Staff

Paul Lacerte Executive Director

Paul Lacerte is the Provincial Executive Director of the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, a position he has held for the past 17 years. He is a member of the Cariboo Clan and a citizen of the Carrier Nation in north central British Columbia. Paul is a member of the Board of Directors for the Vancouver Foundation and serves as a Lead Aboriginal representative on key Provincial initiatives including the Government Non-Profit Initiative (GNPI). He currently sits as one of the Canadian representatives at the United Nations Permanent Forum for Indigenous Peoples in New York.

Paul's education was completed at the University of Victoria in the area of Political Science and in the study of the administration of Aboriginal Governments. He is a certified facilitator and specializes in organizational development and success planning.

Paul and his partner Asma have 4 daughters and one son and his home in Victoria is commonly referred to as “the House of Happiness”.

Carl Mashon General Manager

Carl joined the BC Association in May of 2001, as the Provincial Coordinator of the Raven Youth Tech Program and he now serves as the General Manager of Operations.  He has a Diploma in Petroleum Geology, a BSc. in Natural Resource Science and most recently he completed a Business Management Diploma at the University of Victoria.  Carl was previously employed as the GIS / IT Manager for the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council.  He also spent 10 years working as an engineer/supervisor for an American oil service company in Texas, Nova Scotia, Norway, Holland and Scotland. Carl is a Saddle Lake (Cree) band member and enjoys spending time outdoors with his three children, Danielle, Mason and Hannah. His principal passion is sailing but he enjoys traveling, running, biking, hiking, dancing and traditional ceremony.

Jeannette MacInnis Executive Assistant

Jeannette MacInnis joined the Association in May of 2009, with organizational skills and attention to detail that evolved into the natural backbone of the administration team. Her ancestry is a mix of of Cree and Scottish descent, and she grew up in central Alberta where she pursued passions in equestrian performance and competition jumping. Jeannette is a strong advocate for the health and well-being of all women, with an expansive academic background extending as far afield as the plight of women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Closer to home, Jeannette is highly active in the movement to end violence against Aboriginal Women, organizing events and hosting workshops to combat human trafficking and domestic violence. She is grateful to the BCAAFC for encouraging her to follow her passions, and for supporting her as she develops her capacity to effect positive change.

Lisa Mercure BCAAFC Aboriginal Friendship Centre Programs – BC Region

Lisa Mercure is Mikisew Cree from Treaty 8 Territory in Alberta and French Canadian from her late fathers side. Her hands on approach to community involvement led her to the BCAAFC in October 1999. She has served as the Aboriginal Friendship Centre Program (AFCP) and the First Citizens Fund ‘Friendship Centre’ program coordinator for most of that time. Lisa’s role is to provide direct technical guidance for the Aboriginal Friendship Centres management teams and Board of Directors - in areas of organizational development, human resource management and governance – with the support of a volunteer peer advisory committee.

She balances work and family with volunteering as a way to create community and role model for her three daughters. Lisa is one of the founders and Vice-President of the Nihiyaw Language and Culture Society, and is proud to help others reclaim their Cree language.

Lisa was nominated as advisory for a national volunteer initiative with the Canadian Centre of Philanthropy (Imagine Canada) and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Volunteer BC. Lisa loves every opportunity to volunteer at her daughters school and participates on the provincial Aboriginal advisory for the Counseil Scholaire Francophone of BC.

Warren Clarmont Team Leader: Partnerships and Business Development

Warren joined the BCAAFC in the summer of 2004 and quickly fit into the organization as a valued team member. He is a graduate of the University of Victoria, majoring in History. Warren began his work at the Association as the Executive Assistant and moved to the Health Policy Analyst position in 2006. He is an avid hockey player and enjoys activities with family and friends.

Tanya Clarmont  Senior Contract Manager

Tanya is a visitor to this territory and hails from Temagami First Nation in Ontario. Her community is located on Bear Island and is accessible only by water or ice road in the winters. She relocated to BC to pursue her passion for writing and attend the En’owkin Centre, an Aboriginal Arts School in Penticton. From that program, she transitioned into the writing program at the University of Victoria and joined the BCAAFC as a summer student in 2005. She recently graduated with her Fine Arts B.A. in Creative Writing from UVic, and also holds a double B.A. in Humanities from Laurentian University in Native Studies and Law & Justice.

Tanya has held several positions within BCAAFC over the years and previously worked in Ottawa with the National Association of Friendship Centres as a Program Officer. With more than 10 years’ experience working with the Friendship Centre Movement, she is a lifelong advocate and supporter of all Friendship Centres and plans to remain involved.

