(Elder) Debra Trask 

Debra Trask (Grant) is a mixed blood woman (indigenous, immigrant and settler roots) from the USA. Born in 1955 on the traditional Nez Percé territory now called Idaho. She survived IRS and 60s scoop and has spent most of her life reclaiming herself through culture and tradition.   She is a sun dancer and follows a traditional path.

Debra is now a community member of West Moberly First Nations and an adopted member of the Desjarlais Family. She is also a “life learner” and likes to keep her fingers in the “educational pie.” Debra raises horses, cows, organic produce, fishes, hunts, and picks berries. She is big advocate of land based healing and sustainable living.

Debra believes deeply that healing does not have to hurt. By connecting elders and traditional Knowledge Keepers to the families/youth builds strong leaders for the future.

Debra is licensed and registered as a master’s designate CIAS-IV-COD (Indigenous Certified Addictions Specialist Level IV with Co-Concurrent Disorders) with ICBOC (Indigenous Certification Board of Canada. She is a graduate of ASAIP (Aboriginal Sexual Abuse Intervention Programs) which bridges indigenous ways of being with mainstream modalities through University of Vancouver Island and Tillicum Lelum Friendship Centre Council of 10 Elders chosen for this training which was offered at Lake Cowichan Educational Centre on Vancouver Island.

She now works full-time as the Regional Cultural Clinician for Aboriginal Family Services. Dawson Creek is the head office with satellite offices in Chetwynd and Hudson’s Hope BC. Aboriginal Family Services in indigenous owned, operated and proudly determined to serve our people by meeting them where they are at, working alongside them to navigate the challenges of the colonial system and to reclaim the warrior within.

Debra is excited and honored to be approached to support, encourage, and grow with the LEVEL Youth Policy Program team. Debra’s Nation, Family and Agency are supportive and on board with this choice.