Walk alongside us as we journey together
Land, culture, and relationships remain at the heart of Rise Up.
We are honoured to do this work on Secwépemc territory, alongside an incredible circle of staff, Knowledge Keepers, families, and community partners.
Meet the Rise Up Team
Rise Up Staff Members
Sherrelle Anderson nitisiyihkâtison
ᐅᓂᐦᒋᑭᐢᑿᐱᐏᓂᐣ otchi niya
Sherrelle Anderson nitisiyihkâtison
ᐅᓂᐦᒋᑭᐢᑿᐱᐏᓂᐣ otchi niya
Sherrelle is a social worker, by trade. She has based her life and work around "Land is Medicine". The reason for co-founding Rise Up, an urban Indigenous organization, is to offer barrier-free programming for Indigenous youth, founded on cultural and land-based teachings. Sherrelle personally connects with being an urban Indigenous person because she grew up in Secwepemcúl̓ecw away from ᐅᓂᐦᒋᑭᐢᑿᐱᐏᓂᐣ
Together Sherrelle and Launa host many workshops ranging from truth and reconciliation to Indigenous wellness. Her passion lies in bringing Indigenous people together holistically. Sherrelle is also a wife and mother to three daughters, and she always enjoys spending time on the land.
Together Sherrelle and Launa host many workshops ranging from truth and reconciliation to Indigenous wellness. Her passion lies in bringing Indigenous people together holistically. Sherrelle is also a wife and mother to three daughters, and she always enjoys spending time on the land.
Launa Purcell
Entsa s Launa Purcell skwatsits. S7entsa Ucwalmicw
Launa Purcell
Entsa s Launa Purcell skwatsits. S7entsa Ucwalmicw
Entsa s Launa Purcell skwatsits. S7entsa Ucwalmicw . I am a person of the St’at ‘imcets nation.
Launa is a Indigenous educator who focuses on land based healing. Launa has spent much of her career bringing children and youth out onto the land, as a way to tie traditional teachings with cultural healing. She grew up as an urban Indigenous person but returns to her home territory regularly for gatherings. As co-director of Rise Up Launa is passionate about organizing and facilitating on-the-land wellness retreats. Launa is the author of two books "Heartbeat of the Earth" and "Whispers of the Earth" Launa is the mother of 2 adult children; she also enjoys cooking and travel.
Launa is a Indigenous educator who focuses on land based healing. Launa has spent much of her career bringing children and youth out onto the land, as a way to tie traditional teachings with cultural healing. She grew up as an urban Indigenous person but returns to her home territory regularly for gatherings. As co-director of Rise Up Launa is passionate about organizing and facilitating on-the-land wellness retreats. Launa is the author of two books "Heartbeat of the Earth" and "Whispers of the Earth" Launa is the mother of 2 adult children; she also enjoys cooking and travel.
Sarah Zuidhof
Sarah Zuidhof
Sarah is a settler on the lands of the Secwépemc people, with family roots in the Netherlands, where both of her parents immigrated from. She is grateful to live, learn, work and raise her family in this beautiful area.
As Director of Community Impact, Sarah gets to do what she loves most—bring people together, build relationships and help great ideas come to life. Sarah brings experience across education, health, non-profit and municipal sectors—along with lots of energy, creativity and a deep belief in the potential of people and communities.
Sarah is drawn to Rise Up because of its focus on relationships, belonging and creating space for people to thrive. When she’s not dreaming up the next project, you’ll probably find her outside—hiking, biking, skiing or adventuring with her husband Aron and their five amazing kids.
As Director of Community Impact, Sarah gets to do what she loves most—bring people together, build relationships and help great ideas come to life. Sarah brings experience across education, health, non-profit and municipal sectors—along with lots of energy, creativity and a deep belief in the potential of people and communities.
Sarah is drawn to Rise Up because of its focus on relationships, belonging and creating space for people to thrive. When she’s not dreaming up the next project, you’ll probably find her outside—hiking, biking, skiing or adventuring with her husband Aron and their five amazing kids.
sDeanna Gestrin nskwátsitsa
Ucwalmicw
sDeanna Gestrin nskwátsitsa
úcwalmicw
Deanna Gestrin is a proud Xaxli'p band member, úcwalmicw from St’at’imc territory. She grew up in Stó:lō territory, where her maternal grandmother’s family is from, and currently lives and works in Secwépemc territory. Grateful for the teachings, relationships, and guidance of her ancestors, Deanna’s path has led her to work as an educator and counsellor with Indigenous people, youth, and families in school and community settings. She supports Indigenous people and communities through her counselling practice, Our Good Way Community Wellness, and works as the Indigenous District Counsellor in Kwsaltktnéws ne Secwepemcúl'ecw, School District 83.
