Matriarchs Advisory Circle Co-Chairs Join Hope and Health Executive Board
AUGUST 8, 2026 VANCOUVER, BC – Hope and Health announces that Roxanne Harris and Mikelle Sasakamoose will serve as the new Co-Chairs of the Matriarchs Advisory Circle (MAC).
As we welcome them into these leadership roles, we extend our sincere gratitude to Tammy Jack and Siona Moon for their dedication, guidance, and invaluable contributions as the inaugural Co-Chairs. As the MAC enters its next phase, we are grateful to Tammy and Siona for helping establish and guide the MAC during its formative years.
We look forward to the knowledge, perspectives, and experience that Roxanne and Mikelle will bring as they build on this important legacy and help guide the MAC into its next chapter.
Throughout our journey, Hope and Health has been guided by the Indigenous communities we serve. We remain committed to listening, responding to community-identified priorities, and ensuring community members are meaningfully involved in everything we do.
“What excites me most about this next chapter is the appointment of two remarkable Matriarchs and accomplished Indigenous women leaders. Their leadership creates a vital bridge between our Matriarchs Advisory Circle and our Executive Board, strengthening both our governance and our accountability to the communities we serve.”
This milestone also fulfills a vision that has been deeply important to Hope and Health. Our Executive Board now reflects 50 per cent Indigenous representation and 50 per cent women, marking a meaningful step toward ensuring our leadership embodies the values of equity, shared leadership, and Indigenous self-determination that have always been at the heart of our organization.
For more information, visit: www.hopeandhealth.org or follow us on Instagram at @hopeandhealth4l or on Facebook at @hopeandhealth.
Roxanne Harris:
My Xwelmuxw sne is Whool’wuletza’aat. My borrowed name is Roxanne Harris. I am a proud member and former Chief of Stz’uminus First Nation. My parents are George and late Sylvia Harris. I am the mother of two beautiful daughters, Jasmine and Chelsea.
Education is of the utmost importance to me – both my Hul’q’umi’num’ language and traditional teachings and Western education. I was raised by Hul’q’umi’num’ language speakers – my father George Harris and late mother Sylvia Harris. I also received my Bachelor’s Degree in Education at UBC in the year 2000 and my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Vancouver Island University in the year 2021.
I have a strong background in Indigenous Education systems with over 20 years experience combined teaching in private, band operated and public-school settings. I have worked as a teacher, Principal and Education Director. I sat at the Leadership Table of Stz’uminus First Nation as and elected councilor for 9 years and was the first, lady Chief of Stz’uminus First Nation. I had spent 12 years total in my elected positions.
I am proud to be the new Director of Programs and Services for the Coast Salish Families for the Vancouver Island region in the First Nations Health Authority organization.
I love to work with communities and enjoy uplifting everyone to be their best self!
Mikelle Sasakamoose:
Mikelle Sasakamoose is a member of the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc. She is also from the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation and was born and raised on her reserve in Kamloops. Mikelle now lives with her family on the traditional and unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Kwikwetlem Peoples, where the City of Burnaby is located and where she was the first Indigenous person to be elected to a colonial government in 130 years. Mikelle worked as a federal public servant for 15 years working in Indigenous relations at federal departments and agencies, including Statistics Canada and Transport Canada. She currently works as the first ever Director, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation for the City of Burnaby.
As the proud mother of three daughters, Mikelle spends much of her time outside of work supporting their passion for soccer. Whether she's cheering from the sidelines or coordinating rides to games and practices, she's happiest watching her girls do what they love.
Matriarchs Advisory Circle (MAC):
The Matriarchs Advisory Circle (MAC) is a group of First Nations women representing more than 20 First Nations from across Canada. Each member has a connection to soccer as a parent/grandparent, and as either a player, coach, and/or community leader/organizer. The MAC was established to provide authentic and informed guidance and direction to support Indigenous athletes and coaches in BC from a community-based grassroots perspective.
This includes both programming focus and systemic change efforts, particularly anchored to the TRC Calls to Action (specifically 87-91) and the UNDRIP Article 31. The MAC will provide a supportive and fun space to foster collaboration, amplify the voices of women, inclusive of 2SLGBTQIA+ people in shaping Hope and Health’s soccer programs to maximize our collective impact for Indigenous children, youth, and communities.
About Hope and Health
The Hope and Health movement utilizes the beautiful game of soccer and mentorship to inspire hope, as well as improve the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and life conditions for Indigenous children and youth. Our team is committed to come together as one heart, one mind to maximize sport as a tool for reconciliACTION and social impact in relation to the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls To Action, specific to Sports and Reconciliation (87-91) and beyond given the holistic benefits. Our vision is for Indigenous children and youth to carry themselves with pride and confidence, achieve their highest potential and dream big. Learn more here: https://www.hopeandhealth.org
Hope and Health is best known for their Hope and Health at Home “H3” community-based programming delivered in partnership with Indigenous communities, along with their popular annual community camps delivered in partnership with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, bringing together 300+ Indigenous children and youth for a fun filled day of a blend of soccer skills and drills and cultural activities- with 2023 will being their 10 year Community Camp anniversary (due to the global pandemic).
For partnership interest and media enquiries please contact:
Deana Gill
Co-founder and CEO of Hope and Health
604-388-4673