Weytk,

I am Samantha Minnabarriet, I am from St’uxwtews, Bonaparte First Nation. I live in Kamloops with my two children. We keep busy with competitive sports and rodeo, which gives us plenty of opportunities to travel and enjoy our province. I also enjoy being outdoors; hiking, trail running, snowshoeing, riding horses, and camping.

One of the most defining moments in my life thus far was running the 110km journey from Kamloops Indian Residential School to Bonaparte First Nation; Náskan Úxwal - I’m Going Home in 2017, bringing the children’s spirits home. The time that I spent traveling and visiting with the elders on the trip drove me to continue to learn the culture of our people and to always try to do better every day.

As of recently, I have more time to enjoy outside and with my children; I finished my Master of Business Administration program from Thompson Rivers University in collaboration with Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in December 2023. This program was rich in Indigenous culture and teachings and was an enriching opportunity. I have over 15 years of accounting and financial management experience in property management, real estate, and a corporate setting, and over 4 years being in a First Nations setting.

I am excited and honored to be welcomed to the Scw’exmx Child and Family Services Society team.

My name is Kristen Stewart, and I am born and raised in Merritt. My parents are Chris and Missy Stewart. I am Cree and Metis on my father's side, and we are connected to the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. My mother is of English, Finnish and Scottish descent.
 
My career as a social worker has allowed me to work with Indigenous families through multiple Delegated Aboriginal Agencies. Previously, I worked with Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society, where I worked as a Family Service Social Worker and an Acting Team Leader. I am currently finishing my master's in social work from Dalhousie Univserty. In September 2019, I decided to return to my hometown to work in the Nlaka'pamux and Sylix territory. My experience has allowed me to understand the importance of connecting to your cultural and community identity.
 
I am excited to start this new opportunity as the Director of Delegated Services. I hope to utilize my professional and personal knowledge that I have acquired over the years. I strongly believe in working in collaboration, creating connections, and providing wrap-around supports to our families.
 
Thank you
 
Kristen

For over 30 years, I have called the beautiful Nicola Valley home, raising my family in this place holds deep meaning for me. Although the Nicola Valley has been home my family’s Indigenous heritage is rooted in the Temiskaming Nation of the Algonquin Band in Northern Ontario, passed down through my maternal grandmothers side. Her teachings emphasized the importance of kinship, respect for all living things, and the resilience that defines our people.

My family’s experience as survivors of colonialized government systems has profoundly shaped my commitment to helping Indigenous families heal and grow. Despite the challenges these systems imposed, we have drawn enduring strength from our cultural roots, which continue to guide and inspire me. This connection fuels my deep belief in the work and vision of Scw'exmx Child and Family Services.

In my role of Executive Administrator, I am excited to continue supporting our vision of strengthening families and communities, guided by the teachings and resilience that have shaped my own journey.

Kʷukʷscemxʷ | Limləmt | Thank you 

Hello! My name is Loretta Charmaine Clarke, but I go by my middle name, as Loretta is a family name. My family comes from Hollow Water First Nation, an Anishinaabe (Ojibwa) First Nation north of Winnipeg, MB.
I was born and raised in Merritt, BC, and I am currently raising my 16-year-old daughter, Triana here as well. I did not grow up with traditional teachings, so I am anxious to learn about cultural practices, beliefs, and
values and how I can implement these teachings in my personal and professional lives.

I spent 25 years in the Automotive Industry and returned to school at the age of 45 to pursue my Social Work Degree. I feel the combination of my life experience and my education will be invaluable to my future practice as a Social Worker. I am excited to see how the next chapter of my life will progress.

I want to bring only positive energy to this position and show myself and others that I am on the path that I am meant to be on. I am bringing a clear mind, an open heart and a supportive spirit and I thank you all for
this opportunity to learn something different from each of you. I feel blessed to be able to spend my time getting to know our community in the Nicola Valley so that I may support them to the best of my ability in the
future.

hen ̓ łeʔ kʷ | way ̓ | Hello All,

My name is Gail Peterson, I am a proud Nlaka’pamux member of the Lower Nicola Indian Band. My late parents were Rose Coutlee and John McIsaac. My late Grandparent were John Shuter and Josephine Coutlee Shuter. My grandmother was born and raised in Douglas Lake, and my grandfather John Shuter was from the Lower Nicola Indian band.

