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Email Tamlyn
Tamlyn is passionate about the confluence of western science and indigenous knowledge and how they can be utilized to build understanding between industry and Indigenous Nations throughout the mining lifecycle. This passion is rooted both in her nłeʔképmx heritage and technical background as she holds a B.Sc. in Biology and Environmental Studies from the University of Victoria (2015). Tamlyn has worked with both industry and Indigenous Nations to develop tools and processes to bridge the two ways of knowing to support developing meaningful relationships though environmental management, regulatory engagement, environmental assessment, and impact benefit agreement implementation. In her new role as General Manager, she will focus on creating more awareness of the role and mandate of the CNA, increasing opportunities for member feedback into CNA operations, and continuing work focused on the revitalization and reconnection of nłeʔképmx peoples to nłeʔképmx culture, language, and knowledge.
Email Nicole
Nicole Johnny is the Operations Manager for the Citxw Nlaka'pamux Assembly, she is from Merritt and her husband and five children are part of Lytton First Nation. Nicole brings administrative experience in Office Management, Human Resources, and Accounting. She assists in the development and implementation of organization policies and procedures; supports and oversees the administration of HR policies; programs and practices within the organization; receivables, monthly billing, payroll and quarterly financial reporting.
Nicole's dedication to community development and engagement helps create positive change and impact within the eight CNA communities and related organizations. She especially enjoys engaging in high level team collaboration, demonstrating task reliability, communicating constructively and motivating and supporting team direction.
Her goal is to provide an innovative approach in engaging and expanding overall program development and direction. NicoIe cherishes the nłeʔképmx territory, and strives to create a strong and successful environment for her children and their children’s children.
EMAIL MARCY
ʔéx kʷn̓ Marcy is a member of the nłeʔkepmx community from the Lower Nicola Indian Band. Her parents are Lee McLeod (Aspen Grove) and the Late Phyllis Edwards (LNIB). Besides her Mom, Marcy recognizes her strongest influencers and role models in her life to be both of her Great Grandmothers, the Late Elizabeth Edwards (LNIB), and the Late Delores McLeod (Aspen Grove). In 2007, Marcy started working for her community (LNIB) where she gained experience in both the Administration Department as well as the Finance Department, she worked for LNIB for 14 years. Marcy has recently re-joined the team at CNA as the Finance Clerk and is very grateful to have the opportunity to work with the team once again. Marcy is also currently working on obtaining her Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager’s designation through AFOA Canada. Apart from staying busy at work Marcy enjoys several hobbies which include reading, wire-wrapping crystals, crocheting, learning tarot, and creating junk journals, she is always looking for new and fun things to learn when it comes to being creative with art and crafts. As the Finance Clerk, Marcy aims to expand on her knowledge and skills set while providing friendly and courteous services to the eight participating CNA Bands and the community in general. Marcy looks forward to being a part of the CNA community again and getting to know her fellow co-workers and community members from the eight participating Bands. húm̓eł cúkʷ kʷukʷscémxʷ
Email madelynn
Hen̓łeʔ - Weyt-kp
Madelynn Albert is Secwépemc/ Nłeʔképmx woman and a member of the Cook’s Ferry Indian Band. She has the honor of being the single parent to a daughter with a strong heart, fierce mind, and a brave spirit, Aiyanna Albert is also a proud member of Cook’s Ferry Indian Band.
Her parents are the late Joe Thomas and Annette Albert. Her paternal grandparents are the late Shirley Ann (Thomas) Joseph and the late Charles Christopher Aloysius Joseph Sr. from Shuswap band. Her maternal grandparents are Cookie Jules (Delorse George) and Ross Albert. She is blessed to have additional maternal grandparents who have impacted her life in many unforgettable ways: Marie Anderson who inspires her to keep learning and speak her languages. And the late Mary Ann John who she carries in her heart, who has taught many life lessons that survived through generations, which has helped her daily and kept her grounded.
She spent her early years living and traveling around the Shuswap territory. Participating in family gatherings, learning to harvest from the land, traveling to powwows and Stick games. In 2004 she was able to move into the Nłeʔképmx territory and graduate from Ashcroft secondary. Spence’s Bridge is home and is where she has been learning and growing with the other half of her heritage.