Her best friend Maggie wagged her way into the hearts of the BCAAFC staff and has taken up residency as our mascot and friendly guard dog. Tanya and her husband Warren welcomed their first child in April 2012.

Diane Nicholls  Gaming Grant Support

Diane joined the BCAAFC in the fall of 2006.  She is a member of the Tsimshian Nation and was born and raised in Prince Rupert BC.  She attended Malaspina University College for two years before taking time off to raise her young family.  She lives in Victoria with her husband and two wonderful sons.

Ron Rice Gaming Grant Support Officer

Ron was born and raised in Duncan and is a member of Cowichan Tribes. He started with the BCAAFC in May 1998.  His background in hospitality and event planning has served the association well.  In 2007 Ron took a 19 month leave of absence to manage Cultural Events & Ceremonies for the Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games. He has also gained prominence within the Aboriginal Friendship Centres movement working to support a number of Friendship Centres in transition throughout BC and in Quebec. Ron has been the President of the Victoria Native Friendship Centre since 2003.

Naomi Graham CCAY Provincial Coordinator

Naomi joined the Association in September 2007, and dove head first into the planning processes for the regionalization and transformation of Aboriginal Child and Family Services in BC. Over time, she found her way into the Contract Management and Coordination Team, and has since had her focus on the Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth program, seeing it through significant changes over the last 3 years. She completed her Bachelor’s of Social Work at UVic in the spring of 2007, where she focused her studies on social policy.

Naomi is a visitor to Coast Salish territory; her family is from Aotearoa and Scotland. She is the proud Mother of a vibrant little girl named Grace and the second addition to the BCAAFC dog pack, Bella the British Bulldog. In Naomi’s spare time she sits on the Board for both the Solstice Celebration Aboriginal Cultural Society, and the Rose Lemonade Foundation. Naomi’s heart and soul can be found at the dance studio, and on any stage that will have her. Broken Rhythms is the dance company she performs with, who recently won ‘Pick of the Fringe, 2012’ here in Victoria.

Diana Elliott Provincial Advisor – Aboriginal Infant Development Programs

Diana is Coast Salish from Cowichan Tribes in Duncan, B.C. with equal roots in the Nuu Chalth Nuth Tribal Territory. She is the mother of two grown sons and appreciates the importance of enriching early and lifelong learning and the benefits of family and parenting support and education. She values the cultural teachings of our Elder’s and incorporates these into her daily work ethics from a family centred program philosophy. She also appreciates all the teachings, knowledge and gifts of the many front line workers who work hard to ensure culture is the foundation of all our programs, working from the philosophy that each child is a gift from the Creator and we are helping to ensure a healthy start in life by supporting parents to raise their children.

Diana is proud to work with Aboriginal Infant Development Programs who are celebrating 20 years in 2012 and she has been the provincial advisor for 9 years, accumulating over 23 years’ experience in the field of Early Childhood Development, with a vision for child, family and community health and wellness.

For more information on Aboriginal Infant Development Programs of B.C., go to www.aidp.bc.ca.

Lindsey Martin Gathering Our Voices Assistant Coordinator

Lindsey is from the Killerwhale Clan of the Tsimshian Nation. She was born and raised in the Prince Rupert area, on the North Coast of BC. Before moving to Victoria, Lindsey previously worked at the Museum of Northern BC where she was able to combine her passion for learning, teaching and sharing her cultural roots. She moved to Victoria and began working with the Association in February of 2008. Through her work she has been able to build on her passion for learning all she can, allowing her to connect with people throughout the province.

Alisa Denduyf Financial Controller

Alisa joined the BC Association team in November 2007. She has more than 30 years experience as an accountant in both the non-profit and profit sectors. Leisure time will usually find her enjoying the coastal waters on her classic wooden trawler.

Carla Bortoletto Director of Child and Family Services

Carla was excited and honoured to join the Partnerships and Business Development team of the Association in 08/08/08.  Her heart and her efforts are focused on bringing spirit, as well as family & community self-determination into Aboriginal healing & support processes.  She has been working in child and family policy and Aboriginal health for over 15 years from within government and now within the BCAAFC.  Carla adores her life partner, her role as step-mom to 3 amazing children, and being a mom to her hound dog Cooper.  In her undergrad, Carla studied Science and Psychology.  She has also completed her Master’s degree in Public Administration with a focus in Dispute Resolution. 

Jamin Zuroski Student Bursary, Elders, and Youth Coordinator

Jamin is of Namgis First Nation and Ukrainian descent. He is very grateful for having a family that has taught him knowledge around understanding personal and cultural identity, acceptance, preservation and perseverance. He works closely with BC Community Elders and Youth in creating new and maintaining existing Friendship Centre initiatives. He also enjoys getting outside and playing soccer or hockey with his son.

