Aboriginal Services

She:kon, I am Mohawk/Irish (maternal) and English/Scottish (paternal). My traditional teachings are from the Nlaka'pamux Nation (Lytton, BC). I have kinship ties with both the Splatsin and Adams Lake Bands.

I have worked in Indigenous Education since 2008 for both School District 73 (Kamloops) and 83 (Salmon Arm), most recently as the Indigenous Education Worker at Salmon Arm Secondary; Sullivan campus for the past eleven years.

I have been immersed in Indigenous education for most of my life, through the work that my father did developing the NITEP program in the 1970’s. My mother, who is a psychologist, works from the Indigenous worldview/perspective and has worked with Residential School Survivors for approximately 35 years. I had the privilege of supporting her clients while I ran her office for seven years and was witness to several IRS Hearings and supported survivors as they experienced the Statement of Apology to former students of the residential schools live, in 2008.

My two beautiful children are Splatsin Band members and the centre of all that I do. My parents and Aunties are my mentors and my guides in everything that I do. I rely on my traditional teachings daily, as well as my wonderful husband.  

I am so excited to be here at Okanagan College and continue to support Indigenous students to create powerful foundations for themselves, their children, their families and their communities.

Nia; wen

Jessica is very grateful for the opportunity to learn from Indigenous students and colleagues. She acknowledges that she lives and works as a guest on the unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan.

Jessica is an ardent supporter of equity, diversity, inclusion and justice. Jessica is passionate about advocacy, student empowerment and creating safe and equitable spaces in education. She strives to be part of intentional and ongoing systemic changes in educational spaces. It is her goal to provide insight and support for students so that they feel empowered to advocate for their needs. Building strong relationships is at the centre of everything Jessica does she enjoys connecting with others through 1:1 conversations and storytelling.

Prior to her role with Okanagan College she worked in accessible education as an administrative coordinator and educator working closely with individuals who had diverse learning needs. She comes from a background in education, holding a degree from Simon Fraser University and a Masters Degree in education from Thompson Rivers University. Her Master’s work was focused in EDI+J with an emphasis on Indigenization in education and Truth and Reconciliation. She completed her capstone project on sexual violence prevention in educational institutions from early childhood through post secondary.

Jewell is Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation on the West Coast (Wolf clan). They come 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.

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.