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Board of Directors

Meet the people who help guide and support our work through leadership and oversight.

Board of Directors

Indigenous-Led Board of Directors

In February 2024, a historic transition unfolded at Low Entropy as we welcomed our new Indigenous-led board of directors. This change came about through a profound realization and a bold step taken by our previous board, who chose to resign voluntarily. Their decision was driven by the recognition of a critical gap in our efforts: the scarcity of Indigenous cultural support for residents of the Tri-Cities area.

Inclusive Support

A Step Towards Inclusive Support

The formation of our Indigenous-led board is more than a change in leadership; it is a commitment to learning, understanding, and integrating Indigenous perspectives and wisdom into our work.

Our directors bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and cultural insights that are invaluable in our mission to provide support that is not only effective but also respectful and honoring of the people we aim to serve.

Learning and Leading Together

As we move forward under the guidance of our board, we are diligently learning and adapting our strategies to ensure that our efforts reflect the needs, values, and traditions of Indigenous communities. This is a journey of listening, understanding, and action—a journey we are committed to taking with humility and respect.

Our board is leading the way in redefining how we support our community, ensuring that our programs are culturally sensitive and grounded in our values. Their leadership is a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for our organization and the communities we serve.

Inclusive Support
our pledge

Our Pledge

We pledge to work closely with our Indigenous-led board to pave a new path forward, one that supports individuals so they can fully participate in, and contribute to, their communities

We invite you to join us in supporting this important work, as we learn from our board of directors and strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, we can create a future where every person has the tools, confidence, and community they need to thrive.

Vanessa Wideski

Cynthia Jim

Geddes Don Wells

Cindy Ference

Amanda Engen

Sherry Sun

Vanessa Wideski
Vanessa Wideski
  • she/her/hers

Founder & Board Chair

Vanessa Wideski is the Founder and Board Chair of Low Entropy Foundation. She served as Executive Director for over a decade, growing the organization from a single sharing circle into a national initiative reaching thousands.

In 2026, she stepped back into the role of Board Chair, supporting new leadership and guiding the organization’s continued growth to reach more communities and deepen its impact.

TEDx talk
Cynthia Jim
Shuel-let-qua Q:olosoet aka Cynthia Jim
  • she/her/hers

Co-Chair

Shuel-let-qua Q:olosoet is a Faculty Member with the Enowkin Centre at the University of Victoria and a Cultural Teachings Facilitator for Work BC skilled training. Previously Shuel-let-qua Q:olosoet was a Cultural Competency Trainer for BC Hydro. Active in her community, Shuel-let-qua Q:olosoet is Board Secretary for the Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre and Treasurer for the Fraser Valley Powwow Committee. Shuel-let-qua Q:olosoet holds a Bachelor of Native Studies and a Bachelor of Education from the University Alberta.

She also holds a Human Service Diploma from Salishan Institute and a Provincial Instructors Diploma from Vancouver Community College. In addition to her degrees, she is a Grief Recovery Specialist from the Grief Recovery Institute.Shuel-let-qua Q:olosoet was the only indigenous woman to sign the partnership accord Feb 1st an agreement that ensures fair & equitable , anti-racist health services reaching all indigenous peoples. Ensuring reciprocal partnership accountability.

Shuel-let-qua Q:olosoet belongs to the Qw’oqw’elitha Elders society and strives to ensure equitable representation for our indigenous women (the most marginalized population in Canada).

Shuel-let-qua Q:olosoet is a former, third generation, residential school survivor.

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Saliidks Medeek aka Geddes Don Wells
  • he/him/his

Director

Wye Wah! My name is Geddes Don Wells, I come from the Tsmsyen Nation in Terrace and Lax kw’alaams BC. My ancestral name is Saliidks Medeek of the Killer whale clan of the Gitando Tribe and Wolf clan of the Git sm kalum Tribe. I received my Bachelors of Social Work through the University of Victoria. My career has been in the field of Child Protection in which I became a huge part of the collaborative teams and efforts. I spent many of the first years developing a Child Welfare organization for 9 nations in the Northern regions in which I partook in many different capacities.

An area that I concentrated my career in was in Conflict Resolution pieces that have changed over time but carry the same notion of best helping our families moving forward in a good way. Moving to the south I have learned much about ceremony and the importance of it. Ceremony has kept me functioning well within my work settings and my personal life. What keeps me busy is my music in different Genres such as playing in a Rock/Blues band, and writing traditional music and my therapeutic hobby is weaving our ceremonial wear.

“We are all children of the Great Spirit, we all belong to Mother Earth. Our planet is in great trouble and if we keep carrying old grudges and do not work together, we will all die.” - Chief Seattle

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Cindy Ference
Cindy Ference
  • she/her/hers

Co-Treasurer

Cindy Ference is a senior financial executive and CPA with more than 20 years of experience guiding organizations through growth, governance, and operational excellence. She has held senior leadership roles including Chief Financial Officer and Controller across engineering, construction, manufacturing, and technology sectors, where she strengthened internal controls, improved efficiency, and supported strategic decision-making.

As a trusted advisor to executives and boards, Cindy brings deep expertise in financial oversight, risk management, and compliance. Known for her integrity and collaborative leadership, she has a strong track record of building effective teams, working with regulators and auditors, and safeguarding organizational assets. She is passionate about supporting organizations in achieving sustainable, long-term success while upholding the highest standards of accountability and trust.

Amanda Engen
Amanda Engen
  • she/her/hers

Director

Amanda is Dene Tha/Metis from Northern Alberta. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work with an Indigenous Specialization and a Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution from the University of Victoria. Amanda works as an Academic Advisor for Indigenous Students at UBC.

 

She enjoys volunteering her time for organizations dedicated to helping others in need. In her leisure time you can find Amanda hiking, running, traveling, and having fun trying new outdoor activities. If she is not in the woods or on the road, she will be spending quality time with family and friends.

Sherry Sun
Sherry Sun
  • she/her/hers

Co-Treasurer, CPA, CGA

Sherry is a seasoned CPA with more than 7 years of expertise in financial reporting and analysis, focusing on both the financial and manufacturing sectors. Holding a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a Master of Science in Finance, she currently serves as the Financial Controller at an established subprime lending company.

Beyond her professional role, Sherry is deeply committed to supporting organizations with noble missions and actively seeks opportunities to contribute to society. She strives to make a positive impact and give back to the community whenever possible.