Shane Hartman Environmental Coordinator

Shane Hartman is a member of the Beaver Clan from the Dakelh First Nations. He completed his undergraduate degree at Malaspina University College in tourism management. Currently, he is putting the finishing touches on his Masters Degree at the University of Northern British Columbia in the Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Program. For this graduate work he looked at ecotourism development with a remote First Nation’s community and the benefits and impacts associated with tourism development. An avid golfer and downhill skier, Shane also enjoys getting outdoors as much as possible.

Ellen Newman Policy Analyst

Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Ellen Newman is of Kwagiulth and Haida decent. Ellen started working at the BCAAFC in July 2010 as a policy analyst in Partnership and Business Development. She has a Bachelor’s of Social Work from Ryerson University, and a passion for working within Indigenous communities. In the past, Ellen spent time in Aotearoa working with a Maori based community services organization. Ellen enjoys swimming, yoga, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Rick Brant Director, (ASRPA) Partners Council

Rick Brant (Teho:ka) is Mohawk, a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in Ontario, and currently resides in the Cowichan Valley with his wife and two children.

Rick has extensive experience in Aboriginal sport development. He is a founding member of the Aboriginal Sport Circle, Canada’s national body for Aboriginal sport and recreation, and is one of the primary architects of Canada’s Aboriginal sport system. He has an extensive involvement with the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) leading the delivery of three separate games, most recently serving as the CEO of the Cowichan 2008 NAIG. Rick has been responsible for numerous national and provincial initiatives that have influenced public policy and shaped the way sport and recreation programs are delivered in Aboriginal communities across Canada.

As a former member of Canada's National Track and Field Team, Rick won national championships at 800 metres, 4x400 metre relay, and team Cross Country. In 1987, Rick received the national Tom Longboat Award as the most outstanding Aboriginal athlete in Canada.

Joe Akerman Manager, Regional - (ASRPA) Partners Council

Joe has a life-long connection to sport and recreation. He is a graduate of the University of Victoria, where he earned a Co-op degree in Recreation and Health Education. Joe recently completed the Aboriginal Youth Internship Program where he worked in the Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Branch of the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport. His summer placement with was with the Victoria Native Friendship Centre coordinating summer programs for kids age 6-12. Joe is proud of his Cowichan Heritage through his father’s side of the family.

Joe started with BCAAFC in September 2010 as Regional Engagement Coordinator for the Partners Council. More information on ASRPA Partners Council can be found at: http://www.bcaafc.com/initiatives/asrpa-partners-council 
 

Amy Woodruffe Policy Analyst

Amy joined the policy team at the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres in November 2009, as a project manager and policy analyst in Child and Family Initiatives.  She has degrees in Social Work and Child and Youth Care, and a Masters of Social Work from McGill University in Montréal, Québec.  Amy has worked for over 10 years as a frontline community social service worker mainly within Aboriginal communities, and more recently as a counsellor in inner-city Montréal, and policy analyst in the community social services sector.  Amy is a 2nd generation Canadian, with Jewish, Scottish, Irish, Welsh and English ancestry.  She enjoys spending time with her partner and family, playing music, and being outdoors.

Della Preston, Youth Conference Coordinator

Della is Tseshaht First Nations from the Nuu-Chah-Nulth peoples. She was born and raised in Victoria. She has a certificate in Recreation Leadership and a Diploma in First Nations Community Studies from Camosun College. She is also four courses away from completing a BA in Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria. Della has volunteered on the board of directors of Surrounded By Cedar Child and Family Services, BC Association of Friendship Centers and National Association of Friendship Centers. She is currently volunteering on the board of directors of Victoria Native Friendship Centre and Caring for First Nations Children Society. As a young Aboriginal woman she enjoys being active and she is learning her language.

Richard Stern, Information Technology  

Richard signed on with the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres in the summer of '10, working on a three month contract to build and configure a Sharepoint portal. Eighteen months and hundreds of projects later Richard has joined the team as a full-time tier 2 IT specialist. He provides support and technology solutions for 30+ staffers and reinforces/upgrades the BCAAFC's technological infrastructure.

Richard earned his first degree, a bachelor's of computer engineering/management, at McGill University in 2006. His second bachelor's fell under the umbrella of education, with a focus on middle years, which he completed at the University of Victoria in late 2011. Richard's passions lie in personal growth, critical thinking, and social psychology. You'll often find him debating issues of social justice and/or contemplating the most efficient means of resolving global conflict. Tending to err on the side of collaboration over competition, Richard is a devoted team member and enthusiastic contributor to virtually any project that passes by his desk. He enjoys challenge, both professional and personal, and lives in a world of organized chaos.

