Dr. Florence James / Thiyaus is a Coast Salish Elder from the Pune’luxutth’ Tribe. She is a fluent speaker of the Pune’luxutth’ Tribe dialect of the Hul’qumi’num language, which is also part of the Coast Salish Nation. She is an educator and lifelong learner who draws on both her traditional gifts and teachings from her Ancestors and her university-based education. Thiyaus is a highly respected Elder in her community, widely known for her cultural expertise, her knowledge of and dedication to the environment, and her commitment to the care and education of young children. Thiyaus has been a teacher and powerful advocate for many languages, cultural heritage, environmental education, healing, and legal projects for more than 15 years.