Ilyssia (they/them)

Jacob is a queer/genderqueer settler with Irish ancestry living on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ Nations. Jacob grew up along the coastlines, rivers, and freshwater lakes in the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and the traditional territories of the Huron-Wendat, Ojibway, Odawa, Potawatomie, and Haudenosonee Peoples.

Their educational background is in Land and Food Systems, where they explored the intersections of agriculture, food justice, and ecological well-being, with an interest in understanding how education can support the development of cultural, relational, and ecological responsibility. They are always learning about how to be a better steward of our social-ecological environment and are excited to embark on this journey alongside students.

They weave a calm, curious presence with an animated energy to their facilitation and are passionate about nurturing learning environments that center care, inquiry, and social development. In their free time they are a photographer, love to bike and explore the mountains with friends, and watch films.