Deborah is a Squamish Nation and descendant from Namgis and Shishalth Nations. She is the mother of 5 adult children and grandmother to one who was raised and lived on the Capilano Reserve in West Vancouver.

Deborah graduated with Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies and served 16 years as an Elected Councillor of Squamish Nation. She volunteers with Honouring Indigenous People, All Nations Outreach Society and had previously worked with Indigenous Entrepreneurs and with First Nation Communities on Economic Development.

Deborah is a survivor of Indian Residential School.

She is supportive of Housing, Education and Health Care for Indigenous People.