Her goal is to be the best example for her daughter, in showing her how to walk in two worlds. With Aiyanna as motivation, they learn both languages, practice traditional teachings on the land, and try their best to keep learning every day; so that they may ensure their culture stays alive. She has been a stay-at-home-mom, a single mother with three jobs, a mother as well as a student. Now she has the privilege to say that she has graduated from NVIT with a certificate in Office Administration. She looks forward to being able to provide her support for the Nłeʔképmx territory and our eight participating CNA bands.
Madelynn welcomes anyone to come in and say hello.
kʷukʷscémxʷ
hum̓eł
kukwstsetsemc
putucw
EMAIL Jocelyn
Jocelyn Jacoe is a long time resident of Merritt, she has stepped into a new role as the employment and training File Clerk. We are excited to have Jocelyn as part of the team as she brings a great amount of experience to the table.
You can email Jocelyn by clicking the link above.
kʷukʷstéyp (kwukw-shteyp) - thank you from all of us!
Email Robin
Robin is a member of the Nłeʔképmx Nation from the Lower Nicola Indian Band, she is a mother of two boys Carlos and Alexander. Her parents are Hyrum and Gail Peterson, and her great grandparents are John and Josephine Shuter.
Growing up in the community on a working ranch fostered a love of the land and culture. Throughout her youth she assisted her family on the farm tending to cattle through feeding, branding, herding, and auctioning as well as field irrigation. She also assisted her Grandmother with tanning hides.
This strong work ethic taught by her family has served to create someone who believes in doing a job well done from the onset. Over the past 16 years Robin has held many positions that have continued to expand her knowledge and skills. A big focus within the last five years specifically have been centered around communication. Robin helped streamline communication within the LNIB in order to achieve a higher level of awareness and connection to all the services the Band has to offer. Working for Teck HVC as an intern has helped form a more comprehensive understanding of impact within our territory.
Robin's goals serving in the capacity of the Communications Coordinator is to streamline the circulation of prevalent and crucial information to keep our interested communities up to date. Robin appreciates community input in streamlining this process and welcomes any and all feedback.
Learn more about Communications &Strategic Engagement
EMAIL WINDDANCER
Winddancer has now grown into the role of our Multi-Media Coordinator. She has been thriving as our media specialist and has been growing our following on our various social media accounts. We are excited to see what she accomplishes next! Check out all the amazing CNA Tik Toks she has developed by clicking here!
Winddancer is Nłeʔképmx, and a Coldwater Indian Band member. Her father Daniel is Nłeʔképmx, also a CWIB member. Her Mother Kimberley is Blackfoot and part of the Kainai Nation.
She graduated from Merritt Secondary School, from there she continued her education at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology where she studied Business administration, and graduated with her Certification of Innovation and Technology. She recently completed a Foundations for Professional Communications course which has allowed for new innovations in our communications department.
Winddancer has a passion for culture, art, and the environment. She was raised on Coldwater Reserve, where she learned about her Nłeʔképmx culture, and spent some time in Alberta with her grandmother familiarizing herself with Blackfoot culture. Winddancer grew up surrounded by artists, which greatly influenced her passion for art. She is a skilled beadwork artist and spends a lot of her free time creating and exploring indigenous art.
