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Tamlyn Botel Executive Director 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 Executive Director, 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 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 Executive Director, 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.
Taylor Nicholls Sr. Executive Assistant - Board Secretariat EMAIL TAYLOR Taylor was born and raised in the beautiful Nicola Valley. She is a member of the Coldwater Indian Band. She lived off reserve in Merritt. She is grateful for her mom Christina Nicholls, Two brothers Cameron and Graycin Nicholls and her younger sister Sienna Reimer. Taylor has started a new chapter in her life as a Community Engagement Specialist. She is very excited to work with everyone in the participating bands. Taylor hopes she can help serve everyone with great pride and respect. Taylor is excited for all the new adventures with Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly. Taylor loves to surround herself around her family and friends as much as possible. She loves to play many different sports throughout the year. In the warm summers she loves to go camping and be outside as much as possible. When it is cooler outside, she likes to be inside staying warm.
EMAIL TAYLOR
Taylor was born and raised in the beautiful Nicola Valley. She is a member of the Coldwater Indian Band. She lived off reserve in Merritt. She is grateful for her mom Christina Nicholls, Two brothers Cameron and Graycin Nicholls and her younger sister Sienna Reimer.
Taylor has started a new chapter in her life as a Community Engagement Specialist. She is very excited to work with everyone in the participating bands. Taylor hopes she can help serve everyone with great pride and respect. Taylor is excited for all the new adventures with Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly.
Taylor loves to surround herself around her family and friends as much as possible. She loves to play many different sports throughout the year. In the warm summers she loves to go camping and be outside as much as possible. When it is cooler outside, she likes to be inside staying warm.
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 STACEY
Stacey grew up in Trail in the West Kootenays but moved to the beautiful Nicola Valley 15 years ago. She raised 3 boys, Josiah, Noah, and Elijah, and is so proud of the incredible young men that they have become. She and her husband Jud recently became empty nesters and now enjoy spending their time adventuring around this beautiful part of BC with their dog, Luna, finding all the beauty that this valley offers.
Stacey worked for the school district for the past several years as an Education Assistant and has a deep appreciation for the Nlaka’pamux culture and language that she was immersed in at a local school. She is excited to join the team at Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly as the new Executive Assistant and learn even more about the teachings and culture of the Nlaka’pamux nation.
EMAIL TANYA
My family is St’uxwtews from Bonaparte, I was born and raised in the Lower Mainland and moved around most of my life until I settled in Merritt 7 years ago to live with my family. I have two children, Jacob and Isabel. Izzy and I love growing our own food and DIY projects. I recently learned how to fish and I love it. I was not raised with any knowledge or traditions of my First Nations heritage. I have taken this year to take in as much information as I can. My main interests this year are natural healing from the land and learning traditions. Since I started with CNA, I have been to my first Pow Wow and started learning nłeʔkepmxcín language, and traditions. I love hearing the stories people tell me when they come in and making sure people feel welcome.
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.
kʷukʷscémxʷ
EMAIL MICHELLE
Michelle grew up in Maple Ridge then spent a few years traveling around BC to places like Smithers, Midway, Mission. She then moved to Merritt 18 years ago with her youngest daughter Alisha. Michelle fell in love with the community when she was a little girl and always said that she would move here and get a rich understanding of the local culture. She met and fell in love with her husband, Ernie Ponting 10 years ago. He and his family are part of the Siska First Nation. Her family now owns a small acreage between Merritt and Logan Lake where they run a few highland cows.
Since moving to Merritt she has been a strong part of the community and involves herself in many different capacities. She loves helping on the ranch with calving, feeding, and moving cattle out on range. Michelle also likes to dedicate her time to helping the local food bank and has been spotted placing worry worms around the area and Logan Lake.
Michelle has expanded her knowledge and skills over the years in many different positions. She loves the outdoors and exploring the area. You can see what she has been up to on her Facebook blog Nicola Valley Adventures where she is always sharing her experiences. Photography, fishing, hunting, camping are just a few of her many passions.
