Community work
Showing up for Terrace and our Nations
Two terms in governance with Kitselas, years of front-line work, and a lot of time spent listening. This is the work I carry forward.
Thank you, Terrace
This fall I ran for Terrace City Council. I didn't win a seat this time, but every conversation at the door, at events and out in our community showed me how much work there is to do, and how many people want to do it together.
I don't need a council seat to keep showing up. The ideas we talked about don't end with an election. Here is the work I'm carrying forward, and I'd welcome you alongside me.
Lynn Wright, 'Tsinsxw Gapiikxw
A Siloam Mission model for Terrace
A meal, a bed, health care and a path home, all under one roof, built with Kitselas, Kitsumkalum and our local agencies.
See the plan → Youth mentorshipWalking alongside our youth
I mentor young people myself and I'm building a circle of mentors. Youth, mentors and industry are all welcome.
Get involved →What I'm working on
Community initiatives
These started as ideas from my council campaign. Each one is bigger than any one seat at the table.
Mental health and wellness
One connected wellness process that links every organization and support in and around Terrace, so people have a clear path to support and healing. And a detox centre for the north, an idea I first dreamed up with Brenna Johnson-Innes while she was on council, which she has carried on.
Housing and homelessness
I was part of the earliest succession planning for the Braun Street supportive recovery beds alongside Brenna Johnson-Innes, and I've visited our encampments with 'Ksan Society. I'm advocating for a service-connected temporary site with Kitselas, Kitsumkalum and local agencies at the table.
Terrace's 2025 count: 131 people without a home, 77% Indigenous.
A Siloam Mission model for Terrace →Working together
A protocol agreement between the Regional District, its municipalities and the First Nations of our region, with regular regional meetings to share projects. Kitselas and Kitsumkalum belong at every table about this territory.
Seniors and Elders
Bringing more grants and supports to Terrace seniors and the Elders of our surrounding communities, explained in a plain, large-print plan everyone can read.
About 1,800 seniors call Terrace home.
Kitselas Good Food Box
A monthly good food box for Kitselas homes, with our Elder households in mind, built with community partners.
Ready for the big projects
Education and training so local people get the jobs that come with major projects, and recruiting doctors, nurses and front-line workers as our population ages.
Experience
Twenty years of doing the work
In council chambers, family homes, recovery centres, classrooms and at kitchen tables across this region.
Elected Council Member, Kitselas First Nation
2015 to 2017 and 2019 to 2021, including Chair of Finance & Audit.
Governance and leadership
- First Nations Liaison OfficerRegional District of Kitimat-Stikine
- Executive AssistantGitwangak Band Council: Chief and Council scheduling, AGM coordination
- Community Liaison Officer, Lands Clerk and Youth CoordinatorKitselas First Nation
Front-line and community
- Housing Support WorkerFront-line housing support
- Indigenous Domestic Violence Program LiaisonFamily and safety supports
- Family Support WorkerWalking alongside families
- Cultural Sensitivity & Decolonization WorkerKermode Friendship Society: beading, cedar bark and sweat lodge workshops
Business and training
- Founder & Principal, 'Hanak Consulting SolutionsIndustry, health authorities and First Nations
- President, RynriseLocal digital technology company
- Training Coordinator, Indigenous Tourism BCPrince Rupert, Terrace and Hazelton, 2023
- Economic filesWorking with the resource sector, the First Nations LNG Alliance and Kitselas
Education and community roles
- Diploma in Business Administration (Marketing)Coast Mountain College, 2002
- Director, Kitselas Athletics ClubCommunity sport
- Dry Grad Co-ChairCaledonia Senior Secondary School
- Featured in "Skeena Voices"Terrace Standard, on my work in cultural sensitivity and decolonization
Gatherings I've led
Bringing people together
- August 2, 2021
Coming Together Event
Helped coordinate this event to honour and support Indian residential school survivors and their families, and to honour those who didn't make it home.
My grandparents survived, and there were so many that didn't survive.
- June 21 & 22, 2019
National Indigenous Peoples' Day: Circle of Unity
Initiated and led the City of Terrace celebration while with Kermode Friendship Society, including lifetime achievement awards for Nathan Cullen, the late Dr. Joe Gosnell Sr. and “Wild” William Wesley.
- Community celebration
Welcome Home, Kiefer
Coordinated with the City, CFNR and the public to welcome Kiefer home after his time on Big Brother.
- Ten years running
Valentine's Day Rose Delivery
An annual rose delivery fundraiser, with proceeds going to local charities and sports groups.
Something our community needs?
If you're working on any of this, or have an idea of your own, I'd like to hear from you.