EMAIL kim
Kim Fuller is the new Communications Assistant. In her role as the Communications Assistant she will be assisting with all aspects of communication that the CNA Members will interact with. Kim is a member of the Sylix Nation from the Upper Nicola Indian Band. She is recently married and has three beautiful children. Her parents are Maynard and Charlotte McRae, and her grandparents were Walker and Mildred McRae and Irene Edwards from Pavilion Indian Band. Kim was born and raised in the Nicola Valley, she grew up rodeoing and playing sports and loves the small-town atmosphere. She graduated high school in 2004 and has received her culinary certificate from Okanagan College. Kim has been pursuing her education by completing courses at NVIT for Business administration. Kim’s interests are travelling, crafting, baking, spending time with her family and close friends. Kim looks forward to learning more about all the CNA does and is excited to share this with our community members. Limləmt Thank you
EMAIL SARAH
Originally from Quebec, Kanienʼkehá꞉ka (Mohawk) territory, Sarah has been living in the Nicola Valley for eight years. She owns and operates Coquihalla Apiaries with her husband. Sarah enjoys honey farming not only because she and her family eat copious amounts of honey, but it brings her closer to and makes her a better steward of the land. Sarah has a degree in Conservation of Natural Resources and Management from the University of British Columbia (UBC). She has worked for the Cascades Natural Resource District in Merritt. She has also been a wildlife technician for mining exploration and researcher in the far north. Sarah has a Master’s of Science, also from UBC where she studied how the changing environment impacts culturally important berry species in Northern climates. She believes that to develop sound decisions on the land, Indigenous knowledge and western science must be woven with care and in the right way according to the needs of communities involved. She is excited to be joining the Territorial Stewardship Team and to support the eight participating Bands in any way she can.
In her personal time, Sarah is a co-lead for the NatureKids BC club for the Nicola Valley chapter. When she’s not volunteering or out with the bees, you can find her outside with her partner, two young kids and two border collies.
EMAIL ERICA
Erica spent most of her childhood in Merritt and now lives in Kamloops. She attended school at the University of Ottawa and graduated in 2022 with a BSc. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry in the French Immersion stream.
Erica has always had a strong passion for conservation and the environment. She spends most of her free time outdoors and with nature. Erica loves animals and currently has two dogs and a cat. She values indigenous teachings and knowledge and hopes to enrich her understanding of indigenous culture. As a new technical coordinator with the CNA, Erica is excited to use her science background to support the eight participating bands in reconciliation and protection of the land.
EMAIL TAYLOR
EMAIL Jake
Jacob is an alumnus of Thompson Rivers University (TRU), and holds a bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Sciences. He was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, but spent many summers camping with his family in British Columbia, primarily in the traditional territories of the Ktunaxa, Sinixt, and Syilx Nations. During these camping trips, Jacob developed an appreciation for British Columbia's beautiful landscapes and nature. This played a large part in his decision to pursue an education and career in natural sciences. Jacob has previously worked as a wildlife research technician for students pursuing a master's degree at TRU, further building his experience and connection to the land and wildlife. Jacob began working for K'en T'em in August 2022 as a cultural heritage technician. Through this work and further career, he hopes to learn more about the cultures, languages, and traditions of the many First Nations whose traditional land he works, lives, and plays on.
EMAIL Kieran
Kieran grew up in Kamloops and continues to live there with his wife and three cats. He graduated from Thompson Rivers University in 2022 with a degree in Natural Resource Science. Kieran has a passion for environmental science and management of natural resources. Outside of work, Kieran spends his time enjoying the outdoors with his friends and family and can often be found riding his mountain bike on the local trails. Kieran is excited join the team as a technical coordinator and learn about traditional land use from the eight participating bands and apply that to his existing knowledge of natural resources.
EMAIL Natalie
Natalie grew up in Merritt, leaving for a brief period of time to complete her BSc. in Environmental Sciences at Trinity Western University. Natalie grew up spending most of her time outdoors exploring British Columbia which grew into a strong passion for the environment and learning about diverse ways to care for the land. She hopes to strengthen her passion of the land through indigenous teachings and knowledge. Natalie is excited to be a technical coordinator at the CNA where western science and Indigenous knowledge can be brought together to mitigate the effects of HVC, support the eight Participating Bands, and bring people together.
EMAIL ARIEL
Ariel is a strong and proud Nłeʔképmx woman from the Siska Indian Band. She resides on the Coldwater Indian Band Reserve with her husband, Dustin Voght, and sons, Daxton and Cayden. Her parents are Crystal and Les Swayze; maternal grandparents are Violet Austin and the late Smith Austin; and her paternal grandparents were Gail Wray and George Swayze Sr. Ariel graduated from the University of the Fraser Valley with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Geography, in 2014. She brings boots-on-the-ground experience from being an Environmental Technician with K’en T’em (KMC) for contracted work at Highland Valley Copper (HVC) since June 2014 (July 2016 with KMC). Her experience in the field includes surface water sampling, groundwater sampling, aquatics monitoring, lake monitoring, and various field data collection as requested. More recently, Ariel was the Cultural Heritage Supervisor for KMC, where she coordinated field staff from STC, ECRMS and KMC for the Cultural Heritage work being done at HVC. Ariel is ready to share her passion for protecting the land, for her children, grandchildren and all future generations. A late elder told her she was a tmíxʷ səsekʷule, and she is committed to being the Earth Angel he saw in her.