Becoming a part of the CNA to help members throughout the nation she feels is a great honor. Michelle hopes to be able to serve all it’s members with pride and respect.
email shannon
Weyt-kp Xwexweytep
Shannon Boyce is Secwépemc from Simpcw First Nation in Barriere, BC. She is a proud parent of four adult children and grandparent of three grandchildren; Aspen, Charles and Kylen. Her parents are Charles Eustache and Magdalene Boyce (George Christopher). Grandparents on her father’s side are Angus Eustache and Helen Eustache (William Pete) and on her mother’s side, Eileen Boyce (Robert Boyce) and Archie Pete.
Growing up and spending a lot of time with her grandparents was one of the most memorable periods of her life. Listening to the stories of their lives and being taught by their experiences has helped her grow into the person she is today.
She has a background in the Secwépemc language and has knowledge of traditional practices. Since she was 12 years old, she travelled to powwows and went to stick games (lahel). She since then brought her youngest son up in those ways and teachings.
She has worked in catering and in the food industry for many years. She also has an event planning background and has experience working with different First Nations communities. She is excited to see where this new path in life takes her.
EMAIL Arwinaya
hén̓łeʔ kp , my name is Arwinaya Johnny, my nickname given to me by my great grandfather is Winnie. I am a member of the Nłeʔkepmx Nation from the Lytton Indian Band. I am one of five children, my parents are Nicole and Reuben Johnny, my grandparents are Barry Jackson, Tamara Hartwig, Kimberly Bent and Jacob Adams. Growing up in the community I have developed a strong love of the land and culture. Throughout my youth, I have enjoyed playing hockey, hunting, fishing, family and community events. I was taught a strong work ethic from my parents and it has served to create in myself someone who believes in doing a job well from start to finish. In the last couple years I have had the honor to work with numerous local Indigenous organizations, through these opportunities a strong desire to give back to community has formed. I hope to build a strong connection with community and staff at the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly, as well grow my strength and knowledge so that one day I can become a leader in this nation, so that I may inspire other young adults to do the same.
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 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 madelynn
heńłeʔ kʷ nskʷest Madelynn Albert tuł he kukspəli kn, he nskíxzeʔ Annette Albert, ł nsqáczeʔ Joe Thomas. ł nkz̓éʔ Cookie Jules ʔeł ł nspápzeʔ Ross AlbertNskíken ʔe skʷéstc Vince McDonaldNscméyt ʔe Aiyanna, Matoska ʔeł Nahpeyo
Hello, my name is Madelynn Albert, I am from Cook’s Ferry, My mother is Annette Albert, and my father was Joe Thomas. My grandmother is Cookie Jules and my grandfather is Ross Albert. My partner's name is Vince McDonald and my children are Aiyanna, Matoska, and Nahpeyo. I am a Secwépemc/ Nłeʔképmx woman, born in the secwépemcùĺecw. I spent my younger years living and traveling in the secwépemc territory, where I was blessed to learn to harvest from the land, travel to traditional gatherings and play stick games (lahal). In 2004, I was able to move into the nłeʔkepmx territory and graduate from Ashcroft Secondary. I have since graduated from NVIT and have been happily living in the Nicola Valley since 2018.
I am proud to be living and working within my community, as this has always been a goal of mine. I started with Citxw Nlak’pamux Assembly in June of 2020 and throughout my time I have learned effective capacity strengthening strategies that are built from community-based approaches that honor the knowledge and expertise within our communities. I have been developing my administrative skills over the past few years, demonstrated by supporting various levels of management over a diversity of settings, constructive communication, complex problem-solving, and information management. I believe these give me the building blocks to make a meaningful impact, working towards language revitalization and building nłeʔkepmx identity.
My goal within the nłeʔkepmxcin Department is to contribute to our communities, to share our ancestor's knowledge and important teachings, and to build resources to be available for our children and their future generations.