I am the eldest daughter of four girls. I married my husband Hyrum 38 years ago and we raised three
amazing kids Robin, Skyler, and Travis. I feel blessed to have two grandsons, Carlos, and Alex, as well as two bonus daughters Jesse and Latifa. I have also had the privilege of helping raise 12 amazing children
as a caregiver.

I graduated from the University of Victoria, and I have spent my last 27 years working within the delegated aboriginal agencies, in many roles, from protection to prevention services and this has helped prepare me
for this new position as the Director of Prevention Services. I am excited to help support the agency’s vision to move away from protection into a prevention model. I look forward to supporting each team to carry out this vision to help support the families we serve. I feel honoured to get reconnected to my cultural heritage within the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx territory. I love learning about my culture and hope to become more immersed in both languages.

All my relations,
Gail

My name is Mark Coutlee, and I was born and raised in Vancouver, BC. I am a citizen of the Syilx (Okanagan) Nation and a member of the Upper Nicola Band. I have a Business Diploma and a Social Work Degree from Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT). I have a four-year-old son who I love more than anything and raising him as a single father.

I have been through many struggles with addiction, but thankfully, my parents and grandparents help me step away from that lifestyle and helped me pursue an education. I’ve experienced cultural and mainstream teachings which I continue to use today for myself and for the clients I have worked with during my career as a support worker in the prevention field of Social Work.

I have a lot of learning to do, but I have learned from my experiences (good and bad) and now have some book smarts to go with my lived experience for my profession. I continue to learn my cultural heritage which I want to use more and more as healing because I feel like it healed me with my day-to-day struggles. I thank you for reading my bio and history. I look forward to meeting everyone at the office and the new clients that I will be working with in my position as the Family Wellness Navigator at Scw’exmx Child and Family Services Society.

Hello, I’m Tamara. I just moved to Merritt, from Summerland, with my partner, two beautiful children, and a miniature dachshund. I have an almost four-year-old boy and an 18-month-old girl. I was born and raised in Kelowna and have lived in Calgary and Kamloops. I enjoy practicing yoga, spending time in nature, and most of all spending time with my
family.

I have a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. I have worked with children and adults who live with developmental and mental health challenges. I’ve also worked with adults who have substance use challenges, in harm reduction, and supportive recovery. I enjoy helping individuals improve their personal wellness and family connections.

I hope to create a positive impact to SCFSS and everyone I meet with a warm, inviting, and relational approach. I commit to meeting every child, adult, and family where they are at in their journey of life and hope to be able to offer my services in a variety of settings based on client preference and goodness of fit. I will work alongside every individual,
and community to learn the Indigenous traditional ways of knowledge and practices. I hope to incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing and being into my practice when working with people who require support in learning their culture. Furthermore, I hope to educate and support individuals with emotional regulation to create and remain a sense of being grounded and attached to oneself.

Heńłe?,

Hello, everyone. My name is Harmony Williams, and I am Secwepemc from Skeetchestn, and Xaxlip from Fountain Mountain. I am a visitor to the Nlaka’pamux and Sylix territory since July 2021.

I’ve worked positions where I supported and inspired our Indigenous youth and communities as a former Education Assistant, providing direct support with academic services and cultural support for five and a half
years, before moving to pursue my post-secondary education.

Since moving to Lower Nicola, I’ve completed my Indigenous Human Services Diploma at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. Through my Diploma, I was also able to do an international practicum in Uganda,
Africa for six weeks, May to June of this year volunteering at Sunrise School and Clinic implementing a new school curriculum. I have found my passion in beadwork and reconnecting with my values through the pow wow trail.

I look forward to brining my traditional knowledge and academic learnings to the Community Prevention Worker position with Scw’exmx. My focus is prevention and supporting our Indigenous peoples. To assist communities in incorporating traditional healing and wellness through the balance of spiritual, emotional, physical, mental aspects of being and interrelationships within the communities I will be working beside.

Thank you for welcoming me into this new career path, I look forward to working with all my relations.

Harmony Williams

I’m an Nlaka’pamux woman and a member of the Lower Nicola Indian Band. My late great grandparents were John and Josephine Shuter. My parents are Hyrum and Gail Peterson. I am a lucky mother of two wonderful boys who bring me so much joy. I love to learn our traditional crafting such as beading, ribbon skirt making and more. As a youngster I grew up on a farm and helped my grandparents with tasks around the farm. I helped my yeye as she tanned hides and my spupsa as he took care of all the animals.

