Meet the SJFC Team
The Skookum Jim Friendship Centre is a dedicated organization structured into two integral teams to best serve the community. At the helm, our devoted Board of Directors is responsible for making pivotal decisions and guiding our mission with their expertise and vision.
Our main office staff is the backbone of the Centre, consisting of administrative personnel and coordinators who work tirelessly to engage directly with the community, ensuring that our services are efficiently managed and accessible to all who need them.
Together, these teams embody the spirit and mission of the Skookum Jim Friendship Centre, striving to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.
Our main office staff is the backbone of the Centre, consisting of administrative personnel and coordinators who work tirelessly to engage directly with the community, ensuring that our services are efficiently managed and accessible to all who need them.
Together, these teams embody the spirit and mission of the Skookum Jim Friendship Centre, striving to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.
Tanya Andre
Executive Director
Tanya Andre is a remarkable individual who has dedicated her life to both her family and her passion for finance. With over 20 years of experience in the financial sector, Tanya has become a trusted expert in her field, known for her keen ability to clean up and optimize financial systems. Her professional journey has been marked by her commitment to supporting Local First Nation governments and cultural organizations, where her expertise has made a significant impact.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Tanya is a devoted mother who has always prioritized raising her children. Her personal and professional lives are seamlessly intertwined, reflecting her strong values and dedication to nurturing both her family and her community.
Tanya’s love for numbers and financial management is matched by her enthusiasm for the great outdoors. She finds joy in engaging in various outdoor activities, which provide a perfect balance to her professional life.
In every aspect of her life, Tanya Andre embodies dedication, skill, and a profound commitment to making a difference. Her story is one of passion, resilience, and unwavering support for those around her.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Tanya is a devoted mother who has always prioritized raising her children. Her personal and professional lives are seamlessly intertwined, reflecting her strong values and dedication to nurturing both her family and her community.
Tanya’s love for numbers and financial management is matched by her enthusiasm for the great outdoors. She finds joy in engaging in various outdoor activities, which provide a perfect balance to her professional life.
In every aspect of her life, Tanya Andre embodies dedication, skill, and a profound commitment to making a difference. Her story is one of passion, resilience, and unwavering support for those around her.
Victoria Holmes
Women’s Legal Advocate
Victoria Holmes was born and raised in Dawson City, Yukon, on the Traditional Territory of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in. She moved to Whitehorse in 2020 and completed her Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Governance from Yukon University in 2021. Since then, she has worked with the Assembly of First Nations Yukon Region and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, gaining experience in advocacy, community engagement, and Indigenous governance.
As the Women’s Legal Advocate at the Skookum Jim Friendship Centre, Victoria brings a compassionate, person-first approach to her work. She centers each individual’s strengths, building trust and respectful relationships while supporting women and families in navigating legal processes. Her style of advocacy, which she calls “heart work,” is grounded in empathy, connection, and a deep commitment to social justice.
Victoria is passionate about community outreach and creating spaces where care, respect, and shared values guide meaningful support. Outside of work, she enjoys berry picking, embroidery, and spending time with her dog, Dazey May. Proud of her Yukon roots, Victoria draws on her cultural values and personal experiences to guide her work, bringing openness, compassion, and dedication to every person she supports.
As the Women’s Legal Advocate at the Skookum Jim Friendship Centre, Victoria brings a compassionate, person-first approach to her work. She centers each individual’s strengths, building trust and respectful relationships while supporting women and families in navigating legal processes. Her style of advocacy, which she calls “heart work,” is grounded in empathy, connection, and a deep commitment to social justice.
Victoria is passionate about community outreach and creating spaces where care, respect, and shared values guide meaningful support. Outside of work, she enjoys berry picking, embroidery, and spending time with her dog, Dazey May. Proud of her Yukon roots, Victoria draws on her cultural values and personal experiences to guide her work, bringing openness, compassion, and dedication to every person she supports.
Travis Upshall
Recreation Coordintor
His dedication to his work and family is evident in everything he does. Travis has a knack for fixing things and takes great pride in ensuring that everything is in perfect working order. Whether it’s a leaky faucet, a creaky door, or a complicated snowy ice issue, he approaches each task with the same level of care and precision.
Beyond his technical skills, Travis is always ready with a warm smile and a friendly word, making him a beloved figure in our community. His commitment and reliability have made a significant impact on our lives, and we are incredibly grateful to have him around. In his free time, Travis enjoys exploring the beautiful landscapes of Yukon with his family, playing dust ball with friends, and always finding new adventures.
