am W̱SÁNEĆ & Penelakut and have ties to Ditidaht. I am privileged to have spent time living in both of my territories and currently reside in W̱S͸ḴEM.  I’m a mom to two boys and have a couple of dogs. I feel most at peace on the land or by the water. I consider myself ancestrally rooted, culturally sound, and knowledgeable. Serving my community and working for my people is central to who I am.

What kind of work will you be doing with the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council?

I’m the Junior Marine and Land Use Planner working under Shauna Johnson. My role focuses on community engagement—planning sessions, collecting data, and using that information to shape our collective future.

I’ll also attend discussions and meetings about land use and other matters impacting our territories. I’m excited to sit with my people, listen to their dreams, and help bring them to fruition. My primary responsibility is connecting with the community to use their aspirations as a foundation for planning.

Can you share some of the background and experience you bring to this position?

My passion for my people has always driven all the work I’ve done. Previously, I worked at the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres in their Doula Program for over 2.5 years.  

I studied anthropology/archaeology/Indigenous studies and have experience as a Marine and Land Use Researcher in my village of Tseycum. In that role, I listened to elders share stories about our traditional land & marine usage. That work reinforced my appreciation for proper cultural protocols and my ability to contribute meaningfully to my community.

What kind of impact do you hope to have during your time with the WLC?

I hope to build deep trust and strong relationships with my community. I want to grow my name using our teachings, fulfill my responsibilities as a W̱SÁNEĆ woman and contribute in a lasting way. 

On a broader scale, I want to look back and witness the tangible outcomes of our planning and engagement sessions. Success for me is seeing community-driven initiatives implemented and thriving.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

I’ve recently taken up beading, which has been great for my mental wellness. I also spend time at the beach with my dogs and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and sitting in the sunshine.  You can most often find me at home with my family. 

Is there anything else you’d like community members to know?

I’m looking forward to rekindling and building personal relationships within the community- I’m so glad to be working in my home territory.

I’m honoured and humbled to serve in this role and am excited to work together to create a bright collective future.