Julia Bendtsen

Community-rooted professional with over 10 years of experience supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, youth, and grassroots organizations. Settler of European ancestry currently based on Quw'utsun Mustimuhw territory, dedicated to relational models of care and trauma-informed advocacy. Committed to fostering collective well-being and systems change through a grounded, holistic, and human-centred practice.

Communications Specialist at MakeWay Foundation/Indigenous Watersheds Initiative (2023-01 – 2026-12)

• Supported 49 Indigenous-led environmental governance and stewardship projects across British Columbia through communications and community engagement.
• Built relationships with Nation partners, ensuring all communications and reporting were consent-based, culturally safe, and aligned with community priorities.
• Translated complex governance and environmental data into accessible storytelling, using digital platforms to amplify Indigenous stewardship and leadership.
• Collaborated with Elders, Nations, and multidisciplinary teams to facilitate peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and community-driven reporting.

Creative Consultant at Freelance (2019-01 – Present)

Supported non-profits and community initiatives focused on equity, environmental justice, and language revitalization through strategic communications and storytelling.

• Developed accessible digital platforms and values-aligned storytelling for grassroots initiatives, centering community voices to amplify Indigenous-led advocacy and cultural revitalization.
• Managed communications for clients, translating organizational goals into clear, community-facing resources.
• Client history includes: SȾÁUTW̱ SENĆOŦEN Language Program, Cowichan Estuary Restoration and Conservation Association (CERCA), Field Notes Arts, Sinun Studio, The Spool Yard, and more.

Research Assistant (Indigenous Legal Advocacy) at Kinwa Bluesky Consulting (2018-01 – 2022-12)

• Supported a legal scholar in facilitating community-driven initiatives to prevent the human trafficking and sexual exploitation of Indigenous youth.
• Supported focus groups and gatherings that centered the safety and voices of Indigenous youth, navigating complex priorities in dynamic, high-stakes settings.
• Translated legal and policy frameworks into accessible resources to support community-led prevention efforts.
• Conducted literature reviews, transcription, and report development to support evidence-based, community-informed decision-making and policy shifts.

Indigenous Youth Worker at Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) (2016-01 – 2020-12)

• Provided trauma-informed stabilization and care for Indigenous female youth in a residential setting.
• Applied "Culture as Therapy" and land-based activities to foster a sense of safety, cultural identity, and holistic wellness.
• Managed high-acuity crisis intervention and de-escalation using harm-reduction and youth-centered protocols to support those navigating complex systemic barriers.
• Collaborated with VACFSS, Elders, and clinical teams to implement individualized care plans, supporting family reconnections and long-term housing stability.

Masters of Arts in Environmental Practice and Graduate Certificate of Science & Policy of Climate Change – Royal Roads University (2023-12)

Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems and Food Security – Kwantlen Polytechnic University (2022-12)

Bachelors of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and First Nations and Indigenous Studies (FNIS) – University of British Columbia (2019-12)