Interim CEO

Steven Eastman (he/him) is Ojibwe from O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation in Northern Manitoba, but born and raised on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) in what is now referred to as the City of Vancouver. He brings over 15 years of experience advancing the rights, representation, and wellbeing of Urban Indigenous peoples. As the Interim CEO of the Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council (MVAEC) and Slaxin Lelum (Metro Vancouver Indigenous Services Society), Steven leads with a deep commitment to Indigenous self-determination, urban equity, and culturally informed service delivery.

Steven has been a driving force in Urban Indigenous advocacy at the municipal level, serving on the City of Vancouver’s Urban Indigenous Peoples Advisory Committee (UIPAC) since 2012, including multiple terms as Co-Chair. In this role, he has worked to ensure that Urban Indigenous voices are heard and reflected in civic policy, programs, and strategic planning, helping guide the city’s reconciliation efforts and government-to-government relationships.

His non-profit leadership includes senior work with Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House, a member of the Association of Neighbourhood Houses of BC (ANHBC). There, he played a pivotal role in strategic development, government relations, and embedding Indigenous knowledge into community programming. His work has focused on centering Urban Indigenous perspectives within organizations and strengthening connections between cultural teachings and social development.

Steven has spoken at conferences across Canada and internationally, and has focused on the importance of reconciliation, including the need to meaningfully include Urban Indigenous voices in building inclusive and resilient communities. His leadership continues to foster collaboration across sectors to advance the priorities of Urban Indigenous people throughout Metro Vancouver and beyond.