Introducing the New Indigenous Initiatives and Engagement Department

After the 2021 discovery of unmarked graves and remains of 215 children at the Kamloops Residential School, Crabtree Corner Associate Director Grace Tait advocated for the creation of a team to help strengthen the YWCA’s engagement with Indigenous peoples. That year, the Indigenous Initiatives and Engagement department formed, working with YWCA employees to Indigenize programs, practices and spaces, and advising the organization on its work to advance truth and reconciliation. 

In July 2024, Grace officially moved over to the Indigenous Initiatives and Engagement department as Associate Director. Grace is a member of the Tsimshian Nation, registered to Lax Kw’alaams BC and comes from a long lineage of Hereditary Chiefs from her Matriarch (Mother) communities of Port Essington and Kitkatla BC. She was born in Prince Rupert, but grew up in the Downtown Eastside, where she has spent decades advocating alongside urban Indigenous and multi-cultural families in the community.  

“It’s time to use our voices and push things along,” Grace stated. Her vision has been pivotal in forming a dedicated team focused on sharing knowledge, building capacity and driving collective advocacy. 

In October 2024, we welcomed Christina Campbell as Manager. As a proud Musqueam Band member and previously the Program Manager of the xʷnac̓θət Safe Home in Musqueam, Christina has spent years working directly with Indigenous families and community groups, building trust and fostering meaningful relationships.  

“I am thrilled to join this enthusiastic and hard-working team at YWCA,” she shared. Reflecting on her personal journey, Christina added, “My grandmother once worked with the YWCA, and stepping into this role feels like coming full circle. Her legacy inspires me to help create a safe, inclusive and impactful environment for our community.” 

The team is working on a range of initiatives, from strengthening relationships with Host Nations and leading advocacy alongside Indigenous women and families to creating meaningful opportunities for Indigenous employees to build community and strengthen culture. 

To support this exciting work, please contact Kathy Lilyholm at klilyholm@ywcavan.org or 604 895 5851. 

This article is part of the 2025 Spring Summer edition of our Contact Newsletter. 

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