2026 Board of Directors Candidate Bios

I am a dedicated community-minded professional with over 10 years of experience in management, leadership, and working directly with people from diverse backgrounds. My experience includes managing teams, resolving conflicts, supporting staff, and building positive relationships within the community.

I currently work as a Mental Health Outreach Worker with Watari, where I support individuals in the Downtown Eastside and work to connect people with resources, services, and meaningful support. This role has strengthened my understanding of the importance of advocacy, compassion, communication, and community involvement.

I am interested in serving on the Britannia Board because I believe in creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where everyone has an opportunity to participate and feel supported. I would bring a practical, respectful, and community-focused perspective to the Board, along with a willingness to listen, learn, and contribute wherever I can.

Mike Alexander is an East Vancouver-based visual artist and writer originally from Swan Lake First Nation in Treaty #1 territory whose work is rooted in storytelling, community, identity, and the exploration of lived experience. As an Anishinaabe artist, Mike brings a perspective shaped by Indigenous histories, contemporary Indigenous life, and a deep belief in the importance of culture, creativity, and community connection.

Mike has built a professional career as an independent artist and writer, developing projects across visual art, writing, and film. His creative work often explores the relationship between personal memory, history, place, and belonging, with a particular interest in creating opportunities for meaningful conversations around Indigenous experiences.

As a community-minded artist, Mike understands that the Britannia Community Centre plays an important role in bringing people together across generations and backgrounds. He sees Britannia as more than a facility—it is a place where people can learn, create, gather, build relationships, and develop a stronger sense of belonging.

Mike’s interest in contributing his perspective and collaborative approach has led him to being the current vice-chair of the National Indigenous Diabetes Association where he advocates for diabetes awareness and prevention in Indigenous communities. He would bring his experience with governance to the Britannia Community Centre board. He would bring a strong commitment to supporting accessible arts and cultural programming, encouraging community participation, and helping ensure that Britannia continues to be a welcoming and meaningful place for the diverse communities it serves.

David Arnault, also known as Maskwa Maskihkey-Napiw (Bear Medicine Man), is a Nehiyaw father whose people are from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, though he was born in an urban setting in Saskatchewan. He lives traditionally and serves as a knowledge keeper in his community, while being a visitor on the unceded lands of BC. In June 2025, he saw a deep need to address Indigenous wellness, which led him to create the Pêyâkoskan Wellness Collective, focusing on Indigenous wellness through an Indigenous lens. With 14 years of sobriety, he has offered support work since 2019, working with children, teens, in recovery centers, and in low-barrier housing. He also holds education in addictions counseling and provides peer support. David is a proud dad to an 11-year-old daughter and a 22-year-old step-son, bringing wisdom, peer support, cultural insight, and compassion to his healing work.

Nation & Lineage: A proud member of the Squamish Nation, with ancestral roots extending to the Namgis and shishalh (Sechelt) peoples.

Family Heart: A proud mother to five adult children and a grandma to one, grounding her life and work in the strength and future of all families.

Leadership & Service: director of Indigenous Partnerships and Investment at VanCity Community Foundation previously Director of Community Programs. A Proud and grateful employee of VCF since 2023. Humbly served almost two decades of elected service as a Squamish Nation Council Member (2005-2025). Currently contributes her governance wisdom as a Board Member of All Nations Outreach Society and Helping Spirit Lodge Society.

Education & Profession: Holds both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), applying this knowledge to advance community well-being and systemic change.

Healing & Strength: For over 30 years, she has courageously walked a personal Healing Journey . This path is deeply informed by her lived experience as an Indian Residential School Survivor—a truth that fuels her commitment to collective healing, advocacy, and building a future where Indigenous peoples thrive and bringing the Spirit of Reconciliation to all!

Adrienne learned the importance of community growing up in a small farming town on Treaty 4 territory in Saskatchewan. ​She has formed deep roots in the Britannia community since moving here over 15 years ago. From her daughter’s time at the Family Place, preschool, and elementary school, to volunteering at and attending Indigenous events, to participating in micro-footie and recreation, Adrienne has a deep understanding of and care for Britannia. ​Professionally, she has spent over 10 years supporting immigrant communities in the non-profit sector, bringing valuable expertise in fund development, contract management, human resources, and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) to the board. ​Outside of Brit she is a mom, sister, auntie, partner, and friend.

