Expressive Arts Therapy > Faculty
Jared Ellestad Van Somer
Instructor
Pénemkin, MSW, RSWWilliam Jared Penemkin Ellestad Van Somer (he/him) is a proud Tse’Khene man with diverse roots drawing from his patrilineal heritage with the Kwadacha Band of Northern British Columbia and his mother’s origins in New South Wales, Australia. Through his work and personal passions, he aspires to bridge gaps, promote healing, and foster understanding among diverse communities.
Jared has over two decades of experience working with Indigenous communities as a social worker and caretaker of plant knowledge. His journey began at McGill University, where he completed his Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW). His role combines his passions of social work and his dedication to preserving indigenous knowledge and traditions.
Currently, Jared stands as a representative of the Squamish First Nation, where he holds the position of Senior Manager of Family Services and Knowledge Keeper. His role combines his passions of social work and his dedication to preserving indigenous knowledge and traditions.
Jared currently lives in Coquitlam, BC with his beloved husband, Trevor and their two cats, Giles and Ginger Biscuit. The couple shares an enthusiasm for plants and a deep connection to the natural world, regularly educating others about the spiritual, medicinal, and therapeutic value that plants possess, and their role in our shared ancestral inheritance.
Chen kw’enman-túmi (I thank you)