Beyond his technical skills, Travis is always ready with a warm smile and a friendly word, making him a beloved figure in our community. His commitment and reliability have made a significant impact on our lives, and we are incredibly grateful to have him around. In his free time, Travis enjoys exploring the beautiful landscapes of Yukon with his family, playing dust ball with friends, and always finding new adventures.
Temira Vance
Traditional Parenting Coordinator
Temira is a remarkable individual with a rich cultural heritage. As a member of the Kaska Dena from the Tsyone (Wolf) clan, she carries forward the traditions and values of her ancestors. Balancing her role as a mother of two children, Temira finds joy and fulfillment in her passions: sewing, beading, and learning traditional knowledge.
One of her current endeavors is learning the intricate and time-honored process of tanning moose hide. This skill not only connects her to her cultural roots but also serves as a meaningful way to preserve and pass on valuable traditional practices. Tanning moose hide is a labor-intensive process that requires patience, skill, and dedication, reflecting Temira’s commitment to her heritage.
In addition to her crafts, Temira has a love for playing Hand Games, a traditional game that is both entertaining and culturally significant. Hand Games, which involve elements of strategy, teamwork, and rhythm, are a way for Temira to engage with her community and celebrate her cultural identity.
Through her diverse interests and dedication to her culture, Temira embodies the spirit of resilience and continuity, ensuring that the rich traditions of the Kaska Dena are honored and sustained for future generations.
One of her current endeavors is learning the intricate and time-honored process of tanning moose hide. This skill not only connects her to her cultural roots but also serves as a meaningful way to preserve and pass on valuable traditional practices. Tanning moose hide is a labor-intensive process that requires patience, skill, and dedication, reflecting Temira’s commitment to her heritage.
In addition to her crafts, Temira has a love for playing Hand Games, a traditional game that is both entertaining and culturally significant. Hand Games, which involve elements of strategy, teamwork, and rhythm, are a way for Temira to engage with her community and celebrate her cultural identity.
Through her diverse interests and dedication to her culture, Temira embodies the spirit of resilience and continuity, ensuring that the rich traditions of the Kaska Dena are honored and sustained for future generations.
Ronda Vezina
Prenatal Coordinator
Ronda has led a life filled with adventure and movement. As a child, she moved around frequently, which undoubtedly shaped her adaptable and resilient nature. During her teenage years, she called Faro, Yukon home, a place known for its stunning natural beauty and close-knit community.
After her formative years, Ronda settled in Kamloops, where she dedicated herself to raising her son. Her commitment and care have come full circle, as she now has two grandchildren whom she adores. To be closer to them, she made the move to Whitehorse, demonstrating her deep family values and love.
In 2023, Ronda began working at the Skookum Jim Friendship Centre. This new chapter in her career resonates with her passion for community and support, aligning perfectly with the Centre’s mission to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment among its members.
When she’s not working, Ronda embraces the great outdoors. She enjoys hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, and traveling, activities that allow her to connect with nature and maintain a vibrant, active lifestyle. Her love for adventure and the outdoors is a testament to her spirited and enthusiastic approach to life.
After her formative years, Ronda settled in Kamloops, where she dedicated herself to raising her son. Her commitment and care have come full circle, as she now has two grandchildren whom she adores. To be closer to them, she made the move to Whitehorse, demonstrating her deep family values and love.
In 2023, Ronda began working at the Skookum Jim Friendship Centre. This new chapter in her career resonates with her passion for community and support, aligning perfectly with the Centre’s mission to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment among its members.
When she’s not working, Ronda embraces the great outdoors. She enjoys hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, and traveling, activities that allow her to connect with nature and maintain a vibrant, active lifestyle. Her love for adventure and the outdoors is a testament to her spirited and enthusiastic approach to life.
Ann Jirousek BSc, BEd, MEd, EdD Candidate & Jakub Jirousek BSc, BEd
SJFC After School Tutors
Ann has dedicated 24 years to teaching in the Yukon and has been a tutor at SJFC since 2013. She actively volunteers in the community, primarily as a basketball coach. A proud mother of three sons, she is passionate about supporting our youth in achieving their educational goals. Jakub has been teaching in the Yukon since 2000, beginning his journey in Watson Lake. He has been a tutor at SJFC since 2019. An active community volunteer, he particularly focuses on hockey, coaching across the territory. He is also a proud father of three sons.