Qʷaamahsaqin Emergency Treatment Project

Coordinator: Tierra Taylor

The Qʷaamahsaqin Emergency Treatment Project is a regional initiative focused on providing immediate, culturally grounded support for Ahousaht members experiencing substance use and related challenges. The program supports individuals both on- and off-reserve through a network of service hubs designed to offer timely care, stabilization, and connection to longer-term supports.

Services include emergency treatment response, stabilization, sobering supports, and culturally grounded care, with a strong emphasis on safety, dignity, and connection to community.

Hub Locations

• Maaqtusiis / Ahousaht
• Port Alberni
• Nanaimo
• Victoria

About the Coordinator

Tierra Taylor serves as the Qʷaamahsaqin Coordinator, leading the development and delivery of this initiative.

Tierra is a proud Nuučaanuł, Coast Salish, and Kwakwaka'wakw woman with strong ties to ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht), Snuneymuxw, and Ma’a̱mtagila. She comes from the Robinson family and is the great-granddaughter of Luke and Elsie Robinson.

She brings extensive experience in Indigenous-led programs, organizational leadership, and community-based work. Her background includes Indigenous policy, public affairs, and communications, along with program development across health, arts, and community sectors.

Role and Responsibilities

As Coordinator, Tierra oversees the overall direction and daily operations of the Qʷaamahsaqin project. This includes leading and supporting a multidisciplinary team across all hub locations, coordinating service delivery to ensure both clinical standards and cultural safety are upheld, managing project operations, planning, and reporting, and working closely with Ahousaht leadership, partner Nations, and health organizations.

The role also includes supporting data collection, evaluation, and the long-term sustainability of the program. This position involves regular travel between hub locations and ongoing engagement with community members, Elders, and service partners.

Our Approach

The Qʷaamahsaqin project is grounded in Ahousaht values and recognizes that healing must be rooted in culture. The program integrates land-based knowledge, cultural teachings, and community connections into all aspects of care, helping ensure services are responsive, respectful, and community-driven.

Email Tierra Taylor