Information and Inspiration about work in BC's Aboriginal Non-profit sector.
Nurturing a healthy Aboriginal non-profit sector.
Listening to stories is a traditional way of learning in Aboriginal societies. On this page, you can learn what it’s like to work in the ANP sector from the stories of people who do. Stories about helping others… about supporting Indigenous culture… about changing the system… about making a difference.
Join the ANP workforce and you’ll have your own stories to tell.
In her job as Director of Healthy Living for the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (ISPARC), Robynne Edgar gets to see the effect her work has on others every day. “I am able to be creative and develop programs I am also personally passionate about,” she explains. “I get to see firsthand how these programs impact our leaders who run them in their communities, and see the difference they are making and how much these programs are enjoyed.”
Sharing success stories is one of the things Cara Lenoir loves about her job. A Marketing Specialist at the Native Education College (NEC) in Vancouver, Cara loves learning about the stories from NEC Alumni, students, and staff. “They are quite amazing,” she explains. “I enjoy learning about the heart of their stories and sharing it with people so that they may spark inspiration in others.”
A willingness to do the heavy lifting – that’s how Denise Williams, Executive Director of the First Nations Technology Council, describes one of the most important aspects of her job. Armed with an MBA from Simon Fraser University, this member of the Cowichan Tribes on Vancouver Island thinks working for an aboriginal non-profit organization like the First Nations Technology Council is a true gift. “I was raised outside my community and I wanted to understand our culture and our people. Here I get all of that – travel, talk, learning, and enrichment,” she explains. “This is the type of job where you see the results and the effect you’re having on others. This role has changed my life,” Williams adds. “The challenges I’ve faced, the opportunities I’ve had, and the hills I’ve climbed truly shaped who I am today.” Continue reading “DENISE WILLIAMS”
Passion. It’s hard to not get a sense of the passion Rebecca Inoke feels for her job and the people she works with when you talk to her. A Family and Cultural Mentor for the XaXe SŦELIṮḴEL Daycare at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, Inoke’s own cultural background lies in New Zealand, from the Tūhoe and Ngāti Kahungunu iwi (tribes) on her father’s side. Continue reading “REBECCA INOKE”
Communicating and connecting – two words Brock Lewis uses a lot when he describes his job as the Afternoon Drive announcer for CFNR (Canada’s First Nations Radio), a radio station based in Terrace broadcasting to over 80 communities in Northern B.C. On the air from 2 – 6 pm every weekday, Lewis has been playing the hits for his listeners since shortly after graduating from Niagara College’s Broadcasting Program in early 2016. Continue reading “BROCK LEWIS”
Residential school trauma, parenting challenges, anger – just some of the issues Valerie Joseph helps people deal with on a daily basis. A group facilitator and counsellor with Warriors Against Violence and previously the residential manager at the Atira Women’s Resource Centre, Valerie has worked with Aboriginal Non-Profit organizations for nearly 20 years and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Continue reading “VALERIE JOSEPH”
Corey Payette is proud of his Oji-Cree heritage from Northern Ontario. A playwright, actor, composer, and director at theatres across Canada, he is currently the Artistic Director of Urban Ink Productions and the founder of Raven Theatre — both Vancouver based Aboriginal non-profit arts organizations that focus on new works by Indigenous artists. He is also on the Board of Directors of the Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance (IPAA) and of Vancouver Native Health Society which provides mental, physical, and spiritual relief to Aboriginal people on the Downtown East Side of Vancouver. Continue reading “COREY PAYETTE”
Frustrated with the stress of working in the public sector, Deborah Wilson-Green left her teaching job in 2013 to work on a contract basis as an Accreditation Coordinator and Facilitator at the Gya’ Wa; Tlaab Healing Centre, in Kitamaat, B.C. A member of the Haisla Nation, she has a Master’s in Special Education and is thrilled to put her knowledge and skills to good use working to ensure the organization meets the highest standards of quality. Continue reading “DEBORAH WILSON-GREEN”