EMAIL STEVE
Steve Austin is from the Siska Indian Band. He has one son, Liam Austin, and is a step-father to his spouse's Roxanne John's children. His parents are Violet Austin and the late Smith Austin Sr. Steve brings a wealth of on-the-land experience and is excited for the opportunity to help the NLX Guardians grow. Steve has spent many years as a wildland firefighter and has a lot of experience with fire and flood management. He also has a strong understanding of both surface and groundwater sampling, having helped K'en T'em at Highland Valley Copper throughout the years. When he has spare time, which isn't often, Steve likes to play slo-pitch and just be with his family. He is excited to join the team at CNA and looks forward to helping create a successful Guardians Program for our entire territory.
EMAIL Chale
Chale Boyce is from Simpcw First Nation, a community within the Secwepemc territory. He moved to Merritt with his partner Nicole Bob and their two boys - Charles and Kylen. With ties to Coldwater and Simpcw, they raise their boys with diverse teachings around the language and cultural practices. Together their family spends plenty of time on the land, hunting, fishing and gathering. During the spring and summer time, they enjoy travelling for powwows or slo-pitch. He has strong beliefs in the teachings and lessons passed down from the elders. His main goal and plans are to help in revitalizing the culture and traditional practices throughout the territory and bringing it to the communities on a public scale.
Email Lena
Lena is from the Cooks Ferry Band, her grandparents were Frank Walkem and Gertie Toodlican, her parents are Carol Walkem and Monty Nicholson. She attended fine art schools in northern Ontario and Santa Fe, New Mexico studying photography and print-making.
In 2005 Lena attended the FNESC Maori Language Tour and the World Indigenous People’s Conference on Education in New Zealand. Lena has a strong interest in nłeʔképmx culture and language preservation.
She has worked with Cooks Ferry Band as a Cultural Assistant, and assisted with the Unity Gathering in 2011. She has also worked with Tmixʷ Research and Esh-kn-am on research projects and archaeology field work. Lena was a tour guide and landscape assistant at Tuckkwiowhum Village for Boston Bar Band. She is an aspiring language learner and her task is adding graphics and photos to the CNA Language Program, as well as assisting with recording language speakers and building lesson plans.
Learn more about our Language Programs
EMAIL Nikita
We are happy to introduce our new nłeʔképmxcin coordinator Nikita Eberle. Nikita’s native name is syəmyị́m which means Rainbow. She comes from and grew up in Boston Bar, Nikita is a member of the Boothroyd-Kahmoose Band. Her father’s name is Gerald Jack, and her mother’s name is Angie Isaac who also comes from Boston Bar. Her husband’s name is Dustin Eberle, he comes from Lillooet territory but grew up in Chase, BC. Nikita has two children, and their names are Hazel Jack James who is 15 years old and Dustin Eberle (JR) who is 8 years old. Nikita has completed 900 hours of the First People’s cultural council mentor and apprentice program. She worked with her father Gerald Jack and spent 900 hours working with the nłeʔképmcin language as well as recording her father’s stories in nłeʔképmxcin. Her biggest passion is learning the nłeʔképmx culture and language and preserving it. In addition, she just completed her Bachelor of Social work Degree (BSW) at the Thompson’s River University (TRU) in Kamloops. Nikita looks forward to working with our community members and developing programs and resources that support the revitalization of our nłeʔképmxcin language. Please reach out to Nikita if you have any questions about how to get involved in this important work. We also encourage community members to email Nikita for more information on opportunities to learn. kʷukʷstéyp
EMAIL SUZANNE
Suzanne is a member of the Nooaitch Indian Band. Her grandparents were the late Minnie Martin and Matthew Washington. Her mother is Amelia Washington, and her father was Isamu Ito. She has spent most of her life off reserve in the Chilcotin until she was a teen and then working in the Fraser Valley for the last 20 years. She graduated from NVIT with a Bachelor of Social Work Degree and has worked in child and family service agencies due to her passion to help and support First Nations families. Looking for a new career that supports and strengthens nłeʔkepmx language, culture, and connection the language support and transcriber position is a perfect fit. Suzanne is excited to learn a deeper understanding of her language and to promote and encourage others to learn as well. Suzanne believes that cultural and language connections create strong bonds to the land and each other. She loves harvesting berries, mushrooms, and various medicines. She keeps herself strong with the practice of spirit bathing and living in the here and now. As a language support and transcriber, Suzanne hopes to work as part of the language team in engaging community members to learn their language in fun and unique ways. Suzanne looks forward to being a part of the CNA community and getting to know her fellow co-workers and community members from the eight participating Bands. húm̓eł cúkʷ kʷukʷscémxʷ
EMAIL Virginia
heńłeʔ nskʷest kʷislexpetxʷ tuł coldwater kn, he nskíxzeʔ wikpel’ks, he nkz̓e cusinek.
