Sheree Epp is the granddaughter of the late Dorothy and Duncan Wealick of Tzeachten First Nation. Her paternal grandparents are the late Annie and Lloyd Robinson who were European. Her  parents are Georgina Pall and the late Lorne Robinson. She also acknowledges the late Ivan Pall, her stepdad of many years. Sheree Epp is a member of Tzeachten First Nation. …

Elder Sidney Douglas is from the Cheam First Nation, where he still lives. His parents had 20 children and he was somewhere in the middle. When he was around seven years he was taken from his big family to residential school, where many of his siblings were taken. He was the last of his family to experience residential school. Fortunately, …

Darlene Tommy believes that love saved her from being broken by the residential school system. Specifically the love of her mother. “I was fortunate to have a mom who loved me,” says Darlene. “I would like all our children to have the same love that my mom gave me.” Darlene is a member of the Skwah First Nation, but grew …

Dawn brings a desire to stay connected to her Métis culture to her role as a Xyólheméylh Elder. “What I’ve learned along my life’s journey so far is to appreciate my Métis culture, keeping it close to my heart so I am able to pass on things I’ve learned from my Elders and continue to learn. My desire, my aspiration, …

Louise never imagined after retiring as a social worker from Xyólheméylh seven years ago that she would return as an Elder, but that’s what happened and she’s enjoying her new role. “I’m now standing on the outside looking in and sometimes able to see what the social workers and parents can’t see. It’s a nice role,” says Louise. “I’m a …

Rosemary Trehearne  always tries to be positive. “To me it’s much easier than being negative. Being negative takes a lot of energy and creates more stress,” says Rosemary. “It’s also very important to give back of yourself in life. You shouldn’t do it to receive compliments or credit, it should be private and done with a good heart.” Rosemary feels …

Amy has always been involved in trying to make things better for Indigenous people. She wanted to make things better for her kids than it was for her and her parents. “I’m still trying to make a difference. Sometimes I think I’m fighting a losing battle, says Amy, who acknowledges there is still much more to do. Amy says a …

Julie is known for her calm, gentle presence, her big heart and knowledge of culture and protocol. As she says: “Leave footprints of kindness on each step of your journey.” She is from the Jimmie clan at Squiala First Nation, one of ten children of Alexander Dan Jimmie and Patricia Joan Herrling. Her grandfather on her father’s side was Samuel …