As the Director of Youth Support and Mentorship for the Roots of Resilience program at Rise Up, Deanna brings together her experience in education, counselling, youth mentorship, and community engagement to create meaningful opportunities for young people to feel connected, valued, and empowered! She believes that every young person carries their own strengths, knowledge, and gifts, and is honoured to build relationships, share knowledge, and help create space for those gifts to grow.
Alexandra Miege
ʔətᶿ nan
Alexandra Miege
As a member of Tla’amin Nation from Powell River, BC, Alex brings experience in leadership, large-scale event planning, team management, partnerships, and creating meaningful community experiences. Alex has a strong background in management, operations, event planning, hospitality, marketing, and the sport industry to her role as Director of Operations with Rise Up Indigenous Wellness.
She brings a hands-on, collaborative approach and a passion for building connections and creating opportunities for people to come together. Alex is drawn to Rise Up because of the meaningful wellness programs it brings to the community and its focus on Indigenous-led approaches to wellness, culture, connection, and the land. She brings a deep appreciation for the opportunity to support programs that help youth, families, and community members reconnect with the land, strengthen their sense of identity and belonging, and experience wellness through Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
She brings a hands-on, collaborative approach and a passion for building connections and creating opportunities for people to come together. Alex is drawn to Rise Up because of the meaningful wellness programs it brings to the community and its focus on Indigenous-led approaches to wellness, culture, connection, and the land. She brings a deep appreciation for the opportunity to support programs that help youth, families, and community members reconnect with the land, strengthen their sense of identity and belonging, and experience wellness through Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
Jocelyn Lywood
Sid Seghuzi
Jocelyn Lywood
Jocelyn is a member of the Tsilhqot’in Nation (Anaham) and was raised on Secwépemc territory in Salmon Arm, BC. As Rise Up’s Health & Wellness Coordinator, she brings together her love of mindfulness, movement and connection to the land to support Indigenous children, youth and families and often facilitates On the Land camps.
Jocelyn owns Sweet Freedom Yoga Studio & Boutique and has been teaching yoga for over 10 years—so reminding people to breathe is both a passion and a professional skill! She loves creating spaces where people can slow down, connect and feel like they belong.
Jocelyn has been adventuring through life with her husband, Scott, since 2012. She also absolutely adores her two nieces and is pretty much always counting down the days until she gets to see them again. Time with family, time on the land and a good deep breath are some of her favourite things.
Jocelyn owns Sweet Freedom Yoga Studio & Boutique and has been teaching yoga for over 10 years—so reminding people to breathe is both a passion and a professional skill! She loves creating spaces where people can slow down, connect and feel like they belong.
Jocelyn has been adventuring through life with her husband, Scott, since 2012. She also absolutely adores her two nieces and is pretty much always counting down the days until she gets to see them again. Time with family, time on the land and a good deep breath are some of her favourite things.
Kris Wilson
skʷést
Kris Wilson
Kris is a proud member of the Lower Nicola Band in Nlaka’pamux territory. As Rise Up’s Food Coordinator, she can usually be found scheming up her next recipe—or figuring out whether something can be canned, pressure cooked or freeze-dried. (The answer is usually yes.) Kris brings her love of food and community to Rise Up’s weekly Food Pantry and On the Land Camps, where good food is always part of bringing people together.
Kris lives in Salmon Arm with her husband and three children. When she’s not preserving anything she can get her hands on, she loves being outdoors—hiking, camping and slowing down long enough to catch a beautiful sunset.
Kris lives in Salmon Arm with her husband and three children. When she’s not preserving anything she can get her hands on, she loves being outdoors—hiking, camping and slowing down long enough to catch a beautiful sunset.
Amanda Wallace
Amanda Wallace
Amanda is a displaced Indigenous person with Métis and Nêhiyaw roots. Her mum was adopted in 1971, and it wasn’t until 2021 that Amanda found her Kokum and began uncovering more of her family story. Since then, reconnecting with culture has become an important part of her journey. She is grateful to live and work in Syilx and Secwépemc territories, where she grew up, and for the Aunties who have welcomed, taught and walked alongside her.
As Rise Up’s Youth & Two-Spirit Facilitator, Amanda leads the Youth Advisory Committee, organizes youth activities and joins in the adventures (and occasional chaos!) of Youth Camps. Her own experience of growing up disconnected from family and culture has given her a deep understanding of the journey back to connection—one that takes time, patience and plenty of grace.
Amanda is also pursuing Traditional End-of-Life and Grief Care, a path shaped by lived experience and the teachings that have found their way to her. At the heart of all her work is Wâhkôhtowin—the interconnectedness and kinship between people, animals, lands, air and waters. For Amanda, connection to land, community and spirit aren't separate things; they belong together. Finding a place where she can learn, share and live these teachings is what makes the work at Rise Up feel so meaningful.
