Weyt-kp xwexwéytep, Shawna Biron ren skwekwst te re st̓7é7kwen Adams Lake Indian Band.
My name is Dr. Shawna Biron. My work is rooted in two streams, therapy and more broadly Indigenous health, mental wellness, and decolonization. Over the past decade, I have worked across mental health, health care, Indigenous wellness, leadership, operations, and therapeutic practice in both the public and private sectors.
In my life and work, I hold many interconnected roles and passions. One facet of my work is serving as Chief Operating Officer of Adams Lake Indian Band, where I support organizational leadership, health systems planning, policy alignment, governance, operations, and community wellness initiatives. Another part of my work is rooted in my role as a therapist in private practice, supporting individuals through mental health, wellness, trauma, and healing-focused care.
health consultant, mental health education, programs, services and leadership
I also serve as a health consultant, supporting the development and start-up of treatment centres, supported recovery services, and wellness programs. This work includes creating health and mental health policies, aligning services with quality and accreditation standards, and providing consultation and advisory support to organizations, communities, and Nations.
I also engage in mental health education and advocacy through social media, where I share information, reflections, and resources intended to support greater understanding, reduce shame, and create more accessible conversations about healing.
Together, these different facets of my work reflect my broader commitment to wellness, culturally grounded practice, mental health, policy, program development, and systems change. Whether I am supporting an individual, an organization, a community, or a Nation, my work is guided by a deep commitment to healing, dignity, cultural integrity, and practical support.
My experience in health care has included the start-up, development, and operations of treatment centres, supported recovery programs, primary care services, Indigenous health programs, and community-based wellness initiatives. I have worked within and alongside federal, provincial, community, and private funding systems, supporting the alignment of policy, service delivery, quality improvement, accountability, accreditation standards, and culturally safe practice.
My academic background includes a Doctorate in Social Science, two master’s degrees—one in Counselling Psychology and one in Professional Communications—and a Bachelor of Business Administration. My educational path has been intentional, supporting my ability to work across therapeutic, operational, organizational, and systems-level spaces
A significant part of my work is also grounded in my personal healing and supporting other’s in healing from colonial trauma. I understand that wellness is not only individual; it is also relational, and systemic socio-cultural influences.
My practice, leadership, and consulting work are guided by a commitment to dignity, cultural integrity, honesty, compassion, and practical change. Whether I am supporting an individual, a team, an organization, or a Nation, my goal is to walk alongside people in ways that honour both lived experience and professional knowledge.