Justina is a founding member of Sage Nation Society and a graduate of the Women’s Insight
Project. She brings over a decade of experience in housing, advocacy, and frontline work with
Indigenous and People of Colour communities. Her background includes roles in peer support, housing
navigation, and supporting families impacted by the MCFD system. She has served on
community boards and worked closely with grassroots organizations throughout her career. At
Sage, she supports program oversight, organizational development, and collaborative
partnership building rooted in care, justice, and accountability.

Janine is a founding member of Sage Nation Society and a graduate of the Women’s Insight
Project. She brings more than a decade of experience supporting Indigenous and People of Colour youth
and families, with deep roots in housing, community systems, and youth advocacy. Janine has
led navigation in some of the region’s most complex support environments, providing trauma-
informed, culturally accountable care. At Sage, she plays a vital role in intake coordination and
housing stabilization, helping youth transition into safe and supported living situations through
trusted partnerships.

Grace is a founding member of Sage Nation Society and a graduate of the Women’s Insight Project. She is a proud member of Treaty 5 Cree Nation. She brings extensive experience supporting youth
and families in Manitoba and British Columbia, including roles in respite, advocacy, life skills
programming, and system navigation. Grace is skilled in facilitation and project coordination and
has supported Indigenous youth through transitions in and out of care. At Sage, she helps lead
cultural life skills, housing-related care, and community-building rooted in love, accountability,
and lived experience.

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Keanu brings over a decade of experience supporting Indigenous youth, families, and
communities across the Lower Mainland. He holds a diploma in Community Support and
Outreach and has worked in youth mentorship, mental health, addictions, housing support, and
family systems. His background includes experience in healing-informed programs, court-
connected initiatives, and operational leadership. At Sage Nation Society, Keanu supports youth
wellness programming, financial coordination, and organizational operations with compassion
and consistency.

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Adrian is a Two-Spirit/Indigiqueer professional from O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation in South Indian Lake. With over ten years in mental health outreach and four in the nonprofit sector, his work centers on cultural connection, harm reduction, and community care. From his start as a peer HIV tester with Vancouver Coastal Health, Adrian has held roles supporting youth, families, and unhoused communities in the Downtown Eastside. He now serves as an Indigenous Outreach Coordinator, creating accessible, culturally rooted programs for Queer Indigenous youth and Elders, while also contributing to equity-focused boards and committees.

Bridgette, a proud member of the Cheslatta Carrier Nation from the southside of Burns Lake in the unceded territories of British Columbia, is dedicated to supporting youth and community. In her role as a peer support worker in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, she has witnessed firsthand the challenges and barriers that people of all ages face within existing systems. Guided by the belief that no young person should experience homelessness or navigate life’s difficulties on their own, Bridgette is committed to ensuring that youth have the care, resources, and support they need as they move into young adulthood.

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Christelle grew up in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, where she developed a deep appreciation for community, connection, and care. With a strong commitment to uplifting Indigenous families, she has spent several years providing supportive environments for families experiencing life challenges in the Vancouver region. Her experience includes helping families strengthen their natural and extended support networks, build meaningful connections within their communities, and develop effective strategies for navigating family challenges. Christelle is passionate about empowering families to recognize their strengths and confidently meet their needs, fostering resilience and well-being through compassion and understanding.

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Dominique is a Registered Nurse from Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis, Treaty 6 Territory. An intergenerational residential school survivor, Dominique’s personal journey through homelessness as a teenager has shaped her deep commitment to Indigenous health, healing, and community care. Before entering nursing, she worked as a Housing Support Worker, supporting youth aging out of care, single mothers, and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Through her nursing education and professional and personal experience, Dominique has seen firsthand the impact of social determinants on Indigenous health and the urgent need to close gaps in access to culturally grounded care and resources. Guided by empathy and lived experience, she is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where Indigenous youth can heal, belong, and thrive.​

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Kat has dedicated over 25 years to volunteering and community service, working closely with unhoused and low-income individuals to provide clothing, resources, and access to free services. She served on the board of Progressive Housing for six years and has spent the past 17 years volunteering with The Society to End Homelessness at The Neighbourhood Church in Burnaby, where she coordinates clothing distribution, registration, and pantry operations. Kat has also been an active supporter of the local food bank for 17 years. Her lifelong passion lies in offering care, connection, and essential information to those in need within her community.

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