As Rise Up’s Youth & Two-Spirit Facilitator, Amanda leads the Youth Advisory Committee, organizes youth activities and joins in the adventures (and occasional chaos!) of Youth Camps. Her own experience of growing up disconnected from family and culture has given her a deep understanding of the journey back to connection—one that takes time, patience and plenty of grace.
Amanda is also pursuing Traditional End-of-Life and Grief Care, a path shaped by lived experience and the teachings that have found their way to her. At the heart of all her work is Wâhkôhtowin—the interconnectedness and kinship between people, animals, lands, air and waters. For Amanda, connection to land, community and spirit aren't separate things; they belong together. Finding a place where she can learn, share and live these teachings is what makes the work at Rise Up feel so meaningful.
sEmerson Gestrin nskwátsitsa
(he/they)
Úcwalmicw, Xaxli’pmec
sEmerson Gestrin nskwátsitsa
(he/they), Úcwalmicw, Xaxli’pmec
Áma sq̓it!
Emerson is a Two-Spirit social work student with St'át'imc, Stó꞉lō, and mixed European heritage. He is a Xaxli’p band member, but grew up away from reserve on kʷikʷəƛ ̓əm territory. He now lives, works, and grows on the shared territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ Nations.
As the Administrative Assistant for Rise Up’s Roots of Resilience program, Emerson works behind the scenes to keep things organized so that his colleagues can focus on what matters most (and avoid getting buried in paperwork). With a background in Indigenous youth outreach, Two-Spirit fitness leadership, and school break camps for elementary students, he knows just how much planning goes into making sure things run smoothly.
As an urban Indigenous person on their own path to cultural reconnection, Emerson is grateful to work with Rise Up and help others come back to land and community. They’re on a journey to honour their ancestors by learning their traditional language, Northern St̓át̓imcets. They also love to drum and sing, and are a member of Vancouver Youth Choir. When they're not at work or school, Emerson enjoys cooking with friends, weightlifting, and playing piano.
Emerson is a Two-Spirit social work student with St'át'imc, Stó꞉lō, and mixed European heritage. He is a Xaxli’p band member, but grew up away from reserve on kʷikʷəƛ ̓əm territory. He now lives, works, and grows on the shared territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ Nations.
As the Administrative Assistant for Rise Up’s Roots of Resilience program, Emerson works behind the scenes to keep things organized so that his colleagues can focus on what matters most (and avoid getting buried in paperwork). With a background in Indigenous youth outreach, Two-Spirit fitness leadership, and school break camps for elementary students, he knows just how much planning goes into making sure things run smoothly.
As an urban Indigenous person on their own path to cultural reconnection, Emerson is grateful to work with Rise Up and help others come back to land and community. They’re on a journey to honour their ancestors by learning their traditional language, Northern St̓át̓imcets. They also love to drum and sing, and are a member of Vancouver Youth Choir. When they're not at work or school, Emerson enjoys cooking with friends, weightlifting, and playing piano.
Kiki
Head of Security
Kiki
Kiki is Rise Up’s Pomeranian with a very big personality. As our self-appointed Head of Security, she takes her responsibilities seriously—barking at visitors, delivery drivers, mysterious noises, and occasionally absolutely nothing.
Feisty, girlie, and always ready to make her opinion known, Kiki may be small, but she runs a tight ship. When she isn’t keeping everyone in line, she can usually be found looking fabulous, demanding attention, or supervising the office from a comfortable spot.
Feisty, girlie, and always ready to make her opinion known, Kiki may be small, but she runs a tight ship. When she isn’t keeping everyone in line, she can usually be found looking fabulous, demanding attention, or supervising the office from a comfortable spot.
Rise Up Board of Directors
Irene Anderson
(nee Cardinal)
Irene Anderson
Irene is a member of the Saddle Lake Nation. She has been happily married for 45 years and is a proud mother of 3 and grandmother of 7. Irene is grounded because of the strength and perseverance of her parents Victoria (nee Jackson) and Don Cardinal. She enjoys being with family in the outdoors, camping, swimming and hiking.
Donna Beaumont
Donna Beaumont
Entsa s Launa Purcell skwatsits. S7entsa Ucwalmicw
Granddaughter of Agnes Nelson and daughter of Alice Purcell, Donna is a member of the Xaxtsa First Nation. Donna divides her time between her 5 children, 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Donna is retired but continues to volunteer with school aged children as a resident Elder. She enjoys cooking, travel and crafting.
Martina Samson
Martina Samson
Martina is an Indigenous woman with a passion for outdoor pursuits. Martina, an Anthropologist with a specialty in Indigenous studies, brings her experience and knowledge to creating culturally sensitive programs at Rise Up. Martina enjoys hiking, camping and exploring.
