Janine Sampson, M.A., M.Ed. Counseling
Janine Sampson is a Dakelh and Wet’suwet’en woman. She grew up in Stellaquo, B.C., surrounded by her family and extended family. Janine comes from families that practice their culture through the traditional governance system (Bahlats). She spent many seasons fishing and berry-picking within their traditional territory.
Janine has earned both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in First Nations Studies. She authored a thesis called Experiences of Running: One Dakelh Woman’s Message of Transformation and Resilience, documenting her transformative journey through grief, loss, and trauma by using running to cope and begin the healing process.
Throughout her career, Janine’s work has included event planning, reconciliation seminars, proposal writing, oral history research with First Nations Elders and Traditional Land Users, community engagement to assist First Nations in community-based decision-making and community-developed policy, and liaising with First Nations, industry, and government.
In 2022, Janine completed a Master of Education in Counseling at the University of Northern British Columbia. She is rooted in this work by the understanding that we need healing and understanding at all levels. Janine is a worthy woman who sees forgiveness everywhere, sharing her love and joy so we can freely express ourselves.
Richard Sampson, M.Ed. Counseling
Richard Sampson is Gitxsan and was raised in Gitanmaax, B.C., by a culturally rich family. He was a youth worker for Gitanmaax Band and later worked in the Hazelton sawmills before they were shut down. At 28, Richard decided to pursue higher education in Prince George, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in First Nation Studies. In 2019, Richard completed a Master of Education in Counseling at the University of Northern British Columbia.
Richard’s mission in life is to advance the development of self-determination for all Indigenous people in Canada. This guiding passion has moved Richard into various positions throughout Northern B.C., including proposal writing, communications, post-secondary student recruitment, suicide prevention, and therapeutic counseling. One of the most enriching aspects of Richard’s life is facilitating gatherings. He has 5+ years of experience with crisis and 1-on-1 counseling. Richard is an open and peaceful man skilled in helping others uncover their seeds of greatness.