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About Us

The Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society was established in September of 2000, by Aboriginal Support Workers in the School District of Langley. They saw a need for support beyond school hours for Urban Indigenous students and their families, both culturally and holistically. 

Since then we have expanded to include Housing services for at-risk and homeless indigenous individuals and families, an Early Years Department offering educational support to children aged 0-8 and their families; cultural programming for Indigenous children, youth, and Elders, as well as various cultural programs that support individual needs. 

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We are comprised of a dedicated group of individuals who promote, support and advocate for services to meet the needs of our Aboriginal families in Langley. 
We organize events to help build our community.

Our Mission

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Our Mandate

To provide support, assistance and referrals to Urban Indigenous and their families. To provide programs in areas including but not limited to, social, cultural, recreational, economic, community development, cultural and historical restoration.

Our Board Members

The Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society was established in September of 2000, by Aboriginal Support Workers in the School District of Langley. They saw a need for support beyond school hours, for Urban Indigenous students and their families, both culturally and holistically.

President

Cecelia Reekie
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Cecelia Reekie is married and a mother of two adult children and resides in Langley City.  Cecelia is Haisla through her father's side. Through her mother her ancestors are Settlers of French heritage. Cecelia is a cultural presenter with the Aboriginal Program in the Langley School District.  Cecelia looks forward to the year ahead working to serve the community of Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society.

Vice-President

Kathie Dalziel
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I am a devoted mother who is deeply committed to her child’s education and the well-being of our community. I am Vice President of the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) and Secretary of the District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC). I am passionate about fostering meaningful connections and including my voice and energy in building a stronger, more inclusive community.

Treasurer

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Secretary

Ashley Baresinkoff
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Ashley Baresinkoff is a proud Métis woman whose Métis family roots trace back to St. François Xavier, Manitoba, and Lebret, Saskatchewan.

Ashley brings her lived experience as a Métis parent and longtime autism advocate to support Indigenous children, youth, and families. Guided by a commitment to culturally grounded and community-led approaches, she advocates to strengthen services for families navigating disability, education, and social systems.

Elder Advisor

Sqwayeten - Cheryl Gabriel
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Director-at-large

Jenna Bisschop
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Jenna Bisschop is an Indigenous entrepreneur specializing in culturally grounded program development, delivery, and analysis. She lives in the Lower Mainland with her husband and children and is dedicated to uplifting Indigenous youth, families, and communities through meaningful partnerships and collaborations. She is honoured and excited to join the Board and contribute to the work of the Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society.

Director-at-large

Michelle Bucholtz
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I am a proud Métis mother, therapist, and artist dedicated to strengthening the well-being and cultural vitality of our region. As a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor and a Métis Artist in Training through the WHEAT Institute’s Métis Creative Arts Program, I support individuals, parents, and groups in healing, expression, and connection. As a workshop facilitator, I am passionate about building meaningful relationships, uplifting Indigenous voices, and offering my knowledge, creativity, and leadership to help create a stronger, more inclusive community for all.

Director-at-large

Judy Goldsmith
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Judy Goldsmith is a married mom of three young adult children who all went through their education in SD#35.  She is excited to finally be a Kookum (grandmother) to one with another waiting to make an appearance!

Judy is Ojibwa/Métis on her father's side (he was removed from his family and adopted out), and Irish/Scottish Settlers on her mother's side going back to before Confederation.

Judy is an accomplished artist and beader who loves to teach and share her skills with others.
She has served many years with LFVAS  and has a strong passion for culture, and supporting the needs of disabled and neurodivergent persons within our Urban Indigenous community.

Our Department Leaders

We are comprised of a dedicated group of individuals who promote, support and advocate for services to meet the needs of Indigenous families in Langley.  

Executive Director

Carly Lepisto
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Housing Coordinator

Leah Charland
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Early Years Coordinator

Maddy Reilly
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Aboriginal Head Start Coordinator

Taliah Scott
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Elders And Knowledge Keepers

Meet our in-house Elders and Knowledge Keepers who are helping to strengthen and teach the future Indigenous families and people.

Beading Knowledge Keeper

Jean Dan
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Womens Group Elder

Sharon Poitras
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Community Elder

Cheryl Gabriel
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Aboriginal Head Start Elder

Janet Crockford
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Programs Elder

Rita Jubinville
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