Board of Directors
The Indian Residential School Survivors Society is governed by an elected Board of Directors from across the province. The IRSSS Board of Directors is composed of Survivors and Intergenerational Survivors of Residential School.
The Board of Directors is responsible for funding the organization and delegating its daily duties to the Executive Director, Angela White. The Executive Director is hired by the Board of Directors and holds full responsibility for the implementation of Board initiatives and policies and hiring staff.
Rick Aleck
Chair | Northeast Region | Cache Creek, BC
Over my 35-year journey as a Frontline Addictions and Mental Health worker, I have learned valuable lessons from my 13 years at Residential school. The core of my teachings revolves around giving back and making a difference by sharing the knowledge I've acquired. Being of service to others has become my driving force. I have been serving years to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society as a board member.
Working at Ts’kw’aylaxw First Nation, which holds recognition as St’atimc and Secwepemc nation, and residing in St’uxwtews (Bonaparte) for many years. I also have a traditional name Iswell, meaning Loon in Shuswap. I have deep connection to First Nation communities and their cultural heritage.
Through leadership, personal growth, and addressing the critical issues faced by our communities, I strive to positively impact the lives of those I serve. My dedication lies in promoting healing and Reconciliation while providing support for mental health and addiction concerns.
It is my fervent desire that by sharing my experiences and knowledge, I can inspire positive change and contribute to a better future for all.
Trudy Jack
Board Director | Interior Region | Oliver, BC
Biography coming soon.
Juliette Singh
Board Director | Northern Region | Williams Lake, BC
I am a 7-year survivor of residential school. I am also a day school survivor. I am from the TL'Etinqox community. I speak Chilcotin and understand the language. My father is a Carrier member of Cheslatta, and my mother is Chilcotin from the TL'Etinqox community. In April 2021, I retired from my 13-year career with Telus and my 14-year career in the RCMP. These professions have given me skills such as teamwork, communication, time management and critical thinking to be an influential contributor in resolving any issues. My career and personal accomplishments have given me success through complex challenges in my life. My experiences have inspired me to have confidence in myself, be a valuable board member for IRSSS and be heard positively. My personal most significant accomplishments are certainly my sons Travis and Dakota.
I am proud to be from the Tsilhqot'in nation, comprising 6 Chilcotin communities. My community, which means 'on the Plateau by the River' Tl'Etinqox, is the largest Tsilhqot'in community. My native language is Chilcotin. My home community is Tl'Etinqox.
Serving as a board member is an incredible opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the mission, goals, and people working for the IRSSS community. As a board member, I will utilize my expertise and experiences, whether in my personal life or during my career.
Shannon Henderson
Co-Chair | Lower Mainland Region | Vancouver, BC
Shannon (Seli’xwelut) Henderson is a proud Squamish First Nation woman and a Sixties Scoop Survivor. Separated from her community at the age of three, she was later reunited with her family, a journey that fueled her lifelong commitment to healing, reclamation, and advocacy. Today, she shares sacred songs and stories from her elders and honors her late grandfather, Edward Gilbert Nahanee, an advocate for First Nations rights whose work helped shape the 2001 Supreme Court decision on Canadian Pension Plans for First Nations individuals.
With a passion for diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation, Shannon currently is the Chief Operating Officer of Orange Shirt Day Society and previously has been with Vancity. She played a key role in embedding reconciliation as a core organizational value. As a Survivor and descendant of Residential School Survivors, she has a deep understanding of intergenerational trauma and its lasting impact on families and communities. This drives her service on the boards of both the Orange Shirt Society and the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, where she continues her grandfather’s legacy of advocacy and change.
Joe Norris
Board Director |Vancouver Island, BC
Biography coming soon.
Mabel Louie
Board Director | Northern Region | Stellako, BC
Mabel Louie is a proud Wet’suwet’en member of the Frog Clan, living among the Stellat’en First Nation and carrying two hereditary names. A devoted mother and grandmother, her deep commitment to family is the foundation of her lifelong advocacy for First Nations families and communities.
Mabel attended Lejac Residential School as a Day Student and later worked there as an Administrative Assistant and on-call Supervisor for the girls’ section. These experiences continue to inform her perspective and dedication to healing and support for Survivors and their families.
A founding member of the BC Aboriginal Child Care Society, Mabel brings extensive leadership experience to the IRSSS board. She has served as Executive Director of Carrier Sekani Family Services, Housing Coordinator and Elected Chief for Stellat’en First Nation, and as an Executive Committee Member for Carrier Sekani Family Services. For over 20 years, she has worked to improve community health across the 10 member nations under the Health Transfer Agreement.
Dedicated to strengthening communities, Mabel focuses on building partnerships and creating opportunities that support the health, wellness, and education of First Nations families—ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive.
The Indian Residential School Survivors Society is a registered Non-Profit Society. IRSSS is a registered Charitable Organization.