One Year Later: Growth, Loss, and Everything In Between
- Jean Bell
- Apr 17
- 4 min read
The last twelve months have been quite a whirlwind, to say the least.
I began my current role as Communications Manager for 'Na̱mg̱is First Nation on April 7, 2025. Over the past year, I’ve grown significantly in my career—building new skills, strengthening existing ones, and stepping into responsibilities that challenged me in ways I didn’t fully expect.
At the same time, this year brought personal changes that deeply affected how I showed up, both in my work and in my everyday life.
Stepping Into the Role
Starting this position was both exciting and intimidating. I stepped into a role that had been vacant for some time, which meant navigating high expectations while often functioning as a one-person team.
Despite that, the experience has been incredibly fulfilling. My colleagues have been supportive, and the community members I’ve connected with have shown genuine kindness. I’ve spent the year learning how to balance independence with collaboration, and how to manage expectations while still continuing to grow.
With the support of Council, Administration, and those involved in communications, I’ve found my footing more than I thought I would in that first year.
One Year of Growth in Work
When I first started working in communications, my focus was mainly on the basics—social media, websites, and digital content.
In this role, that quickly expanded.
I’ve taken on more website management, contributed to press releases, and gained a deeper understanding of media relations. One of the most rewarding parts of this has been seeing the work behind the scenes—witnessing the passion that leadership has for issues impacting the nation and its lands before that information reaches the public.
I’ve also leaned further into photography and videography—something I’ve always enjoyed. Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to capture moments from events like June Sports and the Traditional Games Weekend, as well as support different departments and the school with visual content whenever possible.
It’s made me more aware of how impactful communication can be—not just when it’s done well, but when it’s missing.
Returning to Our Homelands
One moment that stood out this year was our visit to Village Island—'mim'kwa̲mlis—on May 21, 2025.
We travelled to our Bell homelands to witness the raising of a totem pole, the first to be raised there in over 120 years. It was a powerful experience, not just as someone documenting the moment, but as someone connected to that place.
G̱ilakas'la to Ernie Puglas for the beautiful pole, and a heartfelt thank you to Mamaliliḵa̱la First Nation for inviting the pole to our homelands.
It was a reminder that some moments go beyond work—that being present, witnessing, and documenting them carries a different kind of meaning.
When Life and Work Intersect
This year wasn’t without its personal challenges.
In August 2025, my cat Nemesis went missing. Losing her was incredibly difficult, and adjusting to that absence took time. In October, I adopted Selene from Kitty Cat P.A.L.S., which brought comfort, though it was still an emotional transition.
November brought additional challenges that affected my consistency at work. For a period of time, I found myself operating more on autopilot than anything else.
The most significant loss came in February 2026, when my mom passed away following complications after surgery. It was unexpected and devastating—especially as it happened on the day we were planning to visit her.
Even after taking time away from work, returning wasn’t easy. I continued to move through my days on autopilot, trying to regain focus while processing everything that had happened.
March 15th, what would have been her 62nd birthday, was a difficult reminder of that loss. Moving into April, I’m still adjusting—but slowly, I’m finding moments where things feel a bit lighter.
Throughout all of this, the support I’ve received from my workplace has meant more than I can fully express. That understanding and compassion has made it possible to keep moving forward, even when things felt overwhelming.
What This Year Changed
This year has changed how I approach both my work and myself.
I’ve learned to take on more responsibility, to trust my own decisions, and to recognize the importance of balance. Working more independently has shown me the impact I can have—but also the importance of taking care of my emotional and mental well-being.
Right now, my focus is on continuing to learn, trying new ideas, and challenging myself in ways that feel sustainable. I’m still figuring out what that balance looks like, but I’m more aware of it than I’ve ever been before.
Moments Beyond the Role
While much of my photography this year was connected to my role, I also had opportunities to capture moments outside of my work with 'Namgis.
In July, I supported the 'Na̱mima engagements, and in September, I contributed to the Pit Cook with Kwakiutl. Both experiences allowed me to continue developing my photography and videography skills in different settings, while still staying connected to community work.
During the Pit Cook, I also had the chance to bring along my apprentice—my niece—who helped capture photos and videos alongside me. Being able to share that experience and support her learning made it even more meaningful.
The Kwagu'ł Annual Kwi̱nsa (Pit Cook) Photos
Video footage I took of Matt Ambers during the Pit Cook for his Root Harvesting.
Closing
As I move forward, I don’t feel like I have everything figured out—and maybe I’m not supposed to. This past year has taught me that growth doesn’t always come from clarity or confidence, but often from simply continuing on, even when things feel uncertain.
While this year has been one of the most challenging I’ve experienced, it has also been one of the most defining. I’m still learning, still healing, and still finding my footing—but I’m no longer the same person who stepped into this role a year ago. And for now, that feels like enough.
Comments