Biography

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Liza Sam is Dakelh-un from Nak’azdli, “The place where the little people’s arrows flow out of the lake” where she continues to live today. Liza is the mother of 2 and is also a member of the ‘Utsoo (Grandmother) club. Liza’s family lines are woven into Nak’azdli and surrounding areas, tracing back many generations. She follows a strong line of matriarchs to where she sits as a member of Lusilyoo (Frog Clan).

Liza started her nursing career working for her home community of Nak’azdli as a Community Health Nurse. During this time Liza also worked casually at the local Hospital and for Public Health.  

After working over 22 years at Nak’azdli Health, Liza joined the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), providing a range of nursing services to many First Nations communities across BC. Today, Liza works with nurses across BC as a TB Clinical Nurse Educator for FNHA.  

I want to help nurses build strong foundations and relationships in community health so they may become strong partners and advocates in the healing journey of the community members. In the end, I want our communities to be a better place for everyone to grow stronger, healthier and safer. This is especially important for me because I am also a recipient of the care provided; it is where my own children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters and cousins will all live for generations to come.

Neyoh huwhuts’inli – (Together) We are protecting (watching over/caring for) our homes