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2011-2012

Board of Directors

President- Tom Blackbird

Vice-President- Phyllis Wright

Secretary - Barb Milito-Smith

Treasurer - Debbie Miller

Director - Agnes Geisbrecht

Director - Eric Stewart

Director - John Diablo

Director - Magnus Turner

Director - Nicole Kiniski

Grace Cunningham - Hi my name is Grace Cunningham, and I have worked at the Centre for just over one year now. It's been an amazing experience and I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. It's been very busy, and we have established many new programs, and partnerships for all age groups, including our young children, adults, and our precious elders. I'm looking forward to many more in the future as well. I enjoy and participate in many aspects of my Aboriginal culture as it helps to keep me grounded and focused both personally, and professionally. I enjoy spending time with my family, and make every moment of my time off count. I believe in nurturing the soul and keeping yourself well and healthy and leave the rest up to the Creator. Looking forward to what the seasons bring.

Please make use of the Meet the Director day scheduled on the last day of every month, come in and share your thoughts, concerns, ideas, or just chat. All my Relations.

Julie Czerwinski - *My Kon Ka Skootee U Ka Ma See Tats* - Born in Prince Albert Saskatchewan I moved to Abbotsford at the age of 11 and has been here ever since. I worked in Youth Corrections for 24 Years and retired. I came out of retirement to go back to school at UFV to finish my Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. I love the outdoors and people. My spirit name is Coyote Woman Who Builds the Fire. Love working at the Centre.

Helen Page - Hi, my name is Helen and I am happy to be here working with Joanna in the kitchen. I have lived in Mission for 24 years and I am a mother of three and a grandma of seven. I like to spend time with my family, play bingo and go to the movies.

Joanna Frank - Hi, I'm Joanna Frank. I am one of the two Kitchen Coordinators and I work in tech kitchen with Helen. I have been working in the kitchen since May 16, 2011. I really enjoy cooking here at MFCS. I have a 4 years old son named Jordan, my mother is Martha Dan and my Grandpa is Herman Dan Sr.

Sean Russel - I have been employed here for two years now. I am Metis my background is Micmac, French, and Irish. I assist individuals who are struggling with addictions of various sorts as well as guiding their family and friends towards their own road to recovery. I am currently facilitating three workshops here at the Centre which is as follows : Relationships, Codependency, and Setting Healthy Boundaries. I am also currently developing informational workshops on the effects of alcohol And drugs on the body and am hoping of developing a day program in the near future for those who need extra support. I encourage those who have questions or suggestions to please come down to my office so we may discuss it. If you wish to have an appointment, please do not hesitate to call me.

Donna Lagimodiere - Donna is a Metis woman born in Ste. Rose du Lac, MB. Donna has lived in Mission for 23 years. Her heritage is part Cree, part Ojibwa, and part European. Donna's path has taken her from food industry and family caregiver to Residential Worker & Attendant and working for A&D referral establishments for non-profit organizations. After obtaining her education in Counseling and Life Skills Coach she is currently in the position as Community Health Worker at the Mission Friendship Centre. Donna is an active participant in the traditional way of sweat lodge and healing circles, and has assisted others by offering guidance and support in ceremonies.

Britttany O'Rouke - Hello, my name is Brittany O'Rouke!! I have been at the Centre for almost a year now and it has been such a gift to be apart of this organization, such a wonderful group of people who work here. I have lived in Mission all my life and being at teh Centre has really helped me get reconnected with my Aboriginal background culture, I couldn't thank them enough. My job here is to bridge the gap between the Elders & Youth and bringing them together through cultural workshops & activities, it's been a great joy to me to be able to participate in all the events& programming at the Centre

Devan Cunningham - Hey I'm Devan Cunningham, I am the Youth Worker here at the Mission Friendship Centre. I am 19 and I am from Katzie Frist Nation. My favorite color is green.

Julie Anne Ponting - I have lived in Mission for 24 Years and have been working at the Centre for over two years And am still very excited to be part of the Friendship Centre family. I am a Mom and wife And I enjoy family time, bingo and singing.

Laura Hughes - Hi, I am the new Financial Officer at MFCS. My name is Laura Hughes and I am a sixth-level GCA student (Certified General Accountant). Soon I will be a "big cheese" and have letters behind my name! (Yes, this DOES mean that I have a big fat content and contain dairy products). I do paperwork all day everyday, except when I am in meetings - do I know how to have fun or what?! My likes are dogs, nature and helping people. I also like sci-fi ("Beam me up, Scotty!"). My husband & I live in Mission with our two spoiled little dogs And a cat with frost-bitten ears (rescued from northern Alberta during a cold snap). I was the FO of the Beaver Lake Wah-pow Treatment Centre outside of Lac La Biche, AB. Before that we lived on Vancouver Island for 15 years, in Ontario, and the GVRD. I work Mon/Wed/Fri And my door is usually open. I am very pleased to join your crew and plan to row hard - hopefully in the right direction!

Jason Jenkins - Often you can find me cleaning the centre. If I am not in there I am most definitely outside at my Hot Dog stand. So if you are hungry come and grab a delicious Dog!!