Staff Profiles

	Okanagan Aboriginal Wellness Coordinator Sandra Young digs for speetlum in the South Okanagan as part of a cultural experience. Young is working to improve mental wellness among Aboriginal People within the Okanagan Zone. - APFA photo

Elaine Herbert – Chief Executive Officer

Like many of her staff, Elaine Herbert brings a wealth of knowledge to her position as the Chief Executive Officer. With a quarter century of experience in Aboriginal organizations, the Bonaparte Indian Band member recalls one position which provided valuable experience to her current role as the APFA CEO.

“At the Vancouver Aboriginal Child & Family Services we did a lot of what we’re doing here,” said Elaine. “We took over statutory services, transferred staff and negotiated with the Ministry (of Children & Family Development).”

Elaine is committed to doing things differently for the betterment of Aboriginal children and families. “I believe we have to take over our own services. We have the skills and knowledge to do that. I promise to do my part to help this organization build capacity.”

The Westbank resident knows there will be many challenges ahead, but is committed to improving family services for Aboriginal People living within Interior. “ I look forward to working collaboratively with all Aboriginal People within the Interior region, And despite some differences we may have,  my focus is on building and implementing services for the safety and well-being of all Aboriginal children ,” said Elaine, the former Manager of Social Services with the Westbank First Nation.

Eliza Terbasket – Transition Coordinator

Before taking the APFA transition coordinator position on Dec. 2, 2002 Eliza Terbasket worked for a Heiltsuk Health Centre in Bella Bella, the Vernon Friendship Centre and the Vancouver Aboriginal Child & Family Services Society. Her strong background as a social worker and administration are vital in coordinating this challenging undertaking.

Eliza will never forget the historic event in Tsawwassen where Aboriginal leaders stood up for the care of their children and youth. With 300 delegates from across the province in attendance, aboriginal leaders came together as one to take a huge step in improving the delivery of aboriginal child and family services to their people.

"One by one the bands, nations stood up and supported the Aboriginal process and said 'We are not interested in a blended authority,'" recalls Eliza. "It was an overwhelming feeling. It was amazing. I felt so proud to be aboriginal that day."

"Unity. As Aboriginal People we need to do this together. If we don't, it will be a much slower process. When looking after our children, we need unity.”

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Jim MacArthur - Policy Analyst

Jim MacArthur has been with the APFA since early 2003 and has brought his extensive experience in community development. Jim is initially from Calgary, where he attended university, met his wife, Cathy, and started his family of three children. Since moving to British Columbia in 1995, Jim has worked as the Director of Social Development for the Lower Similkameen Indian Band and the Namgis First Nation in Alert Bay. Since 1999 he and his family have put down roots in Penticton.

Jim appreciates that being part of the development of the APFA.

“This is the perfect opportunity for me to apply my training and experience in child welfare and community development. I look forward to continuing to support the building of an organization that can create real change in the lives of aboriginal communities.”

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Dan Odenbach - Communications Coordinator

His 12 years of newspaper reporting experience has given Dan Odenbach a solid background in not being a know-it-all.

"Being a good reporter requires you first to be a good listener and a good writer second. Any journalist who goes into an assignment, thinking they have all the answers, will not produce the best story possible," said the APFA communications coordinator. "This job is similar in that I need to hear feedback from the aboriginal communities on how to best deliver our message to them.
"There are many different challenges in getting our message heard by my new audience."

After being born in Williams Lake, Dan's family relocated to Stewart and then to the Okanagan in 1972. A few years after graduating from Vernon Senior Secondary, Dan enrolled in the Applied Communications Program at Camosun College in Victoria and graduated in 1987. Former media jobs have been with CHBC-TV, the Vernon Daily News, the Shuswap Sun, Enderby Commoner and the Lake Country Calendar respectively.

Hobbies include tennis, hockey, fishing, skiing and golf.

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Kim DuBrett –Office Manager

Staffing levels within the APFA have increased dramatically since Kim DuBrett started her job as the executive assistant.

"When I first started, the office wasn't established. Everything was still in boxes," recalls Kim who came onboard Feb. 7, 2003. "My first task was to get familiar with the IRAA and it takes awhile. I think everyone goes through that at first because there is so much information.”

