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Emmalene Courtney
About Me
The first thing you should know about me is that you can usually find me outside—whether I’m trail running, splitboarding, backcountry camping, paddling, or tending to my garden. Being outdoors is where I feel most at home, connected to the land, and it's where I do my best thinking. So, if I don’t respond to your email right away, just know I’m likely off on an adventure, but I’ll get back to you as soon as I can!
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I was born and raised on Nex̱wlélex̱m (now known as Bowen Island), and I now reside on the unceded territory of the K’oÌ“moks peoples. The coastal regions of British Columbia have always been a deep source of connection and meaning for me. As a sixth-generation settler, I reflect on my relationship to these territories with care and responsibility. Amba Sepie's words resonate with me: “although (my ancestors) came from the ocean and walk new shores, I can do this relationship work right here. The journey toward becoming kin and reembedding, restoring, and healing alongside those communities who have suffered more violence than I can fathom or recall – it seems possible (...) It matters profoundly that I live in a manner that honors the earth as my origin, that I accept whatever identity is bestowed upon me in a specific place, at a specific time, and then show up for the work that accompanies it.”
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This connection to land and community informs my work in decolonization, liberation, and justice. It’s an ongoing journey, and I’m committed to showing up for the relationships and the work they call for.
Education
I hold a Master of Arts in Global Leadership, where my studies focused on bridging leadership theory with practical applications that prioritize intercultural competence and transformative change. Throughout my educational journey, I have immersed myself in exploring decolonization, epistemic justice, and Indigenous methodologies, which continue to inform my research and teaching practices today.
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My educational path began at Capilano University, where I studied Outdoor Recreation Leadership, shaping my understanding of leadership through experiences in nature and community-building. This foundation, paired with the opportunity to live abroad, has informed my worldview and expanded my knowledge of global systems and intercultural dynamics.
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Beyond formal education, I have had the opportunity to learn directly from Old People (Elders), Language Warriors, and Knowledge Keepers, who have greatly influenced my understanding of language revitalization, Indigenous law, and community-wellbeing. These experiences have taught me lessons that books alone could not offer and expanded my perspective on leadership and change-making.
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I am also perpetually a student of nature, relying on the earth as my greatest teacher. The natural world continues to guide my work, and my connection to the land fuels my passion for fostering well-being, empathy, and transformative change in all that I do.
Professional Journey
My career has been defined by a deep commitment to education, research, and collaboration, with a focus on decolonization, recreation and wellbeing, and fostering empathy across cultures. I’ve worked across sectors to integrate these values into my teaching, research, and community partnerships, always striving to build understanding and connection in diverse contexts.
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At Langara College, I served as an Instructional Assistant and continue to serve as a Faculty Member in the Recreation Studies Department. I helped shape the curriculum by integrating decolonial principles and contributed to the program review process, advocating for inclusivity, decolonizing practices, and increased student accessibility through initiatives like COIL and PLAR.
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At North Island College (NIC), I’ve continued this work, supporting the development of Indigenous-led initiatives, empathy-building, and community-based research into academic programs. I’ve also fostered meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities, ensuring our collaborations are grounded in mutual respect and reciprocity. My role has included contributing to quality enhancement practices and supporting ongoing program reviews and curriculum development to meet the needs of diverse communities.
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In addition to my academic roles, I’ve contributed to applied research projects funded by NSERC and CCSIF, focusing on Indigenous methodologies, recreation, and community well-being, always ensuring that empathy and connection are central to the work.
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Outside academia, I’ve worked as a BC AdventureSmart Educator, presenting to diverse audiences on outdoor safety, and more recently with Recreation Sites and Trails BC, maintaining recreation sites across the north island, from Royston to Bella Coola.
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Through my work, I’ve promoted language and culture revitalization, and improved access to recreation, joy and wellbeing for all. My focus remains on creating spaces that uplift collaboration, foster inclusion, and push the boundaries of traditional education and community engagement.
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