Teoni Spathelfer is a hereditary member of the Heiltsuk Nation from coastal BC. Since childhood she has loved immersing herself in her own culture and learning about other cultures around the world. Spathelfer has worked as a publicist; a radio journalist, host, and producer; and an arts and music writer. Her documentary Teoni's Dream, informed by her mother's residential school experience, has aired nationwide on CBC Radio. She has three daughters and two grandchildren and divides her time between Ontario and BC.