Location: Native Education College, at 285 E 5th Ave, Vancouver, BC.

Join us for the official launch of Coming of Age by teɬkənitkʷ (Elaine Alec)—a free event filled with storytelling, connection, and reflection.

RSVP Here

Join Massy Books, Elaine Alec, and Ta7talíya Michelle Nahanee, for the launch of "Coming of Age: Overcoming Trauma to Achieve Self-Determination" at 6 pm on Thursday, June 5th.

Elaine Alec has been a political advisor to the Chief of Staff for the BC Assembly of First Nations, and has worked in various capacities within the provincial government and Indigenous Services Canada, focusing on promoting healing and wellness across over 150 First Nations communities in Canada. She is the founder ofNaqsmist Storytellers Inc. and creator of the Cultivating Safe Spaces framework, dedicating her life to dismantling systems of oppression and inspiring individuals to think different, dream big, and lead bold.

Venue:

The event will be hosted at the Native Education College, at 285 E 5th Ave, Vancouver, BC.

Registration is free or by donation and required for entry. We ask that you assess your proximity to privilege and donate where you can. This event is being sponsored by Massy Books and the author, with all donations set to cover venue rental fees.

The venue is wheelchair accessible and a gender-neutral washroom is on-site.

Please refrain from wearing scents or heavy perfumes.

Covid Protocols: Masks keep our community safe and are recommended. We ask if you are showing symptoms, that you stay home. Thank you kindly.

About the Book:

What if coming of age wasn’t about age at all—but about remembering who you are?

In this powerful blend of memoir, Indigenous wisdom, and healing framework, author and community leader Elaine Alec shares her journey of overcoming addiction, shame, and generational trauma to reclaim her identity and voice. Through personal stories, cultural teachings, and practical tools from her Cultivating Safe Spaces framework, this book offers a pathway to emotional healing, self-determination, and reconnection.

This is not just a story of survival—it’s a call to remember your humanness, to break generational cycles, and to step into your purpose with clarity and courage.

Grounded in the lived experiences of a syilx and secwepemc woman, Coming of Age is for anyone seeking to heal from trauma, embrace their identity, and transform how they relate to themselves and the world around them.

Perfect for readers of self-help, trauma recovery, Indigenous leadership, and personal growth.

About the Author:

Elaine Alec (teɬkənitkʷ), an Indigenous author from the syilx and secwepemc nations. She is an entrepreneur and advocate for healing, self-determination and reconnection.

She is a proud member of the syilx (Okanagan) and secwepemc (Shuswap) nations, born in syilx territory and gifted the name teɬkənitkʷ (“Standing by Water”) by her tema (grandmother). Her mission is rooted in advancing reconciliation, fostering belonging, and cultivating spaces of emotional safety for all humans.

About the Moderator:

Ta7talíya Nahanee (she/her) belongs to Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). She is a decolonial creative and educator who lives and works in her ancestral homelands on the shared territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, also known as the City of Vancouver.

Be part of a powerful evening with teɬkənitkʷ (Elaine Alec) as she launches Coming of Age, her second book exploring healing and leadership through Indigenous teachings. Enjoy a warm community gathering with a book reading, conversation, refreshments, and giveaways. Admission is free—all are welcome to share in this moment of insight and celebration.

Location: Mateada 150 FULFORD-GANGES ROAD GANGES, BC, V8K 2T8

Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Celebrate the book signing of Coming of Age: Overcoming Trauma to Achieve Self-Determination with teɬkənitkʷ (Elaine Alec)

Join teɬkənitkʷ (Elaine Alec) for the official launch of her new book, Coming of Age: Overcoming Trauma to Achieve Self-Determination—an evening of storytelling, connection, and celebration. This free community event will feature a welcome, reading from the book, a guided conversation with Elaine, book signing, light refreshments, giveaways, and more. Rooted in Indigenous teachings and personal journey, Elaine’s second book invites readers into healing, identity, and self-determined leadership. All are welcome!

You're invited to join teɬkənitkʷ (Elaine Alec) for the official launch of her new book Coming of Age: Overcoming Trauma to Achieve Self-Determination —an evening of storytelling, connection, and celebration. 

Elaine's second book builds on her personal journey and Indigenous teachings to guide readers through healing, identity, and leadership. This launch is more than a reason —it's a gathering of community, insight, and transformation.