Elina Hill, BA, MA – I am an editor, writer and researcher based in Ottawa, ON.
Education
I have an MA in History and Cultural, Social, and Political Thought (CSPT), and a BA with majors in both English and History from the University of Victoria. I also hold a diploma in travel studies from Algonquin college.
For my MA research, I wrote about ethical listening practices and employed these when interviewing people in Indigenous communities in BC. My MA thesis is entitled “Indigenous Knowledge Practices: A Study in Decolonization.”
Experience
Since 2008, I’ve used critical theory and strong language skills to edit for clients in various fields, such as:
- ethics
- history
- Indigenous studies
- education
- engineering
- leadership studies
- nursing
- immunology
- business
- physics
I’ve edited books, for example, providing feedback to Dr. B. Jiwani on Clinical Ethics Consultation: A Practical Guide (2017) and to Bev Sellars on They Call Me Number One (2013). I’ve edited e-course materials on diversity and ethics, a healthcare guide for newcomers to Canada, and more for Fraser Health (2016; 2017). I’ve also edited chapters, articles, proposals, award-winning dissertations and theses, and more. Here’s what a few of my clients have to say!
I’ve researched social, political and economic issues for clients. For example, in 2015, I gathered data and reported on shared land use and reserve formation for the Ashcroft Band. In 2014, I reviewed and analyzed interviews and other relevant literature to help write and produce an extensive Cultural Heritage Overview for the Upper Nicola Band. As well, from 2013 to 2015, I researched a range of topics – from government policy and ethnography, to Indigenous political movements – for Dr. W. Wickwire (University of Victoria). I relied on a variety of sources, from government records, to digital archives and daily media, in order to provide analysis and reports.
I have conducted research interviews, recruited people and collected data in support of other groups, such as the Victoria Airport Authority (2013-2015) and the Cultural Capital During Migration project (2006-2007).
I led discussion groups, assessed papers, and provided writing support to students as a teaching assistant (2010-2012). In 2014, I created and conducted workshops on qualitative research and ethical listening for students at the University of Victoria (Dr. Vibert, Dr. Wickwire). In 2014, I also wrote and ran a 3 week course on oral history theory and practice (University 201).
I continue to learn about important issues in health, development, and resource management through my work transcribing for the Cree-Naskapi Commission, the Boreal Leadership Council, and others, as a subcontractor for Capital Transcription Services. Since 2008, I’ve transcribed meetings, focus groups, and interviews on topics such as nursing ethics, end-of-life care, and uses of social media.
My experience in administrative work and in the travel industry helped me develop a myriad of practical skills for editing, writing, communication and research. I have extensively used software such as MS Office, Adobe (InDesign, Dreamweaver, Contribute, and more), WordPress, and Prezi.
Publications and Presentations:
Cultural, Social, Political Thought (CSPT) In/Coherence conference, 04/2012: “Always Decolonize!: A Critique of the Call to “Always Indigenize!””
Borders and Border Crossings Conference (UBCO), 05/2012: “Decolonizing the Classroom.”
Qualicum conference, 01/2011: “’Can the Subaltern Speak?’: Subaltern Struggles for (or against) History.”
Community Involvement
I regularly volunteer in my community. Some of the organizations I have worked with:
- Hopewell Avenue Public School Student Council – Secretary, ParentSpeak editor, website maintenance, 2015-2017.
- PAC Vice-President, Oaklands Elementary, 2014-2015.
- Uni 101 and Uni 201, University of Victoria
- Gonzales Cooperative Preschool, Vice-President
- Congress 2013, University of Victoria
- Glaxo Well-come Clinical Education Centre
- Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association (MISA)
