Shaleena Bertram is Lummi (Quileute and Nooksack). She has an A.A. in Business, a B.A. majoring in Psychology, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Washington.

Her undergraduate and graduate studies were spent examining and researching the Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma, also known as Historical Trauma.

In short, children are the unwitting recipients of their parent’s trauma and this experience has been taking place for several generations. Affected individuals have difficulties in coping with stress and have a higher vulnerability to PTSD, low self-esteem, and difficulties with interpersonal relationships. In looking at the Relocation, Termination, Assimilation, and Sterilization of our women it is no wonder that our communities are still in a state of trauma.

It is with this cognition that Shaleena has developed the foundation for her work as a Mental Health Counselor in combating the residual influences of Historical Trauma in her community. Her objective is to encourage her clients to find their strengths and become empowered in shaping their futures.

Shaleena has been working with youth for over eight years in Tribal Schools, Hospitals, Homeless Shelters, Non Profit Organizations, Juvenile Detention Centers, Indian Child Welfare programs, Treatment Centers, Cultural Enrichment programs, and Youth Safety Shelters. She currently works with American Indian youth as a Mental Health Counselor.

Shaleena teaches aerobics through an Indian College. Her counseling approach incorporates nutrition, lifestyle changes, and the importance of exercise in working toward holistic wellness.

Shaleena recognizes cultural connectedness as the largest safeguard in making healthy decisions within American Indian populations, per research in the field.

Personally, she is fervently connected to the culture of canoe pulling. She has been racing canoes since 2006. She has also been involved in the Canoe Journey since 2002 and has supervised youth on these journeys as well. Shaleena served on the planning committee for the Paddle To Lummi, 2007.

She is currently helping to organize the third annual Coast Salish Day/Canoe Journey Day (to be held Saturday, July 18, 2009) in collaboration with the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County as they officially acknowledge the first inhabitants of this land.