deborah baker

K’ana Deborah Baker (MBA, BA) is a respected leader, Knowledge Keeper, and community advocate from the Squamish Nation, with ancestral ties to the Namgis and shíshálh Peoples. A proud mother of five adult children and grandmother of one, Deborah carries her cultural teachings forward with strength, humility, and an unwavering commitment to future generations.

Deborah served as a Squamish Nation Council Member for two decades (2005–2025), helping guide governance, community development, and Nation-building through periods of growth and transformation. Her leadership reflects a deep understanding of community priorities, cultural responsibility, and the importance of empowering youth and families.

She currently serves as Director of Community Programs at Vancity Community Foundation, where she leads initiatives that advance social justice, cultural revitalization, and community-driven solutions. Deborah also serves as a board member of ANOS and Co-Chair of HIP’s International Committee, contributing her experience and cultural knowledge to support Indigenous-led work across local, national, and global contexts.

Deborah’s work is grounded in more than 30 years of personal healing and cultural reclamation, informed by her lived experience as a residential school survivor. Her journey fuels her dedication to supporting Indigenous well-being, uplifting community voices, and building pathways for strength, safety, cultural pride, and self-determination.

As a member of the HIP Board, Deborah brings profound cultural knowledge, governance experience, and a lifelong commitment to healing and community empowerment. Her leadership strengthens HIP’s mission to honour Indigenous Peoples, support Indigenous youth, and foster respectful, meaningful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities across Canada.