Kim is no stranger to the Okanagan Valley as she was born in Vernon, lived in Winfield and then Kelowna. The Rutland Senior Secondary grad's previous position was as a bookkeeper with the Spallumcheen Indian Band.

After going on maternity leave with the birth of her second child, Kim has returned to the APFA as office administrator. She is responsible for providing support to APFA staff, monitoring APFA finances and contracts, as well as orienting new staff and maintaining the upkeep of the office.


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Community Table Coordinators

Allan Weselowski – Community Linkage Manager

Allan Weselowski’s job is to work with the Community Table Coordinators in each zone to work towards improving family services for Aboriginal People within the Interior.

“I was considering taking another position, for more money. Then I saw this job posting up on the wall and knew it was the right fit for me,” said Allan, a former chief of the Ulkatcho First Nation. “As a political leader, I understood how important this work is and now I have an opportunity for more of a hands-on approach.”

One of his first tasks as Community Linkage Manager was to make sure interviews of each of the five Community Table Coordinators takes place within their respective zone. The Community Table Coordinators will be vital in giving Aboriginal communities a voice in how family services will be improved in their area. There will be a Community Table Coordinator in the Okanagan, one in the Cariboo-Chilcotin, another in the Kootenays, one in Lillooet-Lytton-Merritt zone and another in the Shuswap.

Allan was one of the political leaders at the historic Tsawwassen Accord in 2002 and certified Aboriginal Community Economic Development Technician with Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO). He holds a bachelor degree, majoring in community development with a minor in business administration.

Marian Bruyere – Community Table Coordinator Kootenays

Marian Bruyere’s traditional name is Kaneeganeet Misco Askiy Isquao (Leading Red Earth Woman) who belongs to the bear clan. Her mixed ancestry includes Cree and Icelandic. The Sagkeeng Band member, from Manitoba, has a background is working in corrections and healing through Traditional Spiritual ways.

Marian and her husband have a solid background in social services as they raised three children and been role models for 25 foster children in their home. They also enjoy three grandchildren.
Marian holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Canadian Studies major, in addition to a social services certificate. Her family operated a Traditional Healing Lodge in Manitoba and received people from all over North America and began the healing process and restoration for families.

“I'm excited about the work that will unfold through the APFA. In seeking healing for the people we were told that the women need to heal first, then the men will be able to heal. Once the men heal, then families will heal. when the families heal, the communities will heal. When the communities heal the Nations will heal. This is what is unfolding, in our own time.”

Bob McCuaig – Community Table Coordinator Okanagan

Bob McCuaig is looking forward to the challenges of being a Community Table Coordinator. The Cowichan band member, from Somena, is a new grandfather, father and husband. He and his spouse relocated from Kamloops and are pleased to call Kelowna home.

“Having served as an Urban Political representative for the APFA, I have a good understanding of the need for community participation to help develop community tables as an integral part of our service plan for the future of our children and families,” he said.

“I believe communication will be important as we continue to develop our service plan with Aboriginal people,” Bob added.

Past experience have included working with several First Nation Bands and Aboriginal groups throughout BC. Services included organizational development, contract management, event planning, team building and developing service plans in the areas of health.


Cindy Parsons – Community Table Coordinator Cariboo-Chilcotin

Cindy Parsons has lived in the Cariboo for the past eight years and has worked in Tsilhqot’in, Carrier and Shuswap communities in Williams Lake. Her work experience with the Tsilhqot’in Justice program has been in the areas of community capacity building, restorative justice and crime prevention. She is a strong believer in community development.

“The Cariboo is a unique zone and has been moving forward with the formation of community benches and our Table. Our forum was a success and we look forward to continued partnership building and collaboration between our Aboriginal communities.”

She has also been working with the local BC Schizophrenia Society educating and supporting families touched by a mental illness.

“These past years working in the Chilcotin has lead me to this position at APFA, where I have the opportunity to help others believe in the vision to provide culturally sensitive services to Aboriginal People and build healthy communities.”