I have been working in various capacities within the Nicola Valley since 2010 after I returned home from some adventuring and starting my family. I have worked in and for my community in various roles such as a patient travel coordinator, children’s oral health assistant, health planner, career development coordinator, and most recently in community engagement and communications. I have learned much on my professional journey and seek to learn and explore more. I have become well versed in the world of social media and digital marketing and am excited to bring my cumulative experiences to the table. One truth for me is that community means everything to me, I love to strive hard and provide opportunities for our community to thrive. Anytime our Indigenous community can practice our culture and speak our language I know our ancestors are smiling down on us.

I am excited to help share the vision and shift within Scw’exmx Child and Family Service Society with our community. As SCFSS leans into the strategic prevention plan there is much we can do to support our communities health and wellness. My goal is to share the story of what SCFSS hopes to accomplish and allow for meaningful engagement with our communities. As we support our community through this work I seek to be a valuable resource for our team and community. I will seek to find the most effective ways to communicate with our community members and build resources that support SCFSS’ new vision and mission. I look forward to building great working relationships with my new co-workers and am excited to join the team.

I am beyond excited to be joining the team at Scw'exmx Child and Family Services Society. With 30 years in the valley, I am proud to call Merritt home. I spend my time with my family and fur son any chance I get and am expecting my first grandchild in December of this year.

Scw'exmx Child and Family Services Society is deeply rooted in a set of guiding principles that shape our mission and vision for the well-being of families and the preservation of cultural heritage. I will add to that with my experience in Victim Services and 10 years as an Education Assistant.

With care and compassion at the core of this work, and love being the driving force behind all endeavors, underscoring its importance in everything we do.

I will uphold the highest standards of honesty and ethics in all my interactions. Integrity is the compass, guiding me to be consistent, accountable, and transparent in all my actions.

The commitment to cultural teachings is unwavering. I recognize the profound impact of a strong cultural identity on the quality of life. With these guiding principles, we are dedicated to supporting families, preserving our culture, and creating a brighter future for generations to come.

Hi,

My name is Stephanie Tourand, I am red river Metis and I grew up in the Nicola Valley. I am just finishing my master’s degree in Indigenous Community Planning from UBC. Alongside my more recent work with UBC and a planning consultancy called EcoPlan, I have experience working for the Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations in Kamloops where I worked with Indigenous small businesses and artisans and facilitated workshops across the interior.

I am excited to be able to bring my skills back to my own community and work closely with our local nations in advancing Scw’exmx’s vision.

Hello,
I am Barbara Huston, daughter of Marjorie (Toodlican) and William Huston, and granddaughter of Celia (Moon) and George Toodlican. Mother to Ashleigh, Eric, Reanna, and grandmother to Alexis, Rae-Lyn,
and Jameson. I was raised in the Nicola Valley, and lived the majority of my life in this area. I did venture to Vancouver Island, Vancouver, and Kelowna, but there is no place like home!

As a child my mother, and sister, would take us out harvesting; we picked mushrooms, watercress, berries, and pine pitch. So, I grew up not realizing what I know but rather what we did at different seasons. I have always wanted my own buckskin since I was little, but did not know how to ever acquire it, until six years ago when I was allowed to participate in a buckskin making workshop. Since then, I am scraping, stretching, and smoking every nice day when I can. My sisters and I created a “scraping and stretching center” in the backyard. We acquired a horse stall from my daughter, so we disassembled and then reassembled. In addition, I learnt how to make buckskin gloves with Nancy Saddleman; each pair I make I learn more finesse skills.

I also was able to participate with Dr. Jeanne, and learn more about our local medicines, harvesting, what they help heal, and how to process them. As I mentioned earlier some things my mom did so as a child, I
learnt but did not realize what I knew as it was just what my mom did. Every chance I get I like to be out in “the wilds” just looking at our nature and I collect if I need but majority of the time I enjoy looking or taking
photos. I learnt that we should only take what we need, and leave the rest for the little people, animals, and others.

I look forward to creating new friendships, sharing my knowledge, and watching the community grow as Nle?kepmx people. I plan to bring a bit of the Coyote’s humor, creating laughter, and strengthening family
connections. Kwukwscemxw

Hi there, my name is Daniel Jager I have worked SCFSS for the last few years as the Family Wellness Navigator. My parents are Bill & Marilyn Jager, Grandparent (George & Agnes “Granny” Gibeault). I hold a
Bachelor degree in Social Work (BSW); but also carry the traditional knowledge and teachings of our people in the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx territories.