Hello, my name is Virginia Aspinall, I am from Coldwater, my mother is Alana Aspinall, my grandmother is Martha Aspinall. I am an nłeʔképmx woman, I was born in Vancouver but raised in the Nicola Valley. I grew up off reserve but have been blessed with my yeyeʔ’s teachings throughout my childhood. After graduating Merritt Secondary I’ve spent the last decade gaining various work experience, making new connections to my community and volunteering in several different programs. I started with the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly in September of 2021, this January I made the switch to Programs Coordinator and I am so excited to get started and bring health, wellness and spirituality together in our communities. I look forward to making new connections and learning alongside my peers and community members what it is to be Nlaka’pamux. My two daughters born to me are both nłeképmx, my spouse and son are both proudly Metis, together we are a healthy balanced family of five. We love to explore the outdoors, gathering firewood, harvesting medicines, and being out on the land. My goal within the programs department is to bring a sense of inclusiveness and curiosity to our traditions. I look forward to incorporating our nlaka’pamux traditions into the modern world. I hope to connect our historical knowledge from our elders and incorporate the practices of our traditions and culture in a sustainable way with spiritual, mental, physical and emotional health in mind.
EMAIL BREE
We are happy to announce Bree has taken on a new role in the Programs Department as the Programs and Engagement Coordinator. Our Programs Department continues to bring activities and initiatives to our eight Participating Bands which has seen a significant increase of engagement. With this growth the department has begun to expand to allow for further reach and connection with all our community members. Bree Woodward is a nłeʔképmx woman, born and raised in the Nicola Valley. She is a member of Coldwater but lived off reserve in Merritt. She is grateful for her cherished kz̓e, Marty Aspinall and skíxzeʔ, Alana Aspinall. Bree worked at a local grocer for the beginning of her adult life, this provided her experience with the local community and respect for diversity. She is thankful for the experience of working at the CNA, working closely with her nation and culture has provided a feeling of fulfillment and joy. Bree looks forward for the adventures awaiting her at the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly. She is eager to serve all the members of the eight participating bands with honor and respect. If you have any questions regarding upcoming programs initiatives, please feel free to reach out to Bree by email. kʷukʷscémxʷ
EMAIL MICHELLE
EMAIL Fabian
Fabian Oppenheim is the new Shackan Community Engagement Coordinator here at CNA! Fabian will ensure Shackan community members are aware and informed on the services that CNA offers as well as promoting those same services at various cultural events that Shackan will be involved in. If you see Fabian in the community, please don’t be shy, say hello or ask about any of the services offered or events that CNA will be hosting. Fabian is the grandson of Yvonne Joe and son of Travais Oppenheim. He was originally born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His family moved around a bit in Fabian’s teenage years as his father was in the U.S. Navy until they eventually made their way up to Merritt in 2013 when his father left the U.S. Navy. Fabian attended NVIT in 2014 as part of the first Plumbing and Pipefitting Trades Foundations course, the Trades Building had just opened on campus and successfully completed the program to achieve his certificate. In 2016 Fabian moved back to Albuquerque, New Mexico to attend college and resided there until July of 2022 when he finally made my way back to the community to set roots down for his family. Hobbies Fabian include reading, writing, playing guitar, and the occasional gaming session when he has some downtime.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out at any time. Shackan Members please add the Shackan Community Engagement as a friend to get notifications from the CNA Shackan Community Engagement Facebook Account
Fabian hopes to see you in community at the next CNA event! kʷukʷscémxʷ
EMAIL Jodi
Jodi Campbell is the new Boston Bar Community Engagement Coordinator here at CNA! Jodi will ensure Boston Bar community members are aware and informed on the services that CNA offers as well as promoting those same services at various cultural events that Boston Bar will be involved in. If you see Jodi in the community, please don’t be shy, say hello or ask about any of the services offered or events that CNA will be hosting.
