Meet Our Team...
At Ooknakane Friendship Centre, we believe in the importance of community and mutual support. Our team is a diverse group of individuals who are all passionate about providing programs and services that speak directly to the needs of the Okanagan area. Get to know the team behind the center by exploring our site.
Jade Coopper
Janeen Bouey
Outreach Support Worker
Crisis intervention and harm reduction
Mobile outreach
One on one advocacy meeting clients 'where they're at'
Connecting clients to resources in the area
Such as housing and income assistance and PWD as well as some legal
Cultural safe Care ensuring all client interactions. Honor indigenous history local nations tradition and holistic well-being.
Ojibway from Sakeeng first Nation Manitoba ( Fort Alexander) has worked in outreach for fifteen years
Angela Paradis
Family Coordinator
Weyt-k!
Angela ren skwekwst! I am Secwepemc from Stswecem'c Xgat’tem. I am a Family Support Worker here at OFC. I have extensive experience in working alongside First Nations communities and families. For many years, I have supported families in accessing Jordan’s Principle & Autism Funding, helping them navigate services, secure resources, and advocate for their children’s needs. I am passionate about serving Urban Indigenous populations by connecting individuals and families to cultural programs, resources, and community supports.
My work focuses on advocacy, family support/preservation, and connecting families with services that promote health, wellness, and positive outcomes. I take a compassionate strengths-based approach and am committed to empowering Indigenous children, youth, and families while fostering strong connections to culture, community, and identity.
Andy Roberts
Outreach Support Worker
Tansi, meaning, "hello" or "how are you?"
As a First Nations outreach worker from Saskatchewan and a residential school survivor, I bring lived experience, cultural strength, and deep compassion to the people we support. Our work focuses on meeting unhoused individuals and First Nations community members with equal care, dignity, and safety, no matter their circumstances. In my role, I offer; snacks water, resources, guidance, and steady support, checking in on people’s wellbeing and making sure they feel seen, respected, and protected. Our presence builds trust, creates safer spaces, and ensures that every person we meet receives the same level of humanity and care.
Antonio Pulido
Kwu Xast Coordinator
Hello and good day, my name is Antonio Pulido, I’skwist Yan’qn. I am Okanagan, and Purépecha. I am a member of the Okanagan nation and an Osoyoos Indian band member. My position and title are The Kwu Xast Coordinator; My position is to support youth through culturally grounded programming, land-based learning, community engagement, and cultural revitalization initiatives. My role is to include coordinating activities that promote wellness, cultural identity, safety, and connection for indigenous youth and community members. The program emphasizes traditional teachings, mentorship, youth engagement, cultural camps, land-based activities, harvesting, workshops, and collaboration with elders and community partners.
The Ooknakane Friendship Centre is an aboriginal not-for-profit society that is committed to providing holistic, culturally-driven programs and services designed to support, educate and strengthen people of all nations.
Meet Our Board of Directors...
Bruce Manuel
President/Chair
Rhonda Stevenson
Board Member
Joanne Lafferty
Vice-President
Kenny Richter
Treasurer
Mellissa Kruger
Board Member
The name, Penticton, is commonly believed to come from the name of one of the main villages of Okanagan First Nations people located on the East bank of Okanagan Lake. The name comes from, “SN’PINKTN” meaning “a place to live forever” or “a place to live year-round”.