Meet Our Board

I am grateful to live and work in ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ Amiskwacîwâskahikan / Edmonton on Treaty 6 and Métis Territory, traditional lands and current gathering place of many diverse Indigenous peoples, including Nêhiyawak, Dene, Nakota Sioux, Saulteaux, Niitsitapi/Blackfoot, Métis and Inuk/Inuit peoples. As an immigrant/settler to this land, I recognize my responsibility to understand the truth of colonization, to amplify that truth where I can, and to actively work towards reckoning, conciliation and equity with all people in my community, as a community member and through my work as a songwriter and musician. One of the ways that I can support the voices and art of people who are Indigenous is through our CARE Circle Talks.

C.A.R.E. began as a response to the horrific murders and injustices that were finally brought to light for the Canadian public. Since then, I have gained invaluable insights from our group discussions that have profoundly changed my perspective on Canada and my role in the reconciliation process. It may sound cliché, but the conversations we’ve had have genuinely transformed me and my connections with the world around me. I’ve learned important lessons in respect, empathy, responsibility, and our relationship with the Earth—skills I thought I already understood. This experience has reminded me that I am always a student, regardless of my role on this planet, and has highlighted the significance of my responsibilities to both current and future generations. There is so much more to learn and listen to, and I eagerly anticipate our continued exchanges.

I attended several Circle Talks before joining the board in November 2024. The Circle Talk’s impact on me deeply. My interest in being part of C.A.R.E. is deeply personal. I was raised from 2 years old with two Indigenous siblings, my (late) little brother and my oldest sister with whom I am extremely close with in life, and in grieving, along with my 3 other bio siblings. My long-time life partner is also an Indigenous. All three of my loved ones were and are deeply impacted by the Sixties Scoop. Every day, I look deep inside myself at how I can become better at being a settler sister, auntie, partner and community member. By becoming more educated through the Circle Talks by Indigenous people, and through rich board discussions it brings me closer to that.

The Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair said “If you feel connected to the future of this country, then you need to care about reconciliation. But without truth, there can be no reconciliation.” I am a descendant of immigrants and colonizers, and I am outraged and deeply saddened that the truth about the history and the treatment of Indigenous Peoples on this land has been distorted and concealed. As a society, we have destroyed so much knowledge and wisdom and potential! Communication and education are the foundations of reconciliation. I am honoured to help create this space and restore some of that truth and knowledge through the life experiences shared by the amazing speakers at the Circle Talks of C.A.R.E.

It is an honour to be part of C.A.R.E. I've learned so much from our speakers over the years. I have always celebrated and supported the Indigenous peoples and artists, but I realize that I knew very little about their history. As a settler, I am genuinely curious about their experiences, and listening to their stories helps me better understand and empathize. I am inspired by their wisdom, courage, culture, and resilience. I know it is a small step, but being involved in C.A.R.E. reminds me of my role in reconciliation.

The first step on the journey towards reconciliation is showing up. As a person responsible for the legacy of my denomination's treatment of Indigenous peoples, it is deeply personal to show up, listen, reflect, and act in a way that supports my Indigenous siblings, creates safer spaces for truth telling and resilience building, while building bridges of understanding. As a person of settler heritage I believe it is vital to create spaces like Circle Talk and support groups like C.A.R.E. to create a counter narrative that disrupts our colonial mindset, stereotypes, and denial of truth. Each Circle Talk has been challenging and comforting with moments of anger/frustration and hope woven throughout. Each circle has been a blessing and I leave with new voices echoing in my heart. 

I split my time between Sto:lo (Mission, BC) and Duwamish (Seattle, WA) land and am lucky to travel throughout Coast Salish territories. I joined the board of CARE to amplify this space for these stories, reflections, and moments of sharing in support of reconciliation. I’m committed to listening and learning with humility and openness and remain committed to the values of CARE. My work at Mission Folk is centered around the respectful presentation of folk music in all it’s forms including diverse Indigenous voices. I appreciate the opportunities afforded to me in serving with this organization.