Camp Staff

  • Etchi Zaleski, Executive Director

    She/Her

    Gawu Kuns Siiwaay, Mosquito Lake, is the first place I called home when I arrived on Haida Gwaii in 1996. We had a little leaky tent left over from tree-planting, a tarp, and a hubcap to cook on. It rained every single day for 2 months and I thought the islands were just going through a “phase”. It was a balance of beauty and rawness that brought me to the deepest part of my core. 

    K’aayxada Adventure Camp places an incredible amount of value on the importance of our youth and this is reflected in the amazing support we have from many organizations on and off Haida Gwaii. The willingness of people to maintain the facility, remote though it is, the motivation of community members to facilitate the programs, and the Board of Directors overseeing it all affirms how integral camp is.

    I am honoured to work for the youth of Haida Gwaii and I am so grateful to be a part of it all, haw’aa.

  • Stu Crawford, Program Coordinator

    He/Him

  • Leila Willis Newton, Program Coordinator

    She/Her

    Having had the privilege of working at K’aayxada Adventure Camp since 2017, I have a deep appreciation for outdoor education and what it brings to youth on Haida Gwaii. Getting to see the transformation that occurs when we spend time on the land and water is a true gift.

    Through hiking, art, kayaking and canoeing, music, ecology, and outdoor games we are all able to push our boundaries to healthy limits while at camp, and experience growth together. Every camp session is unique and incredible because of everyone who shows up, and the community that supports us.

    I am extremely grateful to call K’aayxada home for 6 weeks of the year, and to have such a wonderful team to work with. I look forward to all the new faces and camp sessions to come!

  • Natalie Lieske, Lead Cook

    She/Her

    I have had the pleasure of cooking for the youth and staff at K’aayxada since 2022. I have worked with youth in outdoor settings and have cooked for groups in remote locations for many years, but K’aayxada is a very unique and special place.

    At camp we are able to connect more deeply with the lands and waters where we live. We do pit-cooks, forage for mushrooms, and eat meals together by the fire on the beach. We are also lucky to receive food from the Local Food to School program—like seafood and preserves. I look forward to the weeks at camp and to the great memories we form every time we gather together.

  • Carrie Carty, Lead Cook

    She/Her

    Yaahl Haana Kajuu hinuu dii kyaang.  My name is Precious Raven Singer.

    I am humbled to say that I have had the opportunity to share food and knowledge at K’aayxada Adventure Camp. I hold Haida Gwaii close to my heart and feel true to myself when I am on our lands and waters. I love harvesting our foods and sharing them with others.

    K’aayxada has been such a great experience for me, and an amazing experience for the youth of Haida Gwaii. We get to live and learn about Yahgudang (respect for everything around us) in a beautiful and magical place.  <3

Board of Directors

  • Cal Westbrook, Board Chair

    He/Him

    K’aayxada Adventure Camp marked my first connection with outdoor education on Haida Gwaii 10 years ago. As a School District 50 staff member and chaperone, that first week at camp fostered a deep connection to the land and sparked friendships that have blossomed over the last decade of living on Haida Gwaii.

    Growing up on K’ómoks territory, my outdoor education journey began as a camp supervisor for the Courtenay Recreation Society. This path continued on Haida Gwaii, where I worked as a camp counselor for Laana DaaGAng.nga (Swan Bay) Rediscovery and later became a member of the Daaxiigan Sk’adaa Nee Outdoor Education team. As Vice Principal at Daaxiigan and the President of K’aayxada’s Board of Directors, I am proud of our relationship that brings outdoor education to such a vast number of students on Haida Gwaii. 

    K’aayxada Adventure Camp, in partnership with Gwaii Haanas National Park and Haida Heritage Site, offers youth a unique and profound connection to the land. It’s a space where they can witness and interact with the natural world, build relationships with peers and staff, challenge themselves in a safe and encouraging environment, have fun (lots of it!), and enjoy incredible local food.

    I am honoured to be part of this dedicated team of employees and volunteers, and extend my deepest gratitude to our amazing crew and funders for their continued support of this exceptional organization. Together, we create meaningful opportunities for the youth of Haida Gwaii to grow, connect, and thrive.

  • Winnie Tsai

    She/Her

    My first job on Haida Gwaii was at the Living and Learning School back in 2015. I have a background in teaching elementary grades (K-6) with a specialization in Outdoor and Experiential Education.

    Although I moved out of working in the school-age education system, my passion now lies in working in Early Childhood Education.  I still have a deep interest in the importance of place-based and experiential education, which I have kept close to me by acting as a Board Member for K’aayxada Adventure Camp.

    I love seeing, hearing, and supporting the work that KAC does with the youth of Haida Gwaii,  and am incredibly grateful to be a part of this dedicated team of community members. 

  • Traci Murphy

    I love the camp because I personally feel a sense of healing and connection when I am on the lake and in the mountains there. 

    I have worked at the camp as an Executive Director and Camp Counsellor. The joy and connection that I have witnessed through the children and youth’s experience is moving and heart opening. One participant stated that she over came her fears of being away from home and social anxiety due the camp staff, connection to land and herself. I have two children that now can access this special and unique program, and this has inspired me to be on the board. 

    Experiential outdoor education in a safe environment is embodied learning which is essential for all our relations; to ourselves, to each other, and the lands we live on.   

  • Paula Varnell

  • Niisii Guujaaw

  • Emily Lytle