Leadership

Huddih, Sigh sew zeh’ Leila Williams, Wit’suwet’en tsa ked dees zitd from Witset B.C. (Hello, My name is Leila Williams, I am Wit’suwet’en descent from Witset B.C). Leila has been a part of the UNYA community since 2004, beginning her journey as a youth participant, later joining the team as a staff, and ultimately becoming…

André Bessette is a grateful visitor to the ancestral lands of the Tsawwassen, Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations since his birth. His roots are mixed settler of French and Croatian as well as Métis from the Red River Settlement on the ancestral territories of Anishinaabe and Néhiyaw Nations where Treaty 1 and 2 lay. As…

Laura is Cree and Métis and a member of the Kapawe’no First Nation in Grouard, Alberta. She graduated from UBC with a BA in Anthropology (2019) and a Juris Doctor (2022). After graduation, Laura worked for the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and she is now completing her law articles in Vancouver.

Alaska Grayson-BigEagle is one of UNYA’s youth representatives on the UNYA Board. Alaska is currently in school and brings a strong skill set from being involved in both NVIT student council and NEC student council. Alaska has years of involvement in several UNYA programs, she brings experience as a youth participant.

An Anishinaabe from Bearskin Lake First Nation in Northern Ontario, Maureen has over 15 years of experience working for First Nations Political Organizations. She has a Master of Arts in Indigenous Governance from the University of Victoria as well as an Advanced Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from the University of Manitoba…

Matthew Norris is Nehithaw, Woodlands Cree, and is a member of the Lac La Ronge First Nation, Treaty 6, in Saskatchewan. He has a long history of political advocacy and community activism around issues related to climate and social justice initiatives with a specific focus on the recognition and implementation of the rights of Indigenous…

Daniel Cook is from the Huu-ay-aht First Nation of the Nuu-chah-nulth peoples on his father’s side, and the Ganada Clan of the Nisga’a on his mother’s side. His work in community organzations includes UNYA’s Native Youth Drop-In Centre, and the Circle of Eagles Lodge Society.

Edgard hail’s from the Tahltan nation with a values-driven approach to enterprising and community development. His deep understanding of off-reserve needs, combined with his entrepreneurial expertise, makes him a valuable partner in creating solutions that are not only effective but also culturally aligned. Edgard has successfully collaborated with local and national community service providers, Aboriginal…

Cheryl’s ancestral roots come from the St’at’imc and Nisga’a Nations, she has lived as a guest on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples for most of her life. Cheryl Robinson has been uplifting and empowering Indigenous youth, families, and communities for over 30 years. As Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA)’s Chief Executive Officer,…