Tk’wemi’ple7 (Councillor) Joyce Kenoras

Primary Portfolio: Sustainable Development

Secondary Portfolio: Facility / Infrastructure

Background:

Joyce’s mother is the late Mildred Smith and father is Norman Smith from OKIB, her maternal grandparents were Wilfred Leon Kenoras and Genevieve Williams. Her paternal grandparents were Francis Smith and Susan Shuttleworth, whose direct lineage goes right to Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce. Joyce has three children Jayna, Jennifer and the late Hat Pooley who were born in Arizona and New Mexico and of Secwépemc, Syilx, Navajo and Hopi descent. Joyce proudly declares she has five grandchildren Kash, Kohl, Kade, Kayla and Emily Pooley, daughter of Hat.

Experience:

Joyce has a diverse career of Native Art and Pooley Funeral home business in Arizona, she has worked for Alberta Indian investment Corp., Canadian Red Cross, Westbank First Nation, Ministry of Forests and Range (MOFR) and First Nation Health Authoritý a role engaging First Nations communities across the Interior region. Joyce’s recent work of community practice seeks to mitigate racism in the health care system of BC.

Education:

Business at TRU

Banff School for negotiations

Accomplishments:

Joyce has previously been on council from 1997-2005. She is happy to be elected to another term 2024-2028.

Joyce has served on many boards:

• namely All Nations Trust Company for 17 years
• College of Optometrist of British Columbia for 6 years
• Salmon Arm Folk Music Society (Salmon Arm Roots & Blues) “We are a music loving family for generations.” Joyce enjoys this participation.
• ANTCO
• Newly appointed to the new amalgamated colleges under CPCPBC

Having served as a leader before, she had the opportunity to work with some of our notable members which she describes was,” pure fortune and most honorable, learning from some of our notable elders,” such as the late leaders Mary Thomas, Wolverine, Ken Dennis, Sarah Deneault as well as being mentored by her late mother and now holds the role as matriarch of her family.

As a proud leader, she wants to focus on Secwépemc language, community safety and youth; she notes how proud she is of her grandchildren and all of our youth – they are our future!

I look forward to the good work and healing in our community as we strive for better for our stsememalt.

xwe’xwna