19 May Michelle Bryant-Gravelle City of Vancouver

Michelle’s traditional name is Bilha’am Nelx, which means “Pearl (inside of the abalone shell) on the fin of the killer whale”. She is from the Ts’msyen Nation, from the Nine Allied Tribes of Lax Kw’alaams, from the Gitwilgyoots (People of the Kelp) Tribe and Gispudwada (Killer Whale) Clan.

Michelle is an experienced leadership coach, corporate professional, and educator with a demonstrated history of successfully bridging gaps between industry and Indigenous communities. She joined the City of Vancouver in September 2022 as the Senior Director, Indigenous Relations from her role as Corporate Affairs Manager at Trigon Pacific Terminal (formally Ridley Terminals Inc.), in Prince Rupert, BC, where she worked since 2011. She previously worked as a teacher and vice principal for 10 years.

Michelle has been on many Boards, including serving as the first Indigenous woman President of the Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce, and served as a Director for the Indigenous Business Investment Council. Michelle currently is the Vice President of the Women’s Leadership Network and an elected Trustee for the Lax Kw’alaams Settlement Trust, a Director for Skilled Trades BC, and on the Committee for the Medal of Good Citizenship for the province.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degree from Vancouver Island University and a Master of Education in Multidisciplinary Leadership from the University of Northern British Columbia. Michelle is passionate about coaching and received a Diploma in Solution Focused Coaching, and a Certificate in Advanced Management.