Hello!

My mother was born into the “Hunter” Clan of the Canoe Creek Indian Band, Northern Shuswap Nation near Cache Creek, BC. My father, born & raised in Holland during World War 2, bore the “Post” name, one which could have caused him death at a very young age as he was called before a Nazi firing line – later returned to his parents due to mistaken identify.

My initial introduction reflects the Native way – sharing who your family is and how we may be interconnected.

I am currently an independent, single “empty nester” to six AMAZING adult children – one biological and five whom I take as my own.  I reside in a small Southern Alberta community with two dogs and a horse.

Following my divorce in 2006, I found myself searching for greater meaning in my life.  After much reflection I traded the comfort of monetary wealth for what I now identify as my “purpose” in life. I am PASSIONATE about the “work” I do.

I am interested in creating political change amidst the systemic and intergenerational trauma suffered by our First Nations people. In order to strengthen my academic and practical knowledge towards this end, I recently completed my Social Work degree and have have applied my practice through employment with a Delegated First Nations Agency for over five years.  My journey continues as I pursue this Masters in Leadership as it will compliment my goals for advocacy, to become a catalyst for change as well fulfill God’s purpose in my life.

My personal interest in this area began at an early age.  Despite my mother’s horrific recount of her experiences growing up in boarding schools and being removed from her family, I listened to the rich stories of my Grandmother with excitement and curiosity.  Upon the passing of my Grandmother, I lost the positive connection to her Native traditions and only recalled the negative replay of my mother’s account. The influences in my formative years came as a result of a very strict family upbringing and an achievement motivated Western environment.  Throughout my working years, I have been afforded the opportunity to climb the corporate ladder within the financial services industry where I gained valuable leadership, business, administration, marketing and management skills.  My early professional years undertook a corporate climb as young female in a very male dominated industry.  I was deemed “successful” according to my family and society’s standards. Despite this success I knew I was destined for another path.

In midst of life and the pursuit of professional goals, family, overcoming significant health and personal challenges, I remain highly motivated despite initial doubts as a visibly Caucasian, albeit Native woman, working within a demographic whose experience has been that of oppression and marginalization by those within western society, of European decent, white privilege and the church – each of which I represent. I have many years personal, professional, life and love experience to access within this journey, yet am wise enough to know God is in control.  I remain humbled by the gift and opportunity to continue my learning journey with each of you!