Pamela was born and raised in Vancouver and has lived in the Grandview Woodlands Neighbourhood for over 45 years. She is a past Britannia Community Centre Services Board member serving for 8 years. Pamela currently sits on the Finance, Renewal, Pool & Fitness and Volunteer Committees. Pamela would like to rejoin the Board with an effort to ensure that all community members are welcomed and heard by the Board. Besides her passion for BCCSS, Pamela is a long distance triathlete. She is a retired Accountant and worked in many not for profit societies throughout her career.

Kate brings 15 years of professional experience in Human Resources Management with a focus in hiring, organizational development and change leadership. Kate is passionate about building intentional organizational culture where people feel they belong,  have shared purpose and are empowered to make positive impact. Kate holds a Masters degree in Communications and certificates in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Organizational Design. Kate has completed San’yas Cultural Safety Training and integrates a lens of decolonization in her everyday work. Kate is privileged to live and raise her family on the unceded and beautiful territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.

A native Vancouverite and world traveler, I moved to Commercial Drive 14 years ago and have never looked back.

Since then, I have seen the neighbourhood through many sets of lenses. First as a renter (as a newlywed) wanting to settle in an area that is often described as one of Vancouver’s coolest places to live or visit. Next, buying and restoring a 1910 home provided yet another, more historic, perspective.

Becoming a father eight years ago was the main motivation for helping initiate the renewal of Grandview Park. I have been active on the Britannia Planning and Development Committee since 2010 and have sat on the Grandview Woodlands Area Council as both a Board Director and a member of its Heritage Subcommittee. I will bring to the Britannia Board a strong desire to renew and revitalize Britannia Centre and leverage its unique structure to create a multi-purpose facility that will serve the growing needs of Grandview-Woodlands residents.

I am the executive director at the Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House and hope to deepen the relationship between the two organizations. I was formerly the E.D. at the Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre and was able to partner on joint activities and projects with Britannia. As co-chair of the Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council I can help strengthen collaborations with the urban Indigenous community in Vancouver. The contacts I have developed with the City of Vancouver and the Province of BC could be useful for Britannia.

My family and I have lived in Grandview for over 20 years. I’ve spent my working career managing organizational culture and health in both private and not-for-profit settings.
I’m a long time community activist and have been a Director on the Britannia Board for many years. In that time, I’ve gained an ever deeper understanding of Britannia and our Community. I’m dedicated to a Britannia that steps up to meet the needs of our people. I’m proud to have been part of the Board that launched Britannia’s Reconciliation Plan – we must continue to deepen our action on Reconciliation and decolonization to lower the barriers that many face in accessing Britannia.
Over the past several years, I’ve worked hard on behalf of Britannia Renewal, to get us the pool and other facilities we need for our next 50 years. Through those efforts, the City has come back to the table and we’re now in the Capital Plan to move toward a new pool and fitness building, breaking ground in 2031. I want to keep the pressure on the City to get the facilities this community needs to support our health and well being. I hope you can support me to continue my work with Britannia. My heart is here.

I am interested in volunteering to serve on the Board of Directors of the Britannia Services Society. I have lived on Commercial Drive since 2002 and have been a member of the Legacy Swim Club for over 12 years. I am invested in the neighbourhood and would welcome the opportunity to contribute to the Britannia community centre. I am a registered nurse at Vancouver General Hospital in the Cardiac Surgical ICU. I have experience as a worksite steward and as an educator for the steward team, during our recent job action I assisted in managing our strike headquarters at VGH. These roles have strengthened my ability to listen to different perspectives, advocate constructively, navigate challenging issues, and work collectively. I am drawn to the opportunity to contribute to Britannia’s governance because I believe strongly in the power of collective action. I’m passionate about building communities where people work together, share responsibility, and have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect them. I would be proud to help support Britannia through the challenges and opportunities ahead and to work collaboratively with the existing Board and community partners. Thank you for considering me.

