Coming of Age: Overcoming Trauma to Achieve Self-Determination
COMING APRIL 24, 2025
What if coming of age wasn’t about age at all—but about remembering who you are?
In this powerful blend of memoir, Indigenous wisdom, and healing framework, author and community leader Elaine Alec shares her journey of overcoming addiction, shame, and generational trauma to reclaim her identity and voice. Through personal stories, cultural teachings, and practical tools from her Cultivating Safe Spaces framework, this book offers a pathway to emotional healing, self-determination, and reconnection.
This is not just a story of survival—it’s a call to remember your humanness, to break generational cycles, and to step into your purpose with clarity and courage.
Grounded in the lived experiences of a syilx and secwepemc woman, Coming of Age is for anyone seeking to heal from trauma, embrace their identity, and transform how they relate to themselves and the world around them.
Perfect for readers of self-help, trauma recovery, Indigenous leadership, and personal growth.
swit askwíst?
Welcome to my official website. My name is Elaine Alec (teɬkənitkʷ), an Indigenous author from the syilx and secwepemc nations, I am an entrepreneur and advocate for healing, self-determination and reconnection.
I am a proud member of the syilx (Okanagan) and secwepemc (Shuswap) nations, born in syilx territory and gifted the name teɬkənitkʷ (“Standing by Water”) by my tema (grandmother). My mission is rooted in advancing reconciliation, fostering belonging, and cultivating spaces of emotional safety for all humans.
As the founder of Naqsmist Storytellers Inc. and creator of the Cultivating Safe Spaces framework, I have dedicated my life to dismantling systems of oppression and inspiring individuals to think different, dream big, and lead bold..
