10/30/2026
THE PEOPLE BEHIND OUR PURPOSE
Bonnyville Friendship Centre
Board of Directors, Youth Representative, Elder and Knowledge Keeper
Behind every strong organization is a group of people who believe in its purpose, understand its responsibility to the community, and are committed to building something that will last for generations. The Bonnyville Friendship Centre is guided by individuals whose collective strengths bring together professional expertise, leadership, lived experience, cultural wisdom, and a deep-rooted commitment to community. Each individual brings a unique voice and perspective to the table. Together, they help shape the direction of our organization, honour the people and traditions that came before us, and ensure that the Friendship Centre continues to be a place of connection, belonging, support, and opportunity.
Sandra (Sandi) Bodenchuk – President
With 15 years of involvement with the Bonnyville Friendship Centre, including 14 years serving on the Board in various leadership positions, Sandra (Sandi) Bodenchuk brings an exceptional depth of organizational knowledge and experience. As a retired business owner, she contributes valuable business acumen, strategic thinking, and leadership to the Board. Her longstanding commitment reflects not only her belief in the Friendship Centre's mission but also her dedication to helping shape its growth, strengthen its future, and ensure its continued impact within the community.
Corporal Trevor Bishop – Vice President
Corporal Trevor Bishop brings 17 years of dedicated service with the Royal Canadian Air Force, reflecting a strong commitment to leadership, service, and community. His involvement with the Bonnyville Friendship Centre has extended across many different capacities, giving him a meaningful understanding of the organization, its people, and its impact within the community. Trevor brings the values of service, teamwork, and dedication to the Board, demonstrating that a commitment to making a difference extends well beyond the uniform.
Ian Gamos – Treasurer
As a Financial Representative with ATB Financial, Ian Gamos brings important financial knowledge, professional experience, and a strong understanding of financial stewardship to the Board. In his role as Treasurer, he helps support responsible financial oversight and the long-term sustainability of the organization. His expertise contributes to ensuring that the Friendship Centre remains well-positioned to serve its community, invest in its future, and continue delivering meaningful programs and services.
Sarah Hutchinson – Secretary
Sarah Hutchinson brings an exceptional breadth of professional experience to the Bonnyville Friendship Centre. With a background in nursing and previous experience as a Service Officer with Service Canada, she offers a unique perspective shaped by healthcare, public service, and working with people and their diverse needs. Although Sarah does not hold voting rights on the Board, her knowledge, insight, and contributions at the table are invaluable. She is a tremendous resource to the Board, and her voice helps bring additional depth and understanding to the conversations and decisions that shape our organization.
Shiloh Prosser – Youth Representative
Shiloh Prosser brings an extraordinary level of youth leadership, advocacy, and representation to the Bonnyville Friendship Centre. Her leadership extends well beyond the local community, serving as an Indigenous Youth Council Alberta Regional Representative, President of the Provincial Emerging Adults Council, and member of both the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA) Executive Committee and Finance Committee, as well as the Native Women's Association of Canada Youth Council. Through these roles, Shiloh has established herself as an emerging leader and an important voice for Indigenous youth. She brings valuable perspectives on youth engagement, advocacy, governance, and community development, ensuring that younger generations have a meaningful place in conversations and decisions that shape their future. Her involvement demonstrates that youth are not simply the leaders of tomorrow; they are leaders today, actively contributing to change, strengthening communities, and helping shape the path forward for future generations.
Margaret Janvier – Director
Margaret Janvier brings an extensive professional background in nursing, healthcare, consulting, and leadership to the Board. Having served as a Health Director, she understands the complexities of community wellness, health services, and the importance of ensuring people receive the support they need. Her experience provides valuable insight into the connection between health, social well-being, and community development. Margaret's knowledge strengthens the Board's ability to look at challenges from a broader perspective and advocate for the well-being of those we serve.
Margaret Nadeau – Director
With an incredible 21 years of involvement with the Bonnyville Friendship Centre, including 14 years serving on the Board in various positions, Margaret Nadeau has been an integral part of the organization's journey. She brings something that cannot be learned solely through professional training: the wisdom of lived experience, a deep understanding of community, and knowledge gained through decades of connection with the people and organization she serves. Her longstanding dedication and perspective help keep the Board grounded in the realities of the community, ensuring that the voices, experiences, and needs of the people we serve remain at the heart of our decisions and direction.
Jackson Tahuka – Director & Knowledge Keeper
Jackson Tahuka serves as both a Director and Knowledge Keeper for the Bonnyville Friendship Centre, bringing an extraordinary depth of cultural knowledge, traditional teachings, and educational experience to the organization. As a former educator and respected role model, he carries the important responsibility of sharing knowledge, strengthening cultural understanding, and ensuring that teachings and traditions continue to be recognized and passed on to future generations. His contributions and leadership have earned recognition both provincially and nationally. Jackson's presence at the Board table brings an important connection between governance, culture, education, and community, reminding us that our culture is not simply something we preserve; it is something we live, share, celebrate, and carry forward.
Peggy Flett – Elder Representative
Peggy Flett brings the wisdom, guidance, and strength of an Elder to the Bonnyville Friendship Centre. Her years of service extend far beyond her role at the Board table; she has been a source of support, encouragement, and guidance to the community, staff, and organization as a whole. Her presence is a reminder that strong organizations are built not only through policies and decisions but through relationships, respect, compassion, and the wisdom passed between generations. Peggy's contributions are woven into the fabric of the Friendship Centre, and her continued guidance is deeply valued.
UNITED IN PURPOSE. ROOTED IN COMMUNITY. BUILDING FOR GENERATIONS.
The strength of the Bonnyville Friendship Centre is found in the people who stand behind its mission. Our Board, Youth Representative, Elder, and Knowledge Keeper represent a remarkable coming together of professional expertise, community commitment, lived experience, cultural teachings, and generational perspectives.
We recognize that leadership takes many forms. It is found in years of service, in professional knowledge, in the courage to share lived experience, in the wisdom of our Elders, in the teachings of our Knowledge Keepers, and in the voices of our youth.
Together, these individuals help ensure that the Bonnyville Friendship Centre remains more than an organization. It is a place where people find connection, where culture and identity are honored, where voices are heard, where relationships are strengthened, and where generations come together.
Our work is about people. Our foundation is community. Our responsibility is to the generations before us, those we serve today, and those who will follow. Together, we honor our past, strengthen our present, and build a future where everyone has a place, a voice, and a sense of belonging!
Bringing Our Community Together, One Person at a Time. You DO NOT need to be Indigenous to access our programs/services.
Please Call 780-826-3374 for more information or assistance.