EMAIL ALICIA
Hén̓łeʔ nskʷést Alicia Ned tuł he Xaxlip Fountain Indian Band kn. I was raised in Merritt B.C by my single mother alongside my two older siblings. My passion lies in learning about the culture and language, and I am driven to not only thrive, but also to give back to my community. In fact, my ultimate goal is to become fluent in the Nalka’pamux language so that I can share my knowledge with others in the future. I am looking forward to begin this new journey with Citwx Nlaka’pamux Assembly, also engaging and getting to know the eight participating bands.
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 Manager, 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 KIM
Kim was born and raised in Lytton, her mother is Rita Johnny and late father David Phillips. She met and married her husband Cedric Bent, who is a member Lower Nicola Band in May of 1985 in the beautiful Nicola Valley where currently is residing. Kim is blessed with 4 children and 12 grandchildren (and counting). Kim enjoys year around traditionally harvesting; mushrooms, berry picking, Indian rhubarb picking, fishing, her favorite is Indian Celery (Cewete?). She is also an avid gardener.
Kim has gained her work experience from working within First Nations Organizations and Bands. Nicola Tribal Council, Lower Nicola Indian Band, Stein Valley School, Shuswap Nation Tribal Council and Scw’exmx Community Health. These have allowed her to gain new insights, ideas, and be fiscally responsible and accountable.
Kim enjoyed her childhood memories of growing up in Lytton with her Family & Grandparents that showed and allowed her to carry down our traditions as Nla’kapmux people. She especially cherishes quality time spent with her Family and passes traditional ways and culture down to her children. She truly is so happy to have joined CNA and looks forward to the new learnings, ability to share her knowledge within many aspects besides the financial field. With this team, she knows that this will be her environment that she feels she will thrive in. Kwukwscemxw Humel, all my Relations
EMAIL BREE
We are happy to announce Bree has taken on a new role as Human Resources Specialist. 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 has worked in both the Communications Department and the Programs Department. The skills learned in these positions will allow her to best support the team members of the CNA. 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 new adventures ahead 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 employment opportunities with the CNA or K'en T'em, please feel free to reach out to Bree by email.
EMAIL RILEY
Bio coming soon.
EMAIL LINDA We welcome Linda Davidson, to the Employment and Training department. Linda has been a long-time resident of the Nicola Valley, originally from the Kamloops area. She is a mom of three children; two daughters, and one son. Her son is a young member of the Siska Indian Band, giving her a strong personal tie to the community.
Linda has a passion for helping those around her to better themselves and is excited and grateful that she has the opportunity to help at CNA, to share that passion and help to eliminate many stumbling blocks for our members.
She is looking forward to building trust and connection with all members of our communities, so she can learn from them and provide supports to where they are needed.
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 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 Rachel
Rachel spent most of her childhood in Kelowna exploring the diverse ecology of the Okanagan out her backdoor on horseback and then headed off to work and study in several parts of Canada including Waterloo, Edmonton and Lethbridge before feeling drawn to be closer to home and landing in Merritt in 2017. She completed her Bachelor of Environmental and Conservation Sciences with a Major in Land Reclamation in 2016 at The University of Alberta and finished her Masters of Science in 2021 at Thompson Rivers University which looked at integrating weed control techniques in rangelands. She is passionate about protecting native species and educating children about the unique grasslands that surround us.
She keeps busy outside of work with her small farm in Lower Nicola where she runs petting zoo events and co-leads the Merritt Nature Kids Club. When she has a free weekend you can find her camping in the Valley with her husband and two energetic daughters. Rachel is grateful to be apart of the CNA team to help protect the area she now calls home.
EMAIL XNI
We are happy to announce that Xni Grismer has transitioned into the role of Community Engagement Specialist within the Territorial Stewardship Department (TSD). Xni will ensure members are engaged on upcoming TSD meetings and initiatives. Please feel free to reach out to Xni if you have any questions or would like to become better informed.
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.
