Shelley is a nehiyaw iskwew (Cree woman) and member of Peepeekisis Cree Nation in Saskatchewan who finds inspiration, purpose and healing in helping others connect with cultural activities through her work at SaskCulture. Professionally, she is an award-winning communications professional with more than 20 years of diverse and progressive experience from a broad range of workplaces that include the provincial civil service, First Nations organizations, and the non-profit sector.

She is a former board member (and current volunteer) with the Regina Folk Festival, where her efforts helped strengthen the festival’s engagement with First Nations and Métis people at every level of the organization. She is passionate about raising awareness about Indigenous issues, advancing reconciliation efforts and being a good “future ancestor” in order to honour the four generations in her family who were forced to attend residential school.