I bring my personal knowledge and expertise to the role of the New Family Team Lead position, and look forward to working with everyone within the SCFSS organization. I want to provide assistance and
direction with my team, to utilize culture, language, and traditional teachings in their practice and help our families move forward to finding their own path and strengths to making reasonable and achievable choices. To walk with the family, no behind them or in front of them, but beside them, give them positive attitude and acknowledge them every step of the way.

Thank you;

Daniel Jager (BSW)
Family Wellness Navigator

Weyt-kp, my name is Elijah Kennedy. My parents are Frank Antoine and =Leanne Kennedy. My Paternal grandparents are Marie Antoine (Etienne) and Willard Antoine, and my Maternal grandparents are Randy (Bo) Kennedy and Theresa North (Johnny).

I have resided in the Nicola Valley for about 10 years, and I am a single mother to 3 children, whose roots stem from both Upper and Lower Nicola bands. My family roots are from the Shuswap and Chilcotin Territories and spread far across BC. For the past 3.5 years I have worked at NVIT, as a Departmental Assistant. As well, I have completed schooling for Office Administration Certificate and Executive Assistant
Diploma. I am very happy for this next chapter with SCFSS as a Cultural Coordinator and all the new opportunities yet to come.

I am very excited to start this new journey with SCFSS and look forward to gaining more knowledge and experiences while also bringing a positive attitude towards the team. I look forward to meeting everyone
and am very thankful for this new chapter in mine and my children’s lives.

I am Sarah Dickie, a proud resident of the Nicola Valley for over 30 years. My maternal roots trace back to the Timiskamine Nation of Northern Ontario. My three kids and my husband make up my little family and I love spending time with them.

I have been a licensed real estate professional in Merritt and area for the last few years but am thrilled to take on a new roll with Scw’exmx as the Building Procurement Planner with the goal of finding Scw’exmx a permanent or long-term place to call home! I look forward to learning, gaining new experiences and meeting everyone.

hen̓łeʔ | way̓ | hello, my name is Heather Fairley,

I’ve called the Nicola Valley home for over 41 years, with only a few brief chapters in Vernon and Thunder Bay. The valley, its people, and its rhythms have shaped every chapter of my life—from childhood summers at Claybanks and family picnics at Nicola Lake, to working today alongside the same families I grew up with.

I’m a proud mother to a grown daughter—our journey intertwined from an earlier age than most and shaped by this same vibrant community we still call home. I’m often crafting, quilting (a rediscovered love), and welcoming friends into my home to share in the joy of food and making. Travel is another passion, and after trading in our hobby farm for town life, my husband and I are embracing more time for adventure.

My career has woven through Engineering Technology, Medical Assistance, and even Bookkeeping. For more than the last decade though, I’ve led organizational efforts in Occupational Health & Safety and Emergency Preparedness, helping teams build safer, more resilient environments. I bring curiosity, dedication, and a genuine excitement for the evolution of our OHS and Emergency Management practice.

I believe in the quiet power of consistency, in the purpose of showing up with intention, and in the strength of community.

Kwukwscemxw | Limləmt | Thank you

Hello, my name is Timothy Sterling, but people know me as Tim. I am a Lower Nicola Indian Band member. My father is Ira Sterling and my mother is Beverly Albert.

I have worked steadily since I graduated high school. I am a red seal welder, heavy equipment operator and have worked in the construction industry and in security on all sorts of jobs. On my days off, I enjoy traditional activities like fishing, hunting, and gathering.

I look forward to meeting you all as your security guard. What I will bring to SCFSS is a positive attitude, a friendly greeting and a sense of security. On a different note, I will be getting married in September to Lorna Brooks. Have a great day.

My name is Wilson Smith and I am from Coldwater Reserve. I moved to Coldwater Reserve in 2005, where I now reside with my wife Carol Smith. I am previously from Tsartlip Band on Vancouver Island. I have lots of family in my home reserve.

I previously worked for 9 years at Coldwater School as a bus driver as well as maintenance worker for Coldwater Band. I have my certificate from Industry Training Authority which I obtained in Kamloops, BC in 2004.

