In Secwépemc culture, no one carries the work alone. It has always taken many hands, many voices, and many gifts working together to care for the people. That is as true today as it has ever been.
The team brought together to carry this work forward was chosen with care and intention. They come with skills, experience, and genuine commitment to this work. Some carry lived experience close to their hearts. All of them understand what is at stake. These are not just positions filled. These are people who showed up because children matter, because families matter, because our nation matters.
We are grateful for each one of them and for what they bring to this table. Together, with our communities behind us, we will build something that will serve our children and families for generations to come.
Katherine brings extensive experience in Indigenous rights, treaty law, and the assertion of inherent jurisdiction. Her diverse practice includes advising on child welfare matters, the duty to consult, and commercial matters. She has served as counsel to major public inquiries including Canada’s Missing and Murdered Women’s Inquiry and as Assistant Commission Counsel to Ontario’s Ipperwash Inquiry. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers (2023), Katherine has received numerous awards for her human rights advocacy, including the Minaake Award from the Native Women’s Resource Centre. She founded Hensel Barristers (2011-2021), named one of Canada’s top 19 firms in Aboriginal and Indigenous law, before joining Foglers. Katherine regularly teaches law faculties, First Nations and Tribal Councils, and professional associations, and served as adjunct professor at University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law from 2011 to 2019.
Maryann Yarama is a member of Adams Lake Band and, above all else, a mother, grandmother, and matriarch. She grew up shaped by the love and teachings of her granny Anne Sampson, and those roots have never left her. Everything she does, she does with her family and her people in her heart. When life gets full and she needs to come back to herself, she finds her way to the back of a horse. Maryann serves as Headman (Chief Executive Officer) of Yecwmínte re Xqwllint, Take Care of Baby Basket Society, bringing years of executive leadership experience to one of the most meaningful roles of her life. She is helping to bring the Secwépemc Law of Stsmémelt and Kw’séltkten to life for children and families across Secwèpemc communities, and she does not take that lightly. She believes caring for children is not a service to be delivered but a collective responsibility to be lived, passed down through generations by matriarchs, Elders, and the cultural teachings that have always shown her people the way. That belief is at the center of every decision she makes and every relationship she builds.
Bonnie Leonard is Secwépemc and a member of Tkemlúps te Secwépemc, a retired lawyer and former Chief who has dedicated her career to Secwépemc law revitalization. A UVic Law graduate (1996), Bonnie served as Chief of Tkemlúps te Secwépemc from 2000-2003 before joining Shuswap Nation Tribal Council as Sku7pecan of Rights and Title and later Tribal Sku7pecan from 2003-2019, where she led groundbreaking research partnerships with UVic on children/families law, land and resources law, and citizenship law. Bonnie is currently Associate Research Sku7pecan at the University of Victoria Faculty of Law, focused on revitalization of Secwépemc legal orders
Bo Semeniuk is a single father of three adult children who has called Kamloops home for the past 20 years. Born to Ukrainian immigrants in Alberta, he brings approximately 30 years of accounting and senior management experience across forest products, manufacturing, and the non-profit sector. He previously served as Finance Director for the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council for over eight years before semi-retiring. In his spare time, Bo enjoys the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and photography.
Hadih, le soozih. My name is Rolene Sam, ‘Uloo, Ak’i Sulhtus, ootsa’, Nak’azdli Whut’en, Lhts’umusyoo Didohnne ust’oh, Maiyoo Keyoh. I am from the Nak’azdli Whut’en First Nation, within the Dakelh Nation, belong to the Beaver Clan, and in addition to my community, I am from the ancestral territory of the Maiyoo Keyoh.
I introduce myself first through my roles in kinship: mother, daughter, aunty, sister, and granddaughter. These identities guide my responsibilities and ground my leadership. For the past six years, I have lived, worked, and raised my son, nieces, and nephew on the unceded territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, within the Secwépemc Nation. This community has become a place of growth, learning, and purpose for my family and me.
I am currently completing the Indigenous Business Leadership Program at Simon Fraser University, a journey that strengthens my commitment to Indigenous governance, community development, and values‑driven leadership. For more than 15 years, I have worked in First Nations Administration, supporting governance, operations, and community well‑being. I am honoured to serve the Yecwminte re Xqwllint Society at an administrative level, contributing to work that uplifts families, culture, and collective healing.
My passion for helping others—and my dedication to community—comes from the teachings passed down by a strong matriarch in my life: my Grannie. She taught me to persevere, to never give up on the things we want in life, and to always take care of the children, no matter the circumstances. These teachings have shaped every decision I make, every role I take on, and every accomplishment I achieve.
