Our Team

Our Team

At the heart of our work is a dedicated and diverse team committed to preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Xwéwenaqw Xwexwilmexw (Whonnock People) and fostering meaningful connections within and beyond our community. Representing a blend of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives, our team collaborates to bridge traditional wisdom with contemporary knowledge, ensuring that our programs, events, and initiatives are inclusive, innovative, and impactful. Together, we strive to create a future where cultural traditions thrive, communities unite, and the voices of the Whonnock People are seen, heard and respected.
Teyo soler
Teyo Soler

Executive Director

Josette Jim
Josette Jim

Bookkeeper

Kim Hall

Elder Support

Daisy Adamson
Daisy Adamson

Social Media Manager

potoki paul
Paul Potoki

Web Developer

Tyler Craig

Program Manager

Mary Hart
Mary Hart

Program Assistant

Savannah Dana

Event Assistant

Teyo Soler

Executive Director
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Teyo found her true calling when she began working alongside Indigenous Nations, drawing on her own life experiences to empathize deeply with the challenges faced by marginalized communities. As an immigrant and a woman from a marginalized minority, she understands the struggles of overcoming trauma and systemic barriers.

Teyo’s journey has been one of resilience. Growing up in poverty with an alcoholic parent in a violent environment, she saw education as her path to a better future. She earned degrees in Business, Economics, and Computer Science, yet faced challenges in securing stable employment while raising her young daughter as a single mother. Her personal struggles with family violence, unemployment, and societal structures that fail to support women have shaped her determination to empower others.

For the past seven years, Teyo has been dedicated to supporting the Indigenous Peoples of Canada through various initiatives. Currently, she works with the YMCA in employment programs, where she has the privilege of transforming the lives of her clients and their families. Through her hard-earned wisdom and unwavering commitment, Teyo continues to inspire and uplift those facing adversity.

Josette Jim

Bookkeeper
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Josette Tina Annette is a proud member of Whonnock First Nations, deeply committed to preserving and revitalizing her ancestral heritage. With a passion for cultural rejuvenation, she works tirelessly to promote Indigenous traditions, language, and teachings for future generations. As a leader in community initiatives, Josette empowers youth to honor their roots while integrating modern skills for resilience and growth.

Her dedication to unity and cultural restoration reflects her vision of a thriving Whonnock community, connected to its sacred lands and traditions. Josette’s work embodies her belief in the power of heritage to inspire strength and transformation.

Kim Hall

Elder Support
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I am Ojibwe from Manitoba. My parents moved to B.C. when I was 6 weeks old. I have lived in Maple Ridge for over 20 years now.

I started on my cultural journey 12 years ago. I finally found my people. My passion is working with the elders. They have the knowledge and teachings and we must preserve that for the children and youth. I am honored to foster the relationship between elders and children/youth.
Miigwech

Daisy Adamson

Social Media Manager
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Daisy is a marketing expert with 7 years of experience crafting compelling stories across diverse industries, from action sports to real estate, construction, and tourism. Driven by a passion for authentic connection, Daisy uses her skills to amplify voices and build meaningful narratives that reflect the heart of the communities we serve.

Aligned with our mission of fostering unity and growth, Daisy believes in the power of storytelling to inspire, engage, and create lasting impact. Through creative content and strategic outreach, she helps bring our vision to life—one post at a time.

Paul Potoki

Web Developer
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Paul is an enthusiastic web developer dedicated to shaping seamless digital experiences that foster connection and accessibility. With expertise spanning personal blogs, corporate sites, e-commerce platforms, and real estate websites, Paul crafts user-friendly designs that invite engagement and interaction.

His commitment to best SEO practices ensures that every project not only looks great but reaches the communities that need it most. Rooted in our mission of fostering growth and inclusivity, Paul’s work helps bring our vision to life—creating online spaces that inform, inspire, and empower.

Tyler Craig

Program Manager
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Tyler Craig is originally from Sucker Creek First Nation in Northern Alberta. He has been residing on the west coast for the past 8 years now and it has been an honour to be a guest on these lands. He has worked for the past decade in Indigenous capacity building such as research, employment development, and aiding in reconciliation efforts. His education is in Aboriginal studies and sociology. With the Whonnock Society, he is focused on program development and seeking funding for these programs. In his spare time, he enjoys the outdoors and is active in the Indigenous cultural community.

Mary Hart

Program Assistant
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Mary Hart is a proud member of The Whonnock First Nation and serves as a Program Assistant with Xwéwenaqw Xwexwilmexw Cultural Reclamation Society. Deeply committed to cultural revitalization and community empowerment, Mary plays a vital role in supporting programs that reclaim ancestral knowledge, strengthen cultural identity, and create inclusive spaces for Indigenous voices.

With a passion for language preservation, traditional teachings, and intergenerational learning, Mary assists in coordinating workshops, cultural events, and community initiatives that bring people together to reconnect with their heritage. She believes in the power of storytelling, land-based learning, and mentorship to uplift future generations.

Mary’s dedication to her community is reflected in her work, where she fosters relationships between Elders, youth, and knowledge keepers, ensuring that Whonnock traditions continue to thrive. Through her role, she supports initiatives that promote healing, resilience, and the strengthening of Indigenous cultural practices.

Savannah Dana

Event Assistant
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Savannah Dana is a driven and versatile professional with a strong background in customer service, sales, and marketing.

Savannah thrives on creating positive experiences, bringing smiles to those around her, and offering a helping hand wherever it is needed. Savannah’s warm demeanor and dedication to service make her a valuable asset to any team.