Jessica Guss (t’łisala)

Jessica Guss (t’łisala) is of mixed ancestry, including the Haida, Xaxli’p, Xwisten, and Squamish Nations, as well as mixed European descent. Her traditional name, t’łisala (Kwakʼwala for “brings light to others”), reflects her commitment to uplifting others through her work.

Jessica brings over 20 years of experience in business administration and management, including more than a decade focused on Indigenous health and wellness. She is currently the Lead, Strategic Initiatives, Indigenous Health at Health Quality BC, where she leads the internal implementation of the BC HSO Cultural Safety and Humility Standard and supports transformational systems change grounded in Indigenous values and rights.

Jessica is also a member of BC’s first Anti-Racism Data Committee, helping to guide the responsible and culturally safe use of data to address systemic inequities in BC’s Public Service sectors. She supports Indigenous communities across Canada by facilitating conversations about type 2 diabetes, creating space for culturally grounded dialogue and shared learning.

Her areas of expertise include policy development and analysis, project leadership, cultural humility education, quality improvement, engagement and facilitation, survey design, and data collection.

Jessica’s work is guided by frameworks such as the BC HSO Cultural Safety & Humility Standard, In Plain Sight Report, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.

At the heart of Jessica’s approach is a commitment to “moving at the speed of trust,” ensuring relationships, collaboration, and systems transformation are grounded in respect, reciprocity, and accountability. Known for her relational leadership and strategic insight, Jessica t’łisala contributes to embedding cultural safety and humility into health systems at the provincial, national, and international levels.