I carry her words with me in all that I do. My achievements are dedicated to her—with gratitude, pride, and the deepest respect for the legacy she left behind. Her strength lives on through my work, my family, and the communities I serve.
Musi Cho – Rolene Sam
Weyt-kp xwexweytep
My name is Willow George. I am from the Xatśūll First Nation and currently reside in Tk̓emlúps. My late mother was Shaynee McDougall from Sundre, Alberta. My late father was Leslie Peters from Alkali Lake, and my stepfather was Ralph Sandy from Bonaparte. My grandparents were Agnes Moffit and Moise Peters from Alkali Lake and Clinton, and my great-grandparents were William Moffit and Pauline Johnson from Alkali Lake.
I am the mother of two children from Tk̓emlúps, Yarrow Wistetkwe and Coyote Keneknem, who continue to inspire my drive and commitment to community. We are ceremony goers, powwow hoppers, avid travelers, hunter and harvesters and crafters.
For the last many years I have worked as an Indigenous Birth Worker as well as a Aboriginal Infant Development and Supported Child Development Consultant on the early years team at Secwepemc Child and Family Services, supporting families and early childhood development within the seven communities surrounding Tk̓emlúps. My work is rooted in cultural teachings and community relationships, supporting parents, infants, and caregivers while strengthening families and reconnecting early childhood with cultural identity and belonging.
I look forward to working with the Yecwminte re Xqwllint as the new Tk̓emlúps liaison and collaborating with others who share the same aspirations for supporting our families, children, and communities in the Nation.
Melissa Porter is a member of Bonaparte Indian Band. Growing up on acreage, she started riding horses at a young age, an experience that has shaped her into the person she is today. Built on resilience, independence, and the love for the outdoors.
Melissa is a devoted mother of two young boys, Brantley and Memphis. Everything she does is for her family and those around her. She is currently on a meaningful journey of rebuilding her life through love, health, and personal strength. Through her lived experiences, she continues to grow, finding balance and purpose in both motherhood and self-discovery.
For Melissa, family is everything. Her greatest motivation, foundation, and her true inspiration for the life she is creating for her and her two young boys. When she isn’t busy with baseball, you will find her beading her newest creations. A passion that didn’t come easy to her but has always grounded her and brought her back to her roots.
Melissa has passion for helping those around her, which brings a meaningful approach to Yecwminte re Xqwllint, Take Care of Baby Basket Society. She believes in helping generations to come and bringing families together.
Cheyenne Robertson is the Community Liaison for Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band for Yecwmínte re Xqwllint. She is happily married to her husband, Derek, for 14 years and is the proud mother of three wonderful children. Before beginning her career with Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band, Cheyenne spent 8 years as a stay-at-home mother, dedicating her time to raising her children and supporting her family. Cheyenne was first introduced to Stsmémelt in 2022 and has since served in several roles within the community, including Community Engagement and Events Coordinator, Executive Secretary to Chief and Council, and Government-to-Government Coordinator. Through these experiences, she developed strong relationships and a deep commitment to community service. Today, as Community Liaison for Yecwmínte re Xqwllint, Cheyenne brings both professional experience and personal insight to her work. She is passionate about supporting initiatives that strengthen families and improve the well-being of children in the community. Her lived experience continues to guide her work and reinforces her belief in the importance of advocacy, connection, and community support.
Sarah Munro was born and raised in Ashcroft, moving to Kamloops after graduation and then down to the Coast to continue her education, starting with Science and Accounting and eventually graduating with a Commerce Degree in Technology Management from Thompson Rivers University. She now lives in Barriere with her spouse and two children. From a young age she loved being around nature, was always very creative, and had a strong knack for technology.
After graduation, she started up her own business, providing bookkeeping along with website design and upkeep, as well as other technical work, including photoshop and video editing for clients. Alongside her own business, she worked for Simpcw First Nations in their Finance Department and after as their Housing Coordinator but left to go back to school. She is currently working on her Front-End Web Development certificate through the University of Calgary. Outside of work she has two kids that keeps her busy and she loves spending time with family and friends, being creative, gardening and anything else that gets her outside watching the birds.
Cindy Monkman brings extensive experience in family preservation and child protection, having served with Splatsin, Xyolhemeylh and Interior Health. Dedicated to developing culturally centered and equitable services for children, families and communities. Cindy has successfully participated in negotiations and community engagement initiatives, contributing to meaningful improvements in the delivery of programs and services for children and families.