EMAIL Jake
Jake 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, Jake 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. Jake 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. Jake 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 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 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 MARSHAL
EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS
Marshal Polykovskiy (previously Kraus) is nłeʔképmx from the Lower Nicola Indian Band. His parents are Donald and Elizabeth Kraus. His maternal Grandparents are Madeline and Nick Lanaro, and his paternal Grandparents are Bella Beatty and Bill Kraus. Marshal has always considered Merritt home. He moved away for school and work, but has just recently moved back to Merritt.
Marshal graduated from Thompson Rivers University with a Bachelor of Tourism Management in 2020. He is currently in the final semester of a Master of Business Administration from the TRU and NVIT partnership. He was previously employed with Teck HVC as an Intern within various departments over 4 years. He also worked at Community Future Sun Country in Ashcroft as Business Development Intern and Officer. His most recent employment was at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology where he worked for 3 years as a Recruitment, Marketing and Events Officer and eventually transitioning into the Manager of Marketing, Communications and Events.
EMAIL MARIUS
Marius Auer has spent most of his life in Merritt, B.C, originally moving with his family from Germany in 2008. Marius deeply values his family, his connection to the community, and the opportunity to share the many positive and vital initiatives being undertaken by Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly to strengthen Nlaka’pamux rights, title, values, and interests.
Marius was recently employed as Editor of The Merritt Herald. As someone who deeply values the power of storytelling, Marius is excited to spread the word about CNA by connecting with members and expanding his understanding of nłeʔképmxcin.
Marius, his fiancée Madison and daughter Evelyn live in Merritt and enjoy spending time outdoors together by hiking, swimming, and enjoying everything this beautiful region has to offer.
Marius is a believer of the idea that collaboration is the key to success, and his door is always open.
EMAIL CYNTHIA
My name is Cynthia Hewitt and I am a member of the Ashcroft Indian Band (AIB). I'm pleased with being chosen as the Community Engagement Coordinator for AIB. I'm happy to be back in the community at this time. I've missed being home, the woodstoves, great outdoors, hearty meals, harvesting the garden and most of all the people that make up the community. I look forward to connecting with the members and to help out where I can. Also being a representative of CNA, I'd like to get the word out about the opportunities available. Feel free to reach out. I'm open to reconnecting with the community. Thank you.
EMAIL TRINITY
Hen̓łeʔ, my name is Trinity Thomas. I am from Cook’s Ferry Indian Band, part of the Nlaka’pamux Nation. My dad is Curtis Thomas from Lytton First Nation, and Amanda Billy from Cook’s Ferry. My maternal grandparents are late Rose Spence and George Billy, and my paternal grandmother is Emily Thomas. I am part of a big family. I have six sisters and four brothers.
I have recently just graduated from Desert Sands Community School. My future education plans include going to University for Psychology as an undergrad, then pursuing my dream of going to law school. I really enjoy playing sports, specifically hockey and soccer.
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 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 CHARLES
Hello! My name is Charles Oppenheim from Coldwater Reserve, My Grandparents are Wilfred (Willie) and Mildred (Tillie) Oppenheim from Coldwater Reserve, and my parents are Charlene Oppenheim from Coldwater Reserve and Wilfred John from Squilax.
I am the Coldwater Community Engagement Coordinator for Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (CNA). I will be responsible for distributing information from CNA to Coldwater community members. Information such as program events, promoting the different departments within CNA, and Highland Valley Copper (HVC) 2040 Environmental Assessment and other information related to HVC. This includes handing out flyers door to door, sharing information on social media, emails, and through events. My goal is to encourage more community engagement to attend events, share ideas and to connect with other community members. I feel it is important our community members become more involved with each other to strengthen the community. CNA provides great programs and opportunities for individuals to protect their culture, values, and territories by sharing and providing information with the Nlaka’pamux nation.
I will be working with the CNA departments and support them with their various initiatives at planned events and assist Coldwater Indian Band on events within the community. I look forward to meeting all the band members and connecting in person. I hope to be available in assisting community members on what CNA can offer and provide information who you can talk to.