Staff
Alyssa Carpenter
Director
Alyssa Carpenter was born and raised in the Western Arctic region of the Northwest Territories and identifies as Inuvialuit and Dene. She is a northern social worker that currently resides in Whitehorse, Yukon with her partner and daughter that is currently enrolled at the Masters of Social Work in Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency. A majority of her work experience is within the non-profit sector, working with various levels of government in both the Yukon and Northwest Territories, working primarily with Indigenous people and northern Indigenous youth. She is the leading founder and Project Director of the Western Arctic Youth Collective, a Laureate of the Arctic Inspiration Prize Youth Category for 2020. Currently, she is a Jane Glassco Fellow that is focusing on youth engagement strategies within wellness and suicide prevention initiatives in her home region and is one of the youth representatives of Pauktuutit board of directors.
Growing up between Sachs Harbour and Inuvik, being involved in community volunteerism and activism, and opportunities to land based and cultural activities were part of her upbringing. She was raised by a range of community helpers and witnessed the negative impacts when there was no opportunity for community involvement, activities, or access to connecting to land, culture, and language in remote northern communities. Life’s experiences and forms of on-going colonization have also exposed her to stories of sadness, neglect, abuse, addictions, and loss. Her community involvement, education, engagement and leadership opportunities have directed her towards the diversifying her social work profession in the north.
Corrine Bullock
Managing Director
Corrine Bullock (she/her) is Inuvialuit from Inuuvik/Inuvik, NT. She joins the Western Arctic Youth Collective (WAYC) as staff following a term as a WAYC Steering Committee member during inception in 2020-2021. A lifelong resident of the Beaufort Delta she brings with her a multidisciplinary background and passion for community engagement and knowledge sharing. Possessing a red seal certification in a recognized trade, as well as experience in both frontline services and program administration, she attributes much of her skill building to willing and supportive teachers. Corrine views mentorship as a valuable asset that can be utilized across communities to foster action, empowerment and belonging. A wife and mother of 3 actively learning and growing alongside her young family, she aspires to focus her energy and talents to nurture relationships and initiatives that support open and inclusive spaces for intergenerational healing and reclamation of language, culture and identity.
Bobbi Rose Koe vilzhii, Teetl’it Gwich’in ihtii, Shitsuu Kat Rosemary chan ts’at Dorothy Alexie giinlii, Shitsii kat Abraham Koe chan ts’at Robert Alexie Sr giinlii. I was raised by my grandparents Rosemary & Abraham Koe, Dorothy & Robert Alexie Sr, and the community of Teetl'it Zheh. Starting at a young age, I started travelling throughout the Gwich'in Country, and learned quickly about the Gwich'in way of life and instantly it brought me to life; the culture, traditions, values, stories, history & most of all the people. I am always learning & love to teach with anyone who wants to learn. This is the way I was raised- To continue to share what we have when we can, where we can. The Western Arctic Youth Collective aligns its values with the hearts and minds of Indigenous youth and communities in the North. I am very proud to work with, and for WAYC.
Community Connector
Bobbi Rose Koe
Jacey Firth-Hagen
Project Coordinator
Tsuk Tsal (Jacey Firth-Hagen) is a proud Dinjii Zhuh Khaii Łuk Tshik ts'àt Nihtat Gwich'in from Gwich'in and Inuvialuit Lands (Dinjii Zhuh Gwich'in from Travaillant River and Inuvik, Northwest Territories).She is one of the Co-Founders and the Project Coordinator for the Western Arctic Youth Collective and helped create #SpeakGwichinToMe and Treaty Talks, and remains actively involved.She is a Yukon College graduate with a Diploma in Northern Outdoor Environmental Studies and a Liberal Arts Certificate. She is working on her Bachelor of Arts Degree with the MacEwan University. She is an introvert, foodie and Netflix connoisseur with a love of language, land, culture, community, and wellness.
Kaila Jefferd-Moore
Helper
Kaila Jefferd-Moore is a Haida and Canadian journalist and communications consultant. She was born within Snuneymuxw territory in what is known as British Columbia, and raised in Inuuvik, on Gwich’in and Inuvialuit lands. After graduating from East Three Secondary School in 2013, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) from the University of King’s College in 2019, where she was Editor-in-Chief of the Dalhousie Gazette and began her freelance career. She’s had stints and bylines with local and national outlets such as Inuvik Drum (NNSL), CBC North (Yellowknife and Whitehorse), Maisonneuve, THIS Magazine, Up Here, and more.
She owns and operates Kaila JM Consulting across Denendeh and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, offering strategic communications consulting and training. She is also an Associate Editor with IndigiNews, an in-house Storyteller with the Western Arctic Youth Collective, and produces freelance journalism projects.
Monica Loreen Dillon
Storytelling Coordinator
Monica is a proud Inuvialuk born and raised in Inuvik, NT with her grandparents Marylou (Julia) and Ernie Dillon. She is formally trained in the beauty industry, and has spent a few years working in business administration and social media management. Monica currently lives in Edmonton, Alberta and joined WAYC in 2023 as Storytelling Coordinator.
Autumn Schnell
Liaison
Autumn Koe-Schnell is a Gwich’in citizen living in amiskwacîwâskahikan, or Edmonton, AB. Autumn’s parents are Jacqueline Koe and Wade Schnell. Autumn’s maternal grandparents are: Janet Koe and Charles Sydney, and maternal great-grandparents are: Jim and Vivian Koe. Autumn wears many hats, but works mostly in community-based research, media, content creation, policy development, and a little bit of programming. In 2022 Autumn graduated from The University of British Columbia with a degree in Critical Indigenous Studies and Critical Studies in Sexuality. For fun, Autumn likes to go for long walks, garden, go berry picking, snowmobiling, make unnecessarily fancy meals, bake, and laugh with loved ones. Autumn is proud to be raised by a strong Gwich’in woman who worked relentlessly to ensure the impacts of colonialism are improved through her; and now is proud to be working alongside Gwich’in, Inuvialuit, Dene and Haida teammates who support one another with a beautiful dedication. You can reach Autumn at: liaison@wayc.ca.
