Our Team
The SILR team is a dynamic and diverse collective, comprising dedicated Indigenous leaders, esteemed scholars, and enthusiastic community members. The SILR team is enriched by the presence of both seasoned experts and eager language learners, including speakers who bring the richness of their culture and languages. Together, as Indigenous Language advocates and allies, SILR is united in collaborative efforts towards the vital goal of Indigenous language revitalization.
Pamela McCoy Jones
Executive Director
Pamela is Anishinaabe from Wawa, Ontario, with family in Michipicoten First Nation (on her mother’s side) and Batchewana First Nation (on her father’s side). She is a mother of four and lives in Stony Plain on Treaty Six territory. Pamela has over 15 years of experience in policy and strategic planning, with a specialization in Indigenous education. Pamela is passionate about Indigenous language sovereignty and the implementation of the Supporting Indigenous Languages Revitalization initiative. Pamela is also the chair of the Steering Committee.
Candice Phillips
Program Assistant
Candice grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and spent several years in Ontario before making her home in Alberta in 2022. Over the past 15 years, she has built a diverse career within post-secondary education, working in areas such as libraries, finance, business, medical sciences, and, most meaningfully, Indigenous language revitalization. This range of experience has given her a deep appreciation for how knowledge is shared, how communities shape learning spaces, and how languages carry identity, history, and connection.
In her current work, she is committed to supporting Indigenous language learners, educators, and community partners by helping create environments where people feel welcomed, empowered, and encouraged in their learning journeys. She values listening, relationship-building, and contributing to efforts that strengthen language for future generations.
Outside of work, Candice enjoys spending time with her two gentle giant mastiffs, getting lost in a good book, attending live music whenever she can, and indulging in her love of sweets. She aims to bring some warmth and humour into the work she does each day.