Team

Nathalie Vander Zaag

Nathalie Vander Zaag is the Children and Families Coordinator of the Indigenous Family Centre. She is a Haitian-born Canadian who has lived in Winnipeg for a little over 20 years. She received her psychology degree from Canadian Mennonite University and is currently completing her masters in psychotherapy. She is passionate about supporting families and Kids Club programming. She strives for Kids Club to be a space for friendship, creativity and most importantly FUN!

Lena Rivera

Lena Rivera joined IFC March 2022. Lena is IFCs' community food coordinator and also hosts Bingo, Beading and a variety of other fun activities. Lena is certified in office administration and Aboriginal counselling. Lena loves working with community members and loves working within the community. Lena is very family oriented and you will hear how she helps out her children and family.

Feathers

Feathers' ancestors came from the arid forests of Australia, but he has made Winnipeg his home since he was an egg. He became part of the IFC team in 2011 and loves Ritz crackers, bannock, and celery along with his usual bird seed. Stop by to meet him in his usual place by the window where he keeps watch on Selkirk Avenue.

Shannon Perez

Shannon Perez is Sayisi Dene First Nation and is from Winnipeg. She currently works as the Executive Director at Indigenous Family Centre and as the Justice and Reconciliation Mobilizer for the Christian Reformed Church in NA. Shannon has a degree in Native Studies and has experience with Boards, Trusts and committees. Her time outside of work is spent with her three children and husband, helping out family and friends, reading and most recently gardening.

Carey Sinclair

Carey joined IFC January 2022. Carey has been a Knowledge Keeper for the past 15 years and has been so generous in helping all of us who come to IFC to learn. Carey has an advanced BA in Arts, training for Mental Health in the community and Aboriginal Mental Health in the community. Carey is a Reiki Master and can be available to provide Reiki, Indigenous Art Healing and cedar baths. Carey is also certified to be a death doula. Carey is a loving grandmother and you will always hear loving stories about her grandchildren.

Blair Jonasson

Blair is the Building Manager at the IFC.

Codie Rain Swan

Codie Rain Swan is the Co-Leader of Kids Programming, and has been with the IFC for the last 6 years. He has been a part of the Summer Camp program, as well as the After School program, Education program, and Alumni group. Codie has his certification in Business Administration from Herzing College which he completed this year!