Due to Covid-19 the Fraser River Indigenous Society offices open with appointments. We are modifying our programs during these times
FRASER RIVER
INDIGENOUS SOCIETY
family
development
programs
BUILDING STRONGER CONNECTIONS
(FDPs) primarily focus is on family development, supporting connections between the families and their children and/or youth and assisting the community members with the opportunities to engage in positive social contacts, emotional support, and to promote healthy life skills and choices.
The programs assist community members with connection to the Elder/knowledge keeper to enhance their spiritual wellbeing, and to facilitate the cultural teachings and activities. The FRIS programs are open to all self-identifying Indigenous families who reside in the Maple Ridge / Pitt Meadows region.
Family development
manager
Martina
nenasheff
Family Development Manager
Martina is originally from Eastern Europe; since 2003, she calls Canada her new home. She feels honored to be a part of the FRIS team. Grounded in restorative policy and practice framework, Martina is dedicated to continually analyze, address, and challenge the systems and structures that cause and contribute to the oppressive treatment of individuals, families, and the community she
serves.
Martina completed her Diploma in Human Service Work at the Okanagan College, then earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Victoria and received Child Protection Certification through the Indigenous Perspective Society.
She brings in extensive experience from owning and operating a private business, followed by working with the at-risk population, as well as with children and youth with behavior complexities, disabilities, and neurodiverse needs. Her most recent appointment was a Social Work position with the Splatsin Stsmamlt Services.
Fun fact about Martina: She often cooks as if she has 10 teenage boys at home (which she doesn’t) and will definitely mispronounce words so badly it will make you laugh, thanks to being ESL.
STRENGTHENING SUPPORTED CONNECTIONS
The Family Strengthening program is a community-based service that assists and supports parents in their role as caregivers. This is carried out with the goal of promoting parental competency and strengthening family life, leading to healthy child(ren) and family development. The Family Strengthening program is a short-term intervention program that supports caregivers in fostering safe, healthy family dynamics and offers the opportunity to set personal goals alongside the support of our Family Strengthening Workers. The goals – and plan to meet these goals – are developed collaboratively and in thoughtful consideration of what is best fit for each caregiver and their particular family needs. To connect with this program, visit our website: www.frisociety.ca to fill out and submit the referral form or visit our office directly. Referrals from the community partners are received directly from the referring agency/organization.
Family Strengthening Workers
SophiA
Family Strengthening Worker
​
Sophia grew up in Abbotsford, BC and has an Indian-Canadian ethnic background. She moved to Vancouver in 2019 to attend her university program and was conferred a Bachelor of Arts degree by the University of British Columbia where she studied Psychology and African Studies.
Sophia has a background in housing support, working in emergency shelters for two years and supporting unhoused individuals across the Fraser Valley and Greater Vancouver. She has a heart for the Downtown Eastside community which bleeds into her love for promoting community in all her professional and personal environments. Through her work at FRIS, she strives to help strengthen our Indigenous communities by offering her specialization in Development Psychology and her background in support work to assist families in feeling abetted and grounded in their various cultural and spiritual identities.
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ACCESS SUPPORTED CONNECTIONS
Through programs like Supported Connections Access (Access), FRIS aims to provide a safe, supportive, culturally relevant space where Indigenous families in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows can grow connections with their children and work towards reunification, when possible. The FRIS Access Centre provides a safe and secure environment with engaged and qualified staff, prioritizing the well-being of children and families. Flexibility in scheduling is offered to accommodate families' needs, with the overarching goal of empowering Indigenous families to care for their children autonomously. Access works from a collaborative and strengths-based family approach, bringing together the parent(s), Access Worker, social worker, caregiver, and the Family Development Manager to review goals, go over the visit schedule, discuss guidelines, and assess risk. All Access referrals are made through the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).
Family access
workers
Ashley
Access Program Assistant
​
Hi! My name is Ashley, and I am a mother to a 5-year-old boy. I was born and raised in Maple Ridge, a lot of my time is spent outdoors, taking in the beauty of the mountains surrounding us. I enjoy taking the holistic approach to health and wellness by educating myself on how to fuel our mind, body & soul in the healthiest way possible. I am a spiritual being who recognizes we are all connected, and I strongly resonate with First Nations culture and values. I am very thankful to work for FRIS and provide support and resources to all indigenous people in the community. Fun fact: My favourite places to visit are on the traditional territory of Katzie First Nation including Pitt Lake and Golden Ears.
emily
Family Access Worker
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​​
Emily was born and raised in Maple Ridge, BC. She received her Bachelor of Applied Psychology in Pre-Counselling and Psychosocial Rehabilitation in 2023 from Douglas College. Her previous work experience is in behaviour intervention with neurodiverse individuals and those with behavioural challenges. Her aspiration is to pursue a Master of Counselling Psychology degree to serve her community as a registered counsellor.
With a background in psychosocial rehabilitation, Emily values building relationships within the community and promoting a culturally relevant and safe place for growth and connection. Emily is grateful to be working with and contributing to the Indigenous community.
A fun fact about Emily is that she grew up as a dancer and still loves to choreograph, teach, and take dance classes.