About Us
Our Mission Statement
“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.”
Our Value Statement
“Building a healthy community that values all cultures in a holistic, safe, respectful environment with integrity and compassion.”
Our Vision Statement
“The Ooknakane Friendship Centre exists to serve and embrace all nations without prejudice.”
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 River. The name comes from, “SN’PINKTN” meaning “a place to live forever” or “a place to live year-round”.
Our Team
Our Directors
-
Crystal Kruger
Treasurer -
Bruce Manuel
President -
Davis Janko
Director / Secretary -
Grace Greyeyes
Director -
Candice Wagner
Director
Our Staff
-
Matthew Baran
Executive Director -
Gemini Clarke
Executive Secretary / Elder Support -
Kristen Warnock
Reception / Program Support -
Nadia Cutler
Program Manager -
Gary Leggot
Finance / Bookkeeper -
Echo Lyons
Kokum / Roots & Care Program Coordinator -
Crystal Woodward
Mental Health & Addictions -
Christopher McGowan
Vulnerable Outreach -
Tanya Wilson
Family Support Worker / Employment & Life Skills -
Crystal Schneider
Warehouse Operations / Programs Assistant -
Will Bouchard
Warehouse Operations / Food Security Outreach -
Andrew Van Egmond
Maintenance / Youth Outreach -
Dax Cropas
Kitchen Outreach / Warehouse Assistant -
Jason Michaud
Policies & Procedures Development -
Charlotte Gabriel Singh
Clinical Supervisor / Quality Assurance