Allen George

Resolution Health Support Worker / Elder & Cultural

I am Allen George, a Resolution Health Support Worker and Youth Liaison for IRSSS. I provide one-to-one support and facilitate drum and youth men's wellness sharing circles. I also provide cultural support to those in need. I come from Quw'utsun Tribes, located near Duncan, BC, on Vancouver Island. I am also half Hawaiian. I struggled to be of mixed ancestry and grew up without leadership, guidance, or direction.    

I did not grow up with any grandparents. My mom is from Ahousaht First Nation and Cowichan. I had a family but did not have that family connection with my culture. I only put myself out there to learn once I turned of age. I started my journey by helping others after participating in the Tribal Canoe Journey. This experience is what inspired me to volunteer and be of service. I ended up becoming who I needed to grow up. My life experience and lack of connection to my culture have shaped me to where I am now. I started mentoring youth in boxing. I tell my story to inspire by being a good, positive role model. I am training in Indigenous Focusing-Orientated Therapy and utilize non-violent communication techniques. I also support the cultural work needed by providing eagle fan and cedar brushing. I am called a lot for cultural work. I am learning about how IRSSS creates community wellness and healing, and seeing the work with Indigenous healers is inspiring. It has given me a sense of purpose and value in the friendships, trust, connection, guidance, leadership, role models, and passions I have encountered.