We would like to recognize BRIDGES participant Tara Stanley,

Wey’ my name is Tara Stanley, my father is Bruce Abel from Westbank First Nation and my mother the late Theresa (Tess) Stanley from Akisq’nuk. My Maternal grandparents are the late Doreen Stanley (?Akisq’nuk) and the late Albert Ignatius (Yaqan Nukiy), my paternal grandparents are Edna Abel (Westbank First Nations) and the late Eddie Kruger (Penticton Indian Band). I was born in Kelowna, BC.  and raised in Westbank, BC.

I first heard about the BRIDGES program when I was in the Active Measures classes with WFN. I signed up for the “Enriching My Life” (youth TEK series) that was held during the summer of 2017, travelling throughout the territory learning about place names, captikwl, plant knowledge and getting to know other nation members.  The BRIDGES program has helped me in so many ways, not only through education but they helped me mentally and spiritually with bringing us (the youth) out on the land to gain knowledge and grow closer with my spirit.

I have taken the entrepreneur step to start an E-juice company with my fiancé Jesse Regan in the summer of 2018. I am currently going to the Okanagan School of Business for my two year diploma to learn more about entrepreneurship. I wear many hats: running a business, going to school full-time, working at Okanagan Nation Alliance in the Natural Resources department (sometimes photographer for events as well), on the WFN Public Arts Committee, the Siya? Celebration committee, a cultural teacher since the age of ten sharing my knowledge of song and dance, and a mother of Trey Stanley who is ten years of age.

BRIDGES has helped me to achieve my goals. When I am finished the BRIDGES program I hope to stay connected with the organization in helping our next generation with knowledge of what is available for them. I highly recommend the BRIDGES program to our future leaders.