Carly Cunningham

Biography

Tansi! My name is Carly Cunningham. I am Woodland Cree and Metis from Peavine Metis Settlement. I am also connected to Sucker Creek First Nation, in treaty 8 territory through my late chapan Nora Cunningham (nee Willier). I am proud to come from a huge family and always look forward to meeting new cousins. I am also proud of my Scottish ancestry I get through my mom. I belong to the House of cha cha tsii us (since 2003). And in 2011, I became a citizen of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations (through marriage). My Huu-ay-aht name is ʔaasaawis. I grew-up on the territory of the Sinixt Peoples (Rossland, BC) and currently live in Lkwungen territory with my husband ḥapinyuuk (Tommy Happynook) and my son hawilthwinis (Mahihkan Happynook).

I began my academic journey at Camosun College before transferring to the University of Victoria where I earned a B.A. in Sociology. I have been working at UVic since 2007. I joined the FPH/IACE team in 2009 (when the FPH first opened) in the front-line role of FPH Secretary, and moved into the position of the FPH Building and Operations Coordinator in 2018. 

One of my cultural roles in the Happynook family is working and weaving with cedar. It has become one of my great loves. And am often thinking and working on projects. I am hoping to take up beading again and start learning from all the amazing beading folks that come in & out of the FPH.

If you have any question about the FPH, want to book a room, or just want to say hello, please connect!