CEO

Michelle George, MBA & DBA candidate, is an accomplished leader with over 25 years of experience in Indigenous organizational management. With a deep understanding of strategic planning, organizational development, and culturally grounded governance, she has successfully led complex initiatives that support Indigenous organizations and First Nations in achieving their goals. She is a Squamish Nation member with family ties to the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, where she raised her children.

Michelle is the CEO of the Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council (MVAEC) and Metro Vancouver Indigenous Service Society (MVISS) dba Slaxin Lelum/Medicine House, where she provides leadership and oversight for both organizations. MVAEC represents 22 Aboriginal organizations serving over 90,000 Indigenous people in Metro Vancouver, while Slaxin Lelum offers trauma-informed, culturally based healing services to more than 5,100 clients annually. Michelle is accountable to both boards; she ensures the implementation of strategic direction and fosters vital relationships with government and community partners to advance urban Indigenous issues and equity efforts. She oversees budgeting, funding proposals, and developing culturally relevant programs and services.

Before her current role, Michelle served as the Administrator of Squamish Valley Operations for Squamish Nation, where she managed a $5 million budget and a team of 90 staff, overseeing a range of essential services. She also was Manager of Health at Tsleil-Waututh Nation, where she led the development of a community health plan and managed health services for a rapidly growing population. Additionally, Michelle has extensive experience in training, employment development, and band management, having served as Band Manager for Kwikwetlem First Nation and in leadership roles at the Red Road HIV/AIDS Network.

Michelle holds an Executive MBA from Simon Fraser University and is a recognized Community Builder by the National Urban Indigenous Coalition Council for her ongoing commitment to supporting Indigenous communities through strategic leadership and culturally informed initiatives. She is pursuing her Doctorate of Business Administration at the Haskayne School of Business at the University of CalgaryUniversity of Calgary Haskayne School of Business. Michelle is also an accomplished wool weaver, a longhouse dancer, and manages the Salish Serpent Canoe Club, a traditional war canoe racing club.