Her education is with Aboriginal Front Line Work, Mental Health and Restorative Justice and is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Social Work.

Grace Howse – Community Table Coordinator Shuswap

Grace Howse has spent the last eight years working with social agencies in developing social programs for Aboriginal communities. So the front line position as Community Table Coordinator was a natural fit for her.

“Front-line work (with APFA) affords me the ability to learn from those I work with and understand my role as a community planner,” said Grace who has gained a strong familiarity with the Secwepemc communities and the urban Aboriginal agencies through her past work history in the area.

“I feel much obliged to be a part of the planning team of APFA and to be able to continue working with the surrounding Aboriginal community groups. This is a critical time for Aboriginal People – we are being offered an opportunity to ‘re-create’ how our child and family services are to be delivered.”

Grace’s Aboriginal heritage comes from the Cree Nation in Alberta. Grace currently resides in Kamloops with her two children ages 17 and 13, of Simpcw First Nation.

Roger Adolph – Community Table Coordinator Lillooet/Lytton/Merritt

Roger Adolph’s diverse background is a true asset to the APFA. His impressive resume includes 21 years as Chief of Xaxlip (formerly known as the Fountain Indian Band), railroad telegraph operator/crew dispatcher, Aboriginal sports coordinator and professional boxer where he was named the Canadian Amateur bantam-weight Canadian champion.

In fact his boxing career led him to being profiled on APTN’s Chiefs and Champions. Roger is also a residential school survivor, substance abuse survivor, practices First Nations spirituality and speaks his language, Statimc, fluently.

Roger, a strong advocate for each Nation’s title and rights, explains why this work is so important to him. “I believe children and families are the foundation of our people and our Nations. With a strong foundation, our people can build strong Nations. That’s why I like our vision statement, ‘Strong healthy children; strong healthy Nations.’”

In his spare time, Roger enjoys hunting, fishing, berry picking and other traditional food harvesting.

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Mental Health

Janice Murphy – Mental Health Planner

Janice Murphy is member of the Métis Nation with her father being Chipewyan/Cree/French and mother Chipewyan/Irish. She is originally from the NorthWest Territories; born in Fort Smith and also lived in Fort Simpson and Hay River.

“My Métis ancestors have lived in the North for at least five generations and most of my family continues to live there. It was my personal healing journey that led me to this area in 1991. I am a mother of two grown children and have been gifted with two grandchildren who fill my heart with love and joy. The role of grandmother is one I cherish.”

Janice’s professional background includes; counselling – addictions, outpatient, day treatment and residential treatment, trauma - women victims of violence; teacher’s aide; instructor – Thompson Rivers University; working with the developmentally disabled. She has worked in both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organizations and holds a diploma in Early Childhood Education and Development, a Master of Social Work degree and is also a Registered Social Worker.

As the APFA Mental Health Planner, Janice is working to improve programs and services to help Aboriginal children and youth with mental health / wellness concerns.

“This work revolves around my belief that for Aboriginal People, good health is a balance of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual elements. I believe that if the environment encourages and supports their sense of self, the children will grow up with a strong identity that will increase their health and wellness.”

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Aboriginal Wellness Coordinators

Sandra Young – Aboriginal Wellness CoordinatorOkanagan

Despite growing up in the Interior, Sandra Young is proud of her roots within the Musqueam Indian Band in Vancouver. She worked for the APFA about three years ago before relocating to Vancouver. Young returned last year to fill the capacity of executive assistant before being promoted to the position of AWC.

“I am excited to take on this new role. I believe it is an important step in establishing positive connections with aboriginal communities. In this way we will be able to ensure a holistic approach to aboriginal wellness.

“I am truly honoured to have this opportunity to be a part of such an important process for Aboriginal People,” added Young who holds a bachelor of arts degree with a major in anthropology.

Kathy Hinter - Shuswap

As a member of the Métis Nation, Kathy Hinter lived in Kamloops most of her life. Although much of her work experience in child welfare, for the past 13 years, has been in communities like Sugar Cane, Coldwater Band and the Scw’exmx Child and Family Services Society.

