NATIVE YOUTH CENTRE - Key Persons
André Bessette is of Métis, Croatian, and French dsecent. His work as the Youth Native Courtworker at Robson Courthouse, and at the Native Education College give him a unique understanding of what Indigenous youth need to thrive today.
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.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Member of Cowichan Tribes
Denise Williams is a member of Cowichan Tribes and is of both First Nations and Scottish ancestry. For over a decade, she has focused on capacity-building efforts amongst First Nations through education and technology.
Leila Williams is of Wet'suwet'en, and Carrier descent from Moricetown, BC. She is fueled by a desire to give back to the communities she grew up in, and has been a part of UNYA since 2004 and has become a UNYA lifer.
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 peoples. Matthew is employed as a Policy and Communications Specialist to the City of Vancouver, and is a PhD student in UBC's Political Science program.