Leona says she loves being an Elder with Xyólheméylh and is very involved with the Sq’epqotel Court Project which helps create a more culturally safe space for Indigenous people in the Family Court system. “I love working with people and going to court every Tuesday to support families as part of the Sq’epqotel Court Project. I really enjoy it. It’s a really great learning experience because we work closely with the lawyers, and the families are so grateful to have us there.”
Leona is from Sq’éwlets First Nation ( Scowlitz). Her parents were Joseph Pennier-Hall and Margaret Jean Willoughby. She grew up in Harrison Mills and was one of ten children. Some of her older siblings were sent to residential school, but she managed to avoid it. She says that she was exposed to some culture in her childhood, “but not like how it is now.” She graduated from school and married in the same year, living in Agassiz where she had two children. One is now 52 years old and one tragically passed away at age 16. She has three grandchildren. Leona was employed with Xyólheméylh for 24 years as a Family Enhancement worker, helping families to grow and become healthier.
She eventually separated and married a man from King County, Washington. Her husband passed away two years ago. It was moving back to Sq’éwlets that she began a journey to learn more about her culture. She is now involved in canoe journeys, mask dancing, and studying medicine. “I’m on a journey with my culture. It’s a process of continual learning,” says Leona. Her advice to social workers working with Indigenous families is to not to set too many goals, as it can be overwhelming for the families. She prefers a simpler, more incremental approach. “It’s important for social workers to be compassionate,” says Leona.
Leona spends time with her two dogs and two cats and is looking forward to spending more time with Xyólheméylh as an Elder, as well as doing some travelling.