Jo Ann Buffalo
Jo Ann Buffalo
Weyt’k (Hello). My name is Jo Ann Buffalo (Manuel) Neskonlith Indian Band member who returned from Samson Cree Nation, Alberta, which was my home for 37 years. Currently living in Chase, BC, been back 2.5 years in Secwepec’ule’cw (Shuswap Territories). I have faced many Intergenerational Traumas, loss of immediate family members.
My older half brother only knew him for couple of years passed age of 19 (Suicide), lost my youngest sister to (murder/suicide) her common-law killed himself left behind their son whom our mother raised. My late husband Calvin S. Buffalo passed away at the age of 49 due to diabetes/cardiac arrest, he was not only a vital part of our family especially to his sons, also to the communities of Four bands, the most commemorative work was in Samson Tribal Law where he reformed some young men’s lives from gangs back into family life and society. Lost my eldest son Tyrell C. Buffalo passed at the age of 23 years old to depression/suicide. He was a natural leader, loving, caring, humble, talented acoustic guitarist, cross country runner. Over 300 people attended both funerals of my lost leaders. My youngest son Josef J. Buffalo passed away at the age of 26 years old from overdose. He was bold, tenacious, big heart that always helped the needy. He would be on the wagon for a while then fall into depression, anxiety, drinking and drugs. I remember him asking if caring so much for people is a curse or a gift. He left his only son with me, my grandson Tyrell J. Omeasoo Buffalo. As for so many others the depression, drugs, grieving was always there and did not know how to cope, heal or see any hope.
My Buffalo family of five is now at two, my daughter and I carry on the family name, with support of immediate family son in-law, grand daughter, grandsons, great grand daughter, Mother, father and siblings, extended family and friends. Communities play a great resource of support and involvement in culture, spiritual ceremonies, and gatherings. Through resilience and perseverance, we shall keep moving forward. For my daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchild and adopted children. For Every Child Matters.
My main career was in the health field; mostly Homecare Nursing loved working with our people, for our people. Devoted 30 years at Maskwacis Health Services almost every department though mostly injury prevention and Home Care nursing. Currently working at Neskonlith Indian Band part-time with the Education department, so I may have time to assist my elderly parents with their needs. I sit on various boards: Living off the Land, Forestry Circle, Rise Up Indigenous and House of the Moon. My role as a young elder apprentice 64 years young, very compassionate about our Every Child Matters, Truth and Reconciliation of our First Nations people, also kinship, prayers and ceremonies near to my heart. For our Creator, Mother Earth, water, sky and living beings. All my relations. Kukwstsetsemc.
My older half brother only knew him for couple of years passed age of 19 (Suicide), lost my youngest sister to (murder/suicide) her common-law killed himself left behind their son whom our mother raised. My late husband Calvin S. Buffalo passed away at the age of 49 due to diabetes/cardiac arrest, he was not only a vital part of our family especially to his sons, also to the communities of Four bands, the most commemorative work was in Samson Tribal Law where he reformed some young men’s lives from gangs back into family life and society. Lost my eldest son Tyrell C. Buffalo passed at the age of 23 years old to depression/suicide. He was a natural leader, loving, caring, humble, talented acoustic guitarist, cross country runner. Over 300 people attended both funerals of my lost leaders. My youngest son Josef J. Buffalo passed away at the age of 26 years old from overdose. He was bold, tenacious, big heart that always helped the needy. He would be on the wagon for a while then fall into depression, anxiety, drinking and drugs. I remember him asking if caring so much for people is a curse or a gift. He left his only son with me, my grandson Tyrell J. Omeasoo Buffalo. As for so many others the depression, drugs, grieving was always there and did not know how to cope, heal or see any hope.
My Buffalo family of five is now at two, my daughter and I carry on the family name, with support of immediate family son in-law, grand daughter, grandsons, great grand daughter, Mother, father and siblings, extended family and friends. Communities play a great resource of support and involvement in culture, spiritual ceremonies, and gatherings. Through resilience and perseverance, we shall keep moving forward. For my daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchild and adopted children. For Every Child Matters.
My main career was in the health field; mostly Homecare Nursing loved working with our people, for our people. Devoted 30 years at Maskwacis Health Services almost every department though mostly injury prevention and Home Care nursing. Currently working at Neskonlith Indian Band part-time with the Education department, so I may have time to assist my elderly parents with their needs. I sit on various boards: Living off the Land, Forestry Circle, Rise Up Indigenous and House of the Moon. My role as a young elder apprentice 64 years young, very compassionate about our Every Child Matters, Truth and Reconciliation of our First Nations people, also kinship, prayers and ceremonies near to my heart. For our Creator, Mother Earth, water, sky and living beings. All my relations. Kukwstsetsemc.
Frances Narcisse
Frances Narcisse
Bio coming soon
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