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
Ariana
Family Strengthening Worker
​
​Ariana earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of British Columbia and is passionate about supporting families in meaningful, strengths-based ways. She believes families are the experts of their own lives and focuses on walking alongside them, helping them recognize the wisdom, resilience, and strengths they already hold. She strives to create a supportive, respectful space where families feel seen, empowered, and supported.
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
​
Ashley has been part of the FRIS team since December 2022, supporting children in Access by providing transportation to help maintain family connections. She also plays a key role in our community engagement groups, helping ensure everyone stays connected. Ashley brings an Indigenous lens to her work, grounded in the seven sacred teachings and training with both the Circle of Security and Bringing Tradition Home programs. She deeply values the role of community in raising future generations and is committed to supporting caregivers in a culturally safe and trauma-informed way.
Fun fact: Ashley’s favourite places to visit are within the traditional territory of the Katzie First Nation, including Pitt Lake and Golden Ears.
emily
Family Access Worker
​
​​
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.
Jessica
Family Access Worker
​
Jessica was born and raised in New Westminster, located on the unceded territories of the Halkomelem-speaking peoples, including the Qayqayt First Nation and other Coast Salish nations. Jessica is currently completing her Bachelor of Physical Education with a minor in Applied Psychology. Her previous experience includes supporting individuals with disabilities and promoting health and wellness through inclusive, person-centered approaches. Her long-term goal is to pursue a Master of Social Work to continue serving and advocating for her community.
With a strong interest in how the body and brain connect, Jessica is passionate about creating safe, supportive spaces that foster growth and wellbeing. She is grateful to be working in Maple Ridge and looks forward to building meaningful relationships while contributing to culturally responsive and community-based initiatives.
A fun fact about Jessica is that she picked up horseback riding in her late 20s—and it’s true what they say, you don’t bounce back like you used to! If she’s not at work, she’s out on the trails within traditional and unceded lands of Katzie and Kwantlen people, riding through Golden Ears with her mare, Faye, or her two pups.