In my new position here at Scw’exmx Child and Family Services, I look forward to working with all the communities and the staff at SCFSS. I look forward to learning new things from the different communities as well. I am willing to share my abilities, my knowledge with anyone who may need it. I look forward to seeing you all in our communities.

hen ̓ łeʔ kʷ | way ̓ | Hello, my name is Juanita Quewezance, and I am a proud member of USIB. I was born and raised in Merritt, BC. My
parents are Oly Bent, Robyn Shallow, and Donna Bent. I carry on the legacy of my grandparents, who taught me the importance of family
and resilience. My grandparents are Ramona Bent, Thomas LaRue, Johnny Grinder, and Fred and May Voght. I also cherish the memory
of my great-grandparents, Walter Bent and Ida Sam.

Juanita is a dedicated family-oriented individual who loves spending quality time with her kids and family. With strong ties to her roots,
Juanita cherishes creating memories with loved ones and values the support and joy that family brings. She simply enjoys the beauty of
her surroundings and embraces the peace that it brings to her life.

Juanita will bring her strong sense of dedication and family-oriented values to her ATL Operations position. Her ability to build strong
relationships and foster a supportive atmosphere will enhance teamwork and collaboration within the organization and community.

My name is Raleigh Isaac, I am an Nlaka’pamux member of the Lower Nicola Indian Band. My parents are Rory and Lucinda Seward. My late grandparents were Leonard and Laura Isaac. Born and raised in the Nicola Valley. My partner is Thomas Manuel from Upper Nicola Band.

I graduated from NVIT with Office Administration Diploma and have extensive experience in Hospitality Management. I began my career
with SCFSS in 2019 as an Administrative Assistant and gradually transitioned into an IT Operations role. Currently, I serve as an Operations Coordinator within the Operations Team at SCFS, where I oversee building/vehicle maintenance and manage essential
administrative tasks to support efficient and seamless operations.

I look forward to contributing to SCFS by creating a proactive and responsive approach to operational management, ensuring a reliable and supportive infrastructure for both staff and community members.

Hi, my name is Crystal Leier, your new payroll clerk. Previously I worked at Shackan Indian Band with almost 4 years of experience with a variety of departments.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time camping, fishing and hiking with my husband, children and grandchildren.

I am excited to be a part of the team and work with you all.

Crystal

Tanshi, dishinikashon Robyn McDonnell. I am Metis, born and raised in Merritt. My parents are Betty Ann and Mike McDonnell. I have a daughter Kelsey who is 15 years old and my entire world.

I have been with Scw’exmx Child and Family Services for 5 years as the Administrative Assistant. I have loved being the assistant and have made so many great friendships with staff. I will miss not being in contact with everyone as much but I am ready to move on and learn the finance aspect of our organization. I am very excited to transition into this new role and work with the Finance Team.

I cannot wait until the day comes that we can all meet in one room (a very big room) and have a staff meeting, I miss everyone!

Hi my name is Tanya Kim Hall, I am a member of the Tkemlups Te Secwepemc band in Kamloops BC. I am married to Samuel Hall from
Lower Nicola Indian Band, and I moved to Merritt in 2006. I am the youngest daughter of 7 sisters and 2 brothers, including my identical
twin sister Paula Pellett (lives in Kamloops BC). My late mother Rita Spahan (Jensen) is from Coldwater Indian Band, and my father is Stephen Pellett from Ontario, and lives in Kamloops BC.

I have a Bachelor of Social Work Degree BSW (Class of 2018), and I have a Business Administration Diploma (Class of 2013). You may
know me as a First Nations Fashion Model from Kamloops BC @ Fashion Speaks International. I have been a model for almost 10 years
and I do runway and photo posing training for youth, women and all other people interested in this industry either Indigenous or non-
Indigenous. I am a Missing Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, & Men advocate (MMIWG&M). Most of my modeling is to raise awareness for MMIWG&M, such as the Red Dress Project and Fashion shows.

I started with Scw’exmx Child and Family as a 4th year practicum student and then was offered the Case Aide position after I graduated
from NVIT. I then was fully delegated and was the Case Aide/Screener. I then went into my Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) coordinator position, for a year and a half. I returned to file management, then found my way back into the delegated work, and now I am a Delegated Team Assistant. I work closely with the Protection team and the Admin team. I really enjoy what I do, and hope to excel further in this position.