Paula Cranmer-Underhill

Paula’s experience includes over 14 years in business and economic development, specializing in Tourism for 9 years. Strong analytical and organizational skills, a disciplined approach to the tasks at hand, the ability to work well as part of a team, and able to handle competing priorities are attributes that contribute to a strong record of excellence and reputation for getting the job done. Currently employed as the Tourism Officer for the Sts’ailes Development Corporation (December 2009) and in the Tourism MA Program at Royal Roads University, graduating in 2013.

Aboriginal Tourism British Columbia Awards Gala - 2008. Coast Hotels & Resorts Ambassador Award, presented by Her Honour, Mrs. Gwendolyn Point, and Mr. Shuhachi Naito of the Coast Hotels & Resorts.
“With an unwavering commitment and passion for Aboriginal Tourism, she has championed numerous Aboriginal tourism initiatives, including the much-celebrated Stó:lō Artisan Centre. She helped establish Aboriginal Spirit: Honouring Woman, Arts & Fashion, an annual ever celebrating Aboriginal women achievers and showcasing Aboriginal artists and fashion designers. Paula is also a member of the Spirit of BC Chilliwack.”

Honoured by the Chi’iyaqtel Halq’eméylemqel Sq’eq’ip, in a traditional naming ceremony. Given the name Xolhe’mo:t, meaning , “One Who Cares for the People”, June 28, 2009. This name was chosen by respected Elder Elizabeth Philips, a fluent speaker of the language, and influenced by the attributes identified by the Sq’eq’ip.

Also a featured artist showcasing cedar weaving at the AtBC Klahowya Village at the Pan Pacific for the run of the Vancouver Whistler Olympic Games in 2010, and assisted with the weaving house at the follow up inaugural AtBC Klahowya Village at Stanley Park in the summer of 2010.

Enjoy activities related to her Kwakkwaka’wakw and ‘Nlakka’pamux cultures including creating blankets, aprons, cedar, moccasins, beadwork, and other regal, as well as learning the complex dances of our societies and learning more of our language, spending active time with her daughters, 14 & 12 years old, and husband of 22 years, caring for her immediate and extended family, writing non-fiction/fiction back in time stories related to her ancestors’ histories, imagining, and planning for the future.