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
Tanya Andre
Executive Director
Tanya Andre is a remarkable individual 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.
Tanya’s is professional endeavors 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 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.
Ronda Vezina
Traditional Parenting Daghaałan 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.
Temira Vance
Traditional Parenting Daghaałan 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.
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.
Janice Gordon
Tän Sakwäthän Youth Justice Coordinator
Janice Gordon was born in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. She later moved to Alberta where she obtained her Office Administration Diploma in 2014. Recently she moved back to Whitehorse and started working with Skookum Jim Friendship Centre.
Janice works as a Tän Sakwäthän Youth Justice Coordinator along with facilitating our ISETS program and collaborates with her coworkers on workshops frequently. She participates in conferences & training opportunities systematically. She focuses her energy on positivity, healing and community building. She has experience working with many other First Nation communities and keeps an open mind when proficiently learning other traditional cultures while practicing her own Gwichya Gwich’in & Inuvialuit background.
Janice spends her free time with her friends & family, catering, travelling, beading, sewing, and exploring. She is a firm believer in discovering her strengths both in office and out of office. She has an amusingly fun bubbly energy and gets along with everyone she crosses paths with.
Travis Upshall
Recreation Coordinator
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.
Ann & Jakob Jirousek BSc, BEd, MEd
SJFC After School Tutors