AHMA Board of Directors
We would like to introduce you to AHMA’s four newly elected and three re-elected directors.
Margaret Pfoh, President
“Self-governance is our inherent right as Aboriginal people.”
Re-elected as President of the AHMA Board this fall, Margaret Pfoh is Tsimshian from the Lax Kw’alaams First Nation. She joined AHMA in 1998, and is also Executive Director of the Mamele’awt Qweesome Housing Society/To’o Housing Society.
Previously Margaret worked as an Aboriginal Family and Youth Support worker and within Correctional Service Canada to help Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal offenders integrate back into their communities.
Margaret has a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) degree in Psychology.
Mike Mearns, Vice President
I believe it would be advantageous for us (Aboriginal Housing Providers) to go forward as a united group and speak with one voice.”
Mike is General Manager of the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of B.C., which supports First Nation organizations through advocacy, skill development and networking in financial management.
He is Northern Coast Salish and a member of the Klahoose First Nation on Cortez Island.
Mike has also served as Executive Director of the B.C. Aboriginal Training and Employment Association, and the Aboriginal Health Association of BC.
Rudy Small, Secretary Treasurer
“AHMA’s board and CEO are committed to a unified goal: achieving self-management of off-reserve Aboriginal housing. We are building strong, respectful working relationships, and will regularly review activities to ensure we achieve our mandate.”
Rudy Small is the newly elected Secretary Treasurer on the Board. Rudy is currently Director of Supportive Housing at Coast Mental Health Society and is a certified instructor in non-violent crisis intervention training. Rudy also consults as a civil and family mediator, and has been a therapeutic foster parent of several Aboriginal teenagers.
Previously, Rudy worked for the provincial government for over 30 years, holding management positions in mental health services and housing.
In 2002, he received the Leadership and Administration Award of Excellence in Psychiatric Nursing, from the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of B.C. And in 1998, the BC Housing Health Services Program co-designed by Rudy was recognized by the Clark Institute in Toronto as a best practice model in mental health and supported housing.
Rudy was born in Barbados and educated in Barbados and England, before immigrating to Canada in 1974.
Rosanna McGregor
“With our new board, AHMA is now capable of assuming Aboriginal housing self-management. We need to hail our accomplishments, take on greater political leadership, play a leading role in Aboriginal housing workshops, attract additional members, participate in the First Nations Leadership Council, and position AHMA to lead rural native housing as well.”
Rosanna McGregor has been a member of AHMA since 1996 and in the past has served as Vice President on the Board of Directors. She is Assistant Director of the Cariboo Friendship Society, where she has worked since 1990 in accounting, housing and management. She is also a member of the Interior Health board of directors. Rosanna is a member of the Williams Lake Indian Band, where she lives with her husband and three daughters.
Dale Harry
“Housing issues can become housing opportunities. AHMA can build partnerships with First Nation and district councils to help all Aboriginal people access affordable housing.”
New board member Dale Harry believes in building bridges of understanding and opportunity for First Nations youth and generations to come, and of honouring and respecting elders and past generations.
As part of his commitment, Dale has participated in economic, cultural, youth development, government relations, educational and community initiatives for the Squamish Nation, often as a negotiator. Just a few examples include the Squamish Valley Education, Recreation, Family and Child Services and Elders Advisory Group; the First Nations Parents Advisory Council; the Joint Opportunities Group for the Squamish Nation Lilwat Cultural Center; the Guardianship/Ambassador Program for youth; the Squamish Lillooet Regional District Smart Growth Strategy Plan; the Sea to Sky Highway Development project; and the Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement plan for School District #48.
Sandy Wong
“The commitment of the AHMA membership to change the governance structure impressed me. We have the opportunity to serve as a model for self-management and as an advocate for more housing and support services.”
Sandy Wong was elected to the AHMA Board at the October 2008 AGM. He has worked in various capacities with Aboriginal communities in B.C. for more than 25 years.
Sandy has been General Manager of Tale’awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation since 2005, and brings a broad range of experience in accounting, finance, economic development, employment and training.
Ray Jones
Ray Jones was newly elected to the Board of Directors at AHMA’s AGM in October. Ray is the Founder and President of Muks Kum Ol Housing Society in Terrace and has been a long time member of AHMA.
Ray is a member and a Fireweed hereditary Chief of the Gitxsan from Gitsegukla, BC; Niis Noolth is his hereditary Chief name.
Currently semi-retired, Ray has worked as a Manager for a number of First Nations organizations for 30 years and has undertaken leadership roles as President of the Gitsxsan-Wetsuwet’en Tribal Council, Native Courtworker and Counselling Association and is a Founding Board Member of Northern Native Fishermen’s Corporation. Ray is also a member of the Vancouver School of Theology Board of Governors. He’s been married to Sally for the past 42 years and has two adult children and three grandchildren.