Hey im a local single mom living in indigenous housing just off commercial and 5th. Im mixed indigenous (anishinaabe and Scottish) my daughter is also gitxsan and turning 3. We love hanging at the water park in Grandview and attending local events in the park. We are regulars at the indigenous family group. I saw your post come up in my feed and thought I would inquire about the board positions. I have the time to be more involved in community with my daughter starting full time daycare. Thank you for your time.

Tracy Ridler is a First Nations business leader, strategist, and the CEO & Founder of The Centre for Native Nation Builders. A Tsimshian woman from Kitsumkalum, she has extensive experience in First Nations economic development, entrepreneurship, strategic planning, economic reconciliation, and engagement.

Through The Centre for Native Nation Builders, Tracy works to strengthen First Nations entrepreneurship and economic participation, supporting entrepreneurs, communities, governments, and organizations in turning reconciliation commitments into practical and measurable action. Her work spans strategy, business development, capacity building, procurement, partnerships, and the development of stronger relationships between First Nations and the broader economy.

Tracy has worked across the private, public, and First Nations sectors and brings both an executive and entrepreneurial perspective to her work. She has advised on complex initiatives involving government, business, First Nations communities, and economic development, with a particular ability to bridge different perspectives and move conversations toward practical outcomes.

Her approach to leadership and governance is grounded in relationships, accountability, community, and long-term impact. As a prospective board member, Tracy brings strategic thinking, strong relationship-building skills, an entrepreneurial lens, and a deep understanding of the opportunities and responsibilities organizations have in advancing meaningful economic reconciliation.

Born and raised in North Vancouver, Jason Terrillon has deep roots in the Lower Mainland and a strong appreciation for the communities that make Vancouver unique. A University of British Columbia graduate, Jason has lived in East Vancouver for the past five years and has been a member of the Legacy Masters Swim Club for the last three years, training regularly at the Britannia Community Centre.

Jason recently earned his CPA designation and has spent the past six years building a career in accounting. Before entering the corporate world, he worked as a competitive swim coach, fostering teamwork, discipline, and personal growth among athletes. As a board candidate, Jason hopes to bring both financial expertise and a genuine commitment to community engagement to help ensure Britannia remains an inclusive, accessible, and thriving space for all residents.

I hope you are doing well. I am writing to formally share my interest in serving as a board member for the Britannia Community Services Centre.

Having lived on Commercial Drive for nearly 25 years, I feel a deep-rooted connection to this neighbourhood. Britannia has been a cornerstone of my family’s life; it is where I raised my child, from early days at library storytime and the pool to years of hockey games at the rink and voting in the gym. These experiences have given me a firsthand appreciation for how vital Britannia is in fostering a welcoming, inclusive space for all neighbours.

Professionally, I bring a background in marketing and communications, complemented by my experience working with the Vancouver Public Library. Through these roles, I have developed a toolkit in community engagement, public service, and strategic relationship-building. I am particularly committed to integrating Indigenous ways of knowing into my work and understand the importance of fostering respectful, culturally sensitive relationships within our diverse community.

My current involvement with the Britannia Art Gallery Committee has further strengthened my desire to contribute at a governance level. I have seen the care that goes into making Britannia a special place, and I would welcome the opportunity to apply my professional skills toward supporting the Centre’s long-term vision and community impact.

If opportunities arise for future board recruitment, I would be grateful to be considered. Please find my resume attached for your review.

Sheldon Young is an accomplished public safety executive with over 35 years of experience in provincial governance and emergency services. Most recently, he served as the Deputy Fire Commissioner for the British Columbia Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC). In this executive capacity, Sheldon directed provincial operations and shared oversight of the OFC budget, ensuring fiscal accountability while leading a multi-regional team of Fire Service Advisors and Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioners.

His tenure at the OFC was marked by significant legislative advancement; he was a key contributor to the implementation of the Fire Safety Act and led the development of the BC Firefighter Minimum Training Standards. A champion of inclusive leadership, Sheldon also strengthened the OFC’s partnership with the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society (FNESS) to better support Indigenous fire departments across British Columbia. Sheldon’s career is anchored by 29 years with Vancouver Fire Rescue Services, where he retired as Assistant Chief, managing diverse portfolios including Operations, Occupational Health Safety and Wellness, Fire Investigations, and Facilities.