“I feel very honoured to have been offered this position with the APFA and see the existing team as dedicated and resilient; this process has been, and will continue to be, a huge undertaking. In my opinion, this is truly an exciting time for Aboriginal People.

“ Most of all, I look forward to getting to know the people. I am committed to listening and I will strive to establish and maintain strong, fair and consistent working relationships with all of the Nations within the Shuswap zone, ” added Hinter.

Audrey Ward – Lillooet/Lytton/Merritt

Audrey Ward, an Upper Nicola Indian Band member, is looking forward to the challenges this job brings.

“I have worked as a frontline mental health professional for approximately 11 years and mostly with First Nations children and their families,” said Audrey who is based out of Merritt. “I am proud to be part of the APFA’s commitment to improving the lives of our children, youth and families.”

Ward’s Aboriginal name is ‘C’ik’wsn’ which means sunlight or sunshine. It’s a name her mother gave her after she became an art therapist. Her mother believes it fit because the art therapy brought light into people’s darkness.

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Early Childhood Development

Kelly Terbasket – Early Childhood Development Coordinator

Kelly Terbasket is from the Lower Similkameen Indian Band and she currently resides in Cawston BC. She has just joined APFA as the ECD Interior Coordinator.

Prior to the position of Early Childhood Development (ECD) Coordinator, Kelly was an ECD program coordinator for Community Health Associates of BC.

The Lower Similkameen Indian Band member is working towards creating an ECD strategic plan and framework for the Interior.

“To accomplish this task I'm pulling together an Aboriginal ECD reference group to guide this process and provide community-based input from the Aboriginal on and off reserve and Métis communities. The framework will include all the current programs such as Supported Child Care, Infant Development Program, FASD, speech/language therapies and Challenging Developmental Behavioural Conditions.

“This is not only an opportunity to manage and administer the MCFD programs but it is also an opportunity for us to develop some new innovative services for our children and families in culturally relevant ways which meet the unique and diverse needs of our Aboriginal communities,” added Kelly.

Kelly received her degree in social work from the University of Victoria in 1988 and most recently completed the Executive Coaching certificate from Royal Roads University. She moved into her current position after spending seven years as a Head Start consultant with Health Canada. She also took an interim role as Regional Manager for the BC First Nations Head Start Program for more than a year.

The bulk of Kelly’s 20 years of work experience has been in the community development field with an emphasis on health and education.

Suzanne Sterling – ECD Senior Planner

Sue Sterling was born and raised in Merritt.  The Lower Nicola Indian Band member has two children ages 8 years and 10 years old who keep her fit and active with sports.

The mother of two was living up north for nine years and relocated back to Merritt to be closer to family.

“I have been working within the Early Childhood Development field for 10 years ranging from preschool to Supported Child Development. I am a strong advocate for Early Childhood Development and encourage families and communities to give their children the best opportunities in their first years of their lives,” said Sue.

“I was extremely interested in the ECD Senior Planner position with APFA because the organization is within the development stages and I love working with communities to help them achieve program planning, capacity building and development.”

Bonnie LaBounty - ECD Senior Planner

For Bonnie LaBounty, a Lower Nicola Indian Band member, the transition into the field of Early Childhood Development was a natural one after the birth of her first child.

“I wanted to be as close to my daughter as possible, and always had a keen interest in child development, so I decided to take my Early Childhood Education training,” said the Merritt resident.

She held the position as program coordinator for the Lower Nicola Band’s Little Stars Head Start Program for more than six years.  She currently owns and operates a group daycare on the Shulus Reserve that provides care for children three months to five years of age. 

“I love working for children and families … our children and families.  We often hear children are the most important people in our communities and I deeply believe that.”

Being a part time position, her role in the APFA allows for a more flexible lifestyle.  “I believe it is important to have balance, to be in the communities doing work for our people in my role as an APFA employee, and on the flip side to be in my daycare doing the all important hands on work with the children.”

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Editor’s Note: staff list will soon be updated to also include Administrative Assistant Cheryl Stump, Aboriginal Wellness Coordinator Karima Hance (Cariboo-Chilcotin) and Marina Richards (Kootenays).

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More information is available at www.mcf.gov.bc.ca

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