Aboriginal Services

I'm a member of the Lower Similkameen Nation but was born In Vernon, B.C. I was raised on both the Lower Similkameen and Okanagan reserves. After graduating from Vernon Senior Secondary, I attended Trinity Western University and completed both my Bachelor of Science degree (majoring in Biochemistry) and my requirements for Naturopathic Medicine. I spent three additional years training with Wild Rose College in Vancouver and completed my preceptorship during the summer months at the Naturopathic Clinic in Penticton, B.C. While raising my children, Willow and Sage, I decided to change career paths and work for Okanagan University College as an Academic Advisor and First Nation Mentor. I've worked with OUC and OC for the past seven years. I'm energetic, supportive, and I encourage students to persevere and to not quit. I always say your first year is the big challenge, and when someone says you can’t, I know you can.
 

Jewell (they/them) is currently seconded to Co-op Indigenous Initiatives Project - return date: April 1, 2021

Jewell is Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation on the West Coast (Wolf clan). They comes from 5 plus years working as an Aboriginal Student Advocate for School District 23 (Central Okanagan). In that time Jewell has fostered enduring relationships with their students, their families, and the community supports to provide a holistic and authentic support for Indigenous youth. Their goal has been to provide cultural/spiritual practices and teachings as well as support a student’s sense of understanding of their indigenous identity as part of their overall educational journey.

Jewell's work experience prior to advocacy was in the criminal justice system serving as a Police Officer for the City of Vancouver Police Department for over 5 years. They are passionate about connecting with their community and providing them every opportunity possible to see success in their life goals. Jewell feels very fortunate to be able to raise their young child in the traditional territories of the Okanagan people and spends as much time as possible out exploring the hiking/biking trails and beaches.

I am a member of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band in Keremeos B.C. I joined Okanagan College in February, 2010 in the role of Aboriginal Recruiting and Events Coordinator for the South Okanagan-Similkameen and Central Okanagan regions. I have a BA in Recreation Administration from the University of Alberta. Prior to joining Okanagan College I worked for more than 10 years with School District #53 (Okanagan-Similkameen) as a First Nations Support Worker for Similkameen Elementary Secondary School.

I spend most of my days connecting with local Aboriginal Communities to assist Aboriginal students with their educational goals and I help students discover opportunities at Okanagan College. For any questions or requests I can be reached at my home campus in Penticton.

Anthony is currently Seconded to Indigenization, Project Manager

Anthony joined Aboriginal Services at Okanagan College in 2014. He is Ojibway, and belongs to the Ajijaak Indoodem (Crane Clan) and comes from Bkejwanong Territory, otherwise known as Walpole Island First Nation located in South Western Ontario. He earned a BSc degree in Health Sciences at the University of Western Ontario. Continuing in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Anthony completed his Master’s degree in Occupation Science, focusing his photovoice research on the occupational injustices faced by First Nations youth as they pursued post-secondary education. He has over 15 years of experience working in Indigenous education. Anthony feels honored to live, work and play here on the traditional and unceded territories of the Syilx Okanagan and Secwepemc peoples.

I am a member of the Samish Indian Nation from Anacortes – a small city on the Washington Coast. I was born in Williams Lake and raised in Vancouver; however, I have been living in the Okanagan since 2004. After graduating high school, I studied Culinary Arts, Licensed Practical Nursing, and Business classes through Okanagan College. Most recently I graduated from the Bachelor of Business Honours Program through Okanagan College in April 2018 and have been working with the College since then. Having spent so much time at the college, through both my own studies and work, I feel knowledgeable and excited in being able to help students find the path that is right for them – and seeing them succeed through their time at the college. 

As I work on the Kelowna campus I am very grateful to be able to work, live, and raise my son, on the traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan people.