Richard is married and his partner, Jessica Abrami, shares most of his passions for thinking and playing.

Kerri Low, AECD Administrative Assistant  

Kerri Low is of Metis ancestry- with Metis and Scottish on her father’s side, and English and Czech on her mother’s. She has lived in Victoria for the past three years working at various Federal Government departments. She is now the administrative assistant for the First Nations and Urban Aboriginal Childhood Development Reinvestment Initiative and couldn’t be happier.

Elaine Zamardi, Project Officer  

I joined the BC Association in August, 2011.

I was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario and moved to Victoria in 1996 with my husband and 2 children.

My Father was English and my Mother is Mohawk.

I graduated with my Business Management Studies at Seneca College in Toronto and am currently working as the Project Officer with the First Nations and Urban Aboriginal Early Childhood Reinvestment Initiative.

I love spending time with my family; I also enjoy camping and always look forward to our summers here on the West Coast.

Ivy Shaughnessy, Finance Assistant  

Ivy is a new addition to the BCAAFC, joining in the fall of 2011, as the Finance Assistant. She is of Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw, Coast Salish, Tsimshian and Nuu-chah-nulth descent. Ivy is honoured to have spent her lifetime living on the lands of the Lekwungen and Esquimalt people.

Fernando Polanco , Provincial Liaison-'Connecting the Dots' Project

Fernando is native from Guatemala and raised in Terrace BC. He is a provincial liaison for the Connecting the Dots (CTD) PROJECT. CTD seeks to promote the mental health of urban Aboriginal youth and families by mobilizing the community to address risk and protective factors influencing mental health. The project contract is held in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division. He completed his B.Sc in Microbiology at Vancouver Island University with a focus in community associated infectious diseases and global health.

Fernando has worked in Peru, Ecuador, Tanzania, and Guatemala for health care initiatives. Fernando is months away from completing his M.Sc through the departments of Medical Sciences and the Centre for Aboriginal Health Research. He enjoys snowboarding, surfing and traveling!

Lara Mussell Savage , Manager of Sport Development & Competitions
Aboriginal Sport, Recreation & Physical Activity Partners Council

Lara Mussell Savage was raised on both the Skwah First Nation Reserve in Stó:lō territory in Chilliwack and in the urban setting of Vancouver. Proud of her Stó:lō ancestry, Lara turned her passion for sport towards a focus on Aboriginal sport and youth initiatives shortly after graduating from UBC (B.H.K. - Sport Management, minor in Commerce) as the Head of the Class and with the distinction of Wesbrook Scholar. Lara’s passion for sport comes from being an athlete as well – Lara was awarded the Tom Longboat National Award for Female Aboriginal Athlete of the Year for Canada in 2005 and has competed in four World Championships in the sport of Ultimate, including two gold and two bronze medals. Lara’s career in the Sport industry has included management roles within UBC’s Department of Athletics & Recreation, the Air Canada PGA TOUR Championship, and the BC Sports Hall of Fame & Museum. From June 2005 to June 2010, Lara was the Project Manager of Aboriginal Sport & Youth with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). Lara is currently the Manager of Sport Development & Competitions with the Aboriginal Sport, Recreation & Physical Activity Partners Council (BC) where she continues to enjoy maximizing opportunities for Aboriginal youth to engage in sport and physical activity. Lara resides in Chilliwack, BC with her husband and two children, on the Skwah Reserve.

Andrew Hobden , Information Systems Intern

Andrew is of the Listuguj Mi'gmaq, but was born and raised in Victoria. He is currently studying at uVic for his Bachelor's in Computer Science while working part time for the Association. Working at the Association has provided him with grounding from his otherwise abstract, and at times anti-social, field of study.

Andrew's passions grew for community prior to joining the Association through his involvement in open-source software. He was fascinated by the concept of being able to share programs freely, diagnose and fix errors as a community, and to see those programs applied in new, creative ways. Since then, he's become enamoured with finding out how 'it' works, whatever 'it' may be. Since joining the Association, he has spent a lot of time thinking about how the concept of open-source is relevant to our people's way of living, and he encourages insight onto the topic.

Cara Barter , Director of First Impressions

Cara joined the BCAAFC in May 2012 after completing a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies and Environmental Studies and the University of Victoria. She is a member of the Gitando Tribe of the Tsimshian Nation and is honoured to have spent the majority of her life living on Coast Salish Homelands. While at UVic, Cara was introduced to spinning and weaving, and has developed a love for everything fiber; when she is not processing fiber, she loves to spend time with her husband, two kids and two dogs, Aero and Koda.