Advisory Circle

Victoria Women’s Transition House is committed to providing cultural safety to our clients, staff and volunteers and to addressing our contributions to reconciliation and anti-racism. As an organization, we are committed to the process of examining our current practices and consultation with cultural leaders, Elders and members of our staff to better understand diverse experiences and ensure that Transition House provides support services to all of our clients in a thoughtful, inclusive, equitable and culturally appropriate manner.

In 2020 we established an Advisory Circle of Indigenous women to guide us as we considered how to approach reconciliation. A Working Group and members of the Advisory Circle continue to provide advice and recommendations to help inform culturally sensitive, strengths-based services for all clients, including Indigenous women and children. As we continue to identify our roles and responsibilities as an organization, these resources also empower staff and volunteers to better understand Indigenous perspectives and respect diversity through a trauma-based perspective.

Our Advisory Circle

We are very grateful for the wisdom, knowledge, skills and experience that our Advisory Group bring to Victoria Women’s Transition House.

2023/24 Advisory Circle Sonia Paul, Victoria Pruden, Bea Sam (missing Lydia Jim)

Sonia Paul

I am a mother of four children and a grandmother to five grandsons and three granddaughters. It is my passion to keep harmony and balance and peace in our family.

I have worked for several years as a Support Worker to children with special needs. I strive to help support their learning styles and needs. I love to learn about the children I work with. It is my hope that they enjoy my time with them as much as i enjoy my time with them and their families. I have worked in daycare settings and elementary school and now high school. I love the energy the children have for learning our language and celebrating their culture on a daily basis.

I have also been fortunate to be trained as a chair massage practitioner. Being a part of relaxing and helping to create the energy needed for an individual to heal their own body is something that helps me to continue my healing.

My other passion is cooking. You can find me at community events selling bannock, bannock burgers, Indian Taco, pepperoni and hotdogs/bannock… just to mention a few items.

In my free time, I like to crochet, make moccasins and sew.

Victoria Pruden

Victoria Pruden, a Michif Iskwêw! Victoria is a Michif woman of Red River Métis ancestry who was born in Edmonton and is from a mixed-heritage Métis Family. She has always been keenly aware of her heritage as an Indigenous Métis / Michif person. The mother of one son, Kwennis Pruden Ladret, she has lived gratefully on the unceded and unsurrendered lands of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples since 1997, and acknowledges the traditional keepers of this land, the Songhees, Esquimalt, and WSÁNEĆ peoples.

Victoria has worked in Métis, Indigenous and Women-focused human services work since 1998, having worked for Bridges for Women Society for 15 years, Métis Nation British Columbia for 7 years, served as an elected official at Métis Nation British Columbia for 4 years. She now serves in support of Métis women as the Director of Operations for Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak. She is passionate about advocating for Métis people, promoting Trauma Informed practice, practicing and sharing about Lateral Kindness. She remains committed to healing work, supporting Elders and Matriarchs and elevating the voices of Métis and other Indigenous Women. She is a grateful member of VWTH Indigenous Advisory Circle.

Lydia Jim-TUWOSELTENOT

ÍY SȻÁĆEL – Good day

My traditional name is TU WOSEL TENOT. My known name is Lydia Jim. I am from Tsartlip First Nation. I also like to recognize where my mom is from which is Coldwater Reserve in Merritt, B.C.

I have always worked and supported indigenous families, individuals, and or communities. I am currently working with Bridges for Women as the Indigenous Women’s Bridging Facilitator and Mentoring Program Co-ordinator. I am currently also a student at University of Victoria and taking Child and Youth care degree program. I have my Community, Family and Child studies diploma as well as my Special Education Assistant certificate.

Outside of work I love spending time with my family, doing crafts, and going for walks. I love challenges!

HÍSW̱ ḴE- Thank you!

Bea Sam

Past Advisory Circle Members

Shirley Elm

Trish Kumpf