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Email Wayne
Wayne is a proud Ojibway from Wikwemikong in Ontario. A single father of two sons and one daughter, Wayne has dedicated his life and activities to the social and cultural development of youth. He is also a strong advocate of First Nation language as a tool for cultural memory and learning.
His current passions, which are shared with his children, include the Y We Dream Foundation and the Indian Joe and DahBroz brands. Dahbroz was recognized as Emerging Entrepreneurs at the World Indigenous Business Forum in Hawaii. Wayne has over 30 years experience as a successful entrepreneur and in senior management. He has spoken at many conferences and events on business development, entrepreneurship and community development.
Wayne has been involved in a variety of activities in the private sector. He was co-owner of a manufacturing plant which produced a line of sportswear and skiwear under the David S Reid brand, co-owner of the Manitoulin Trading Post; a full-service PetroCanada gas bar and convenience store, Two Rivers Technologies; a software development company, Two Rivers Computers, Indian Joe Design; a multi-media and animation company, and The Muskoka Group business incubation and franchise development group.
Wayne also successfully assisted four First Nation communities in the development of computer assembly businesses. He is also a former Band Economic Development Officer; National Facilitator Aboriginal Employment Services Network, where he was responsible for the first national online electronic job and resume bank.
Wayne has also served his community through volunteer work. This includes three terms as president of the Longlac Chamber of Commerce, coaching and mentoring with hockey and lacrosse associations in Ontario and British Columbia, instructor for a number of hockey programs for youth, and committee member to the Software Human Resource Council.
Email Nicole
Nicole Johnny is the Office 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
We are happy to announce the CNA has welcomed a new member to our team! Jocelyn Jacoe is a long time resident of Merritt, she has stepped into the role of reception. We are excited to have Jocelyn as part of the team as she brings a great amount of experience to the table.
Jocelyn will be available to assist with any questions you may have, feel free to stop by to find out more about upcoming events and activities the CNA will be hosting. 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 just started her new chapter as our communications assistant. She brings her creativity and social media expertise to assist with expanding our reach. We are excited to see all she will accomplish, congrats Winddancer!
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. 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 RYLEIGH He̓n̓łeʔ nskʷe̓stkt he Ryleigh Campbell tuł k̓emus kn nce̓weʔ c̓e he nsqa̓c̓ze Kʷu̓piʔ K̓emus Mike Campbell, c̓e he nski̓xzeʔ Bobbi McKay ƛ̓q̓əmci̓n Ryleigh Campbell, is from the Boothroyd community, her father is Chief of Boothroyd Mike Campbell and her mother Bobbi McKay from Lytton. Ryleigh comes from the Nlaka'pamux Nation between the Fraser Valley and the Interior Thompson, growing up on reserve in Boothroyd – Kahmoose/K̓emus. She spent a lot of her youth in Lytton when she began her connection with her Nlaka'pamux roots and identity.
Ryleigh worked at the Nz̓enme̓n Child and Family Daycare in Lytton for about 5 years learning the language, watching the future generation of Nlaka'pamux learn our language, practice culture, and embrace their identity in their own ways. She graduated from Ashcroft Secondary, with plans to complete her Early Childhood Education Certificate, she made some changes which lead her to finding a new passion for Career Development in Employment and Training. Ryleigh finds being able to provide support for neighboring communities to access the training, supports and services very fulfilling. She seeks ways to help community overcome the challenges of employment, and looks to assist members achieve their personal goals. It has been such an incredible journey, and she is excited to work in the CNA Employment & Training department to provide supports and benefits to our communities. Ryleigh is currently enrolled with NVIT for the nłekepmxcin Fluent Language program to connect more with my nłekeʔmx identity, to teach the future generations and keep the language alive. She is a new resident to the Nicola Valley, excited to connect with our ancestorial roots and support the Nlaka'pamux Nation and home communities. Kʷukʷsce̓mxʷ
EMAIL CORRINE
Corrine Munro, a Coldwater member born in Winnipeg Manitoba moved permanently to Merritt BC in 1996 where she met, married and currently raises her three children with her husband. Together they fish, hike, hunt and explore the surrounding lakes and lands. When not out exploring or in office they play different forms of baseball, whether its slow pitch for the parents or fastball for the children there is always a little healthy competition to be had.
Corrine's new position within the CNA is as the Employment and Training Administration. She will be assisting our CNA members with employment and training opportunities. Reach out to Corrine if there are any opportunities you would like to know more about.
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 role as Territorial Stewardship Manager she will focus on continual improvement of the department’s operations as well as developing strategic, technical tools and processes to support the eight Participating Bands in ensuring Nłeʔképmx jurisdiction, knowledge and rights are integrated throughout the life of mine and into closure.
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
EMAIL TAYLOR
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 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 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. 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.
EMAIL XNI
Xni Grismer is the new Coldwater Community Engagement Coordinator here at CNA! Kayla 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.