Keri Guelke
Admin
Keri Guelke is a white, settler, and mother of twins who were born, raised, and currently lives on the stolen territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations in what is known as Vancouver, B.C. She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 16. She has had three involuntary hospitalizations and five manic and depressive episodes. Keri worked as an Outreach worker with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) for eleven years. She continues to work with people who struggle with substance misuse. Many have been diagnosed with substance use disorder, and HIV and are experiencing barriers to care. She has also worked with the Overdose Outreach Team. In the past few years, her work has included supporting pregnant birthing parents diagnosed with substance use disorder. She recently completed a Master of Public Policy and Social Administration: Social Change Leadership. She feels strongly about the need to change Canada’s drug laws. She currently is the administrator for Parents Advocating Collectively for Kin (PACK)
Heather Spence
Indigenous Coordinator
Boo sho, my Traditional Name is Blue Thunderbird Women, I originated from Treaty One Territory. I am the Indigenous Coordinator with a lifetime of various lived experiences. Both my parents are residential school survivors. I have 5 children and 5 grandchildren. I currently reside in the Interior Region. My work also involves operating a Indigenous Peer Led Support Group that I and my partner founded in 2020 called KANDU (Knowleding All Nations & Developing Unity. I sit on various boards and committees some of which are: The Toxic Drug Supply Task Force, Indigenous Harm Reduction Community Council Committee, Peer Research Advisory Council, IH Peer Advisory, WCL Community of Practice Committee and many more. My passion is to be a voice for change for those involved in the Child Policing System. My vision is to support and empower our families and keep our Indigenous children out of the Child Welfare System.
Hawkfeather Peterson
Coordinator
Non-Binary birthing Parent to 6 children, recently lost their son.
● Activist and advocate as a person with living experience as a substance user.
● Currently works for Northern health as the Northern Peer Coordinator
● Formerly an executive director for both the provincial and federal drug user
networks/groups (CAPUD and BCYADWS).
● Has worked with the PPSUP since the inception of the project.
● Worker in the community as a harm reduction worker for VCH.
● Founded and ran a local drug user group on the Sunshine Coast.