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 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.

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