Jodi is from in the nłeʔképmx (n-thlah-kep-mh) territory. She is a proud Boston Bar First Nation member. Her Grandparents were Elsie Campbell (Phillips) & Harry Campbell also both Boston Bar Band members. Their daughter Julia Campbell was her mother. Jodi looks forward to connecting with all our members and gathering feedback on the important projects CNA is working on. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out at any time. Boston Bar Members please add the Boston Bar Community Engagement as a friend to get notifications from the CNA Boston Bar Community Engagement Facebook Account
EMAIL Kayla
Kayla Phillips is the new Nooaitch Community Engagement Coordinator here at CNA! Kayla will ensure Nooaitch community members are aware and informed on the services that CNA offers as well as promoting those same services at various cultural events that Nooaitch will be involved in. If you see Kayla in the community, please don’t be shy, say hello or ask about any of the services offered or events that CNA will be hosting.
Kayla Phillips (Washington) is Nle?kepmx/Tsilhqot’in and is a member from Nooaitch Indian Band. Her father is late Richard who was Nle?kepmx and was from Nooaitch. Her mother is Agatha who is Tsilhqot’in from Tl’etinqox. Her paternal grandparents are late Jimmy Fountain and Rose Fountain. Her maternal grandparents are late Leonard Billy and late Edna Billy. Kayla is a wife and mother to three kids. Graduated from MSS and then went to Old’s College and received a Fashion Apparel Technology diploma. She moved back to Nooaitch to raise her daughters until they were able to go to school. She went back to school to get her Business Administration diploma from NVIT. Upon completing her studies, she worked as an intern up at Highland Valley Copper for the Site Engineering and the 2040 Environmental team for a year and four months. Kayla is an artist, who can sew, loves to bead, and pick huckleberries. Kayla’s goal as Community Engagement Coordinator is to build a relationship within the Nooaitch community to help support CNA programs/Services while also looking for gaps.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out at any time. Nooaitch Members please add the Nooaitch Community Engagement as a friend to get notifications from the CNA Nooaitch Community Engagement Facebook Account
EMAIL XNI
Xni Grismer is the new Coldwater Community Engagement Coordinator here at CNA! Xni will ensure Coldwater community members are aware and informed on the services that CNA offers as well as promoting those same services at various cultural events that Coldwater will be involved in. If you see Xni in the community, please don’t be shy, say hello or ask about any of the services offered or events that CNA will be hosting.
Xni is a Coldwater band member, born and raised in Merritt. Her parents are Jaime Grismer (LNIB) Grandmothers Sharon McIvor, the late Teressa Nahanee, and her Grandfather the late Terry Grismer. Jamie Voght (Coldwater) Grandmother Roseane Spahan, Grandfather Tim Voght.
Xni graduated from MSS and continued her education at NVIT and TRU. She has done a lot of volunteer work with different organizations and political parties over the years. Xni’s interests include fishing, hunting, gathering, and different sports including hockey, softball, lacrosse, rugby, and more. She also loves animals and has a dog and a cat that love to go on adventures together.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out at any time. Coldwater Members please add the Coldwater Community Engagement as a friend to get notifications from the CNA Coldwater Community Engagement Facebook Account