Grounded in nature, driven by justice, and always learning.
Molly Akerman grew up on the lands of the SENĆOŦEN and Hul’qumi’num-speaking peoples—Salt Spring Island. She is a member of Cowichan Tribes (Quw’utsun) with Scottish, Irish, Italian, and English ancestry. She is a student of Indigenous Studies and Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria.
Molly’s relationships shape how she moves through the world. Family, both blood and chosen, are very important to her. Growing up close to beaches, forests, and creeks set her on a path toward environmental studies and helped her understand the responsibility that comes with living on these lands. She was raised to identify injustice and respond to it, which guides her work today.
Respect and reciprocity are at the centre of her practice. She enjoys meaningful conversation, thoughtful dialogue, and the kind of facilitation that lets people connect in real ways. Public speaking comes naturally to her, and she seeks to keep learning and unlearning rather than developing a fixed area of expertise.
Molly’s experience includes contributing to a climate action plan for Health Canada and Environment Canada, with a focus on Indigenous knowledge and working respectfully with communities. She also worked as a junior archivist with the Salt Spring Archives. She gravitates toward projects tied to advocacy, especially those involving old growth and watershed protection.
Outside of consulting, she spends her time outdoors—swimming, biking, fishing, hiking, and being near the ocean. Time on the land reminds her why she does this work. The places she walks continue to steady her, inspire her, and shape her commitment to environmental and community well-being.
At Oodenaw, we collaborate with Molly in a mentorship-style relationship rooted in reciprocity and shared learning, recognizing her growing expertise and the strength she brings to our collective work. We are so grateful to be able to work with Molly!