Indigenous Leadership

Mr. Ross is a hereditary member of the Nlaka'pamux Nation in British Columbia. He has more than twenty years of successful experience in the areas of post-secondary education, healthcare, the non-profit sector and working with and for multiple Indigenous communities and organizations. Simon has multidisciplinary interests ranging from community health, career development, leadership training, adventure tourism, and environmental land-based education. He is Director of Indigenous Leadership at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. 
Throughout his career, Simon has stood at the forefront of developing meaningful connections and has built a reputation as a catalyst in championing the empowerment of individuals and communities. 
Working with the Ktunaxa First Nation on their social governance initiative, Simon provided support and guidance to leadership based on research and evaluation of the Indian Act and British Columbia legislation to support their community development of strong, healthy individuals, families, and communities. This research and experience ignited Simon’s passion to explore Indigenous leadership in greater breadth.
As a senior health program advisor in his previous role at Alberta Health Services, he partnered with healthcare providers to better understand the diverse needs of First Nation communities in planning quality programs and services. In the areas of education and career development, Simon worked as a liaison between Indigenous workers and future employers and initiated culturally based Indigenous and non-Indigenous skills and leadership training programs. He has provided operational leadership in funding, program advancement, strategic planning, board governance, and community and governmental relations. He is currently the Director of the Indigenous Leadership at Banff Centre.

Wil Fraser is the Program Associate and Elder/Knowledge Keeper/Participant Support for Indigenous Leadership Programs at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. This position offers support and care in all aspects expected for the Elders and Knowledge Keepers. His role supports and assists the Director of Program Operations, Director of Indigenous Leadership, and Faculty. Wil also supports all Program Participants, ensuring they have a safe and enjoyable visit to our campus. His active role is to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive experience for all.

Elly Grant (she/her), is an arts administrator, program coordinator, and artist. She is a graduate of Quest University Canada, and holds a Masters in Art Education from NSCAD University. Elly has managed and curated for Temporary Collection, and worked on projects for: Guelph Arts Council; Nelson Museum, Archives, and Gallery; Parks Canada; the Junction Artist-in-Residence Program; Ed Video Media Arts Centre; Textile Museum of Canada; and the University of Guelph. She runs Double Dipped, an upcycled clothing business where Elly designs, sews, and sells custom garments. Elly is interested in the possibilities of arts administration as creative practice, and explores the world and community-making through experimental projects. She currently works at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.

Jennifer Qu (she/her) is an artist and arts administrator with a background in events and communications. With roots in Toronto, she is now based in Banff, where she works as a Program Delivery Specialist with the Leadership team at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. She holds a BFA in Photography and a Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration and Cultural Management. Most recently, she worked with The Bentway Conservancy, supporting the production of community events and large-scale arts programs. With over five years of experience in Canada’s not-for-profit arts sector, Jennifer is passionate about supporting artists and building community through an accessible lens.