External Co-Chair

Born in Ontario to a Chinese-Jamaican immigrant father and a European-Canadian mother, Heather identifies as a queer Chinese-European settler, who has been blessed to live in Sǫ̀mbak'è for almost her entire life.

Heather’s current work centres development and delivery of Indigenous cultural awareness and sensitivity training and diversity and inclusion training. She is passionate about advocacy and social justice, striving to contribute meaningfully towards a society that values and supports marginalized and at-risk populations. She believes that the work the Northern Mosaic Network does is invaluable and is privileged to support that work through board membership.

When she is not completing courses towards a BA in Gender Studies and Psychology, she can be found curled up with a good book, sharing a meal with family and friends, or appreciating the land while snowshoeing, hiking, or paddling.

Internal Co-Chair

Born and raised in London, Ontario, Andrea has always had an itch to explore! After University where she obtained her Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, she moved all over Canada making every stop her home. In 2011, she moved to Yellowknife and met a community she adored. She stuck around for 3 and a half years falling love with the North and all it has to offer. She moved away for a while, got a post grad in business management but ultimately returned with her partner and little kiddo to settle down. She hopes to raise her child in a 2SLGBTQIA+ safe environment and wants to support kids and adults alike to be themselves in all Northern Communities.

She feels privileged to be on the Board of the Northern Mosaic Network and hopes she can help to create a loving, empathetic and safe space for our 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Treasurer

My name is Jacqueline Ho. I am a first generation Canadian Chinese that spent my childhood in Hong Kong. I fell in love with the North when I first moved to the Sahtù in 2014. After moving to Yellowknife in 2016, I continue to be in awe of what the North has to offer.

I started volunteering at the Northern Mosaic Network in 2020, and joined the Board of Directors in 2021. I am proud of Northern Mosaic Network for providing support, a safe space, resources, and a community for 2SLGBTQIPA+ folks. What I am most excited about is Northern Mosaic Network expanding NWT wide in the last few years, so that our services are more accessible to other communities as well.

In my spare time, when I am not cuddling with my puppers Nanook by my woodstove, I am cuddling with her on the land. I also love being active and doing different kinds of sports.

Secretary

Shylo is a neurodivergent (ADHD), queer, transgender woman & settler living on gorgeous Chief Drygeese Territory. While originally from Ontario, Shylo has lived half of her life in Yellowknife and is proud to call the North her home.

Shylo is a passionate volunteer and advocate for her community. She brings with her several years of experience serving the not-for-profit sector, from grant writing and fundraising to community outreach and special events planning. While she makes her living in the field of Information Technology her true love is for the outdoors. In her spare time, she enjoys paddling, cycling, hiking, skiing, and all-season camping.

Shylo endeavours to be an active and visible member of her community. She is excited to be offered the opportunity to contribute to the Northern Mosaic Network’s vision of fostering loving, accepting and supportive communities for 2SLGBTQIPA+ people across the Northwest Territories.

My name is Sabrina Flack I'm a queer and mixed-race settler living in Denendeh. I moved to Yellowknife from Ontario early 2020 and swiftly fell in love with the North (even during a pandemic).

In my professional role, I'm the Project Director and Co-Founder of the Northern Birthwork Collective, a reproductive justice advocacy project in the NWT, and I also work part time as a birthworker, supporting pregnant people and families as they navigate their reproductive care. I'm passionate about creating safer, more inclusive and gender affirming reproductive health spaces, and center my work around folks who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of the Global Majority (BIPGM).

I believe that the work the Northern Mosaic Network does in supporting 2SLGBTQ+ youth is essential and life saving, and I am honoured to be a part of it. When not practicing radical birthwork and reproductive justice, I spend my time hanging out with my cat Sadie, reading fantasy novels, and tending to my plants.

New youth board memeber - photo & bio coming soon!

New youth board memeber - photo & bio coming soon!

Executive Director

Chelsea Thacker is a non-binary, queer settler who came from Ontario in 2015 to work with houseless youth in the North; they previously worked with the first organization in Canada to debut a 10 Year Homelessness Plan doing Housing First (Youth) case management. Chelsea’s career as a Child and Youth Counsellor has been focused on working with vulnerable youth and helping them reclaim safer spaces. They are passionate about 2SLGBTQIPA+ issues, community safety, youth leadership and amplifying the voices of Northern youth.

Director of Community Programming

Hello Y'all. I am Zain Ali, a queer first-generation Canadian settler who was born in Edmonton. I believe that it is important to support local organizations in their pursuit to provide programs and connections within our community. I have over a decade of experience in people and project management across Alberta and the NWT in a range of fields and disciplines.

Outside of my office life, I spend time volunteering on governing boards and committees for local organizations and causes, and through my time have gained experience in every board role. I moved to Yellowknife from Edmonton in 2017 and have thoroughly enjoyed it, growing up in the city I always felt a call to the outdoors, and living in Yellowknife has given me that opportunity. I currently live off-grid with my partner Lindsay, her dad Bernie, and our wonderful fur babies Mew, Saruman, Mortimus (Morti), and Radagast. I look forward to another great year for NMN and appreciate all the time and effort put in by the staff, volunteers, and community to support the organization.

Mental Health + Family Supports Coordinator

Emily is a queer settler who grew up in Sǫ̀mba K'è (Yellowknife). For the past 10 years she supported northern youth in a variety of roles including canoe instructor, facilitator, education assistant, and land-based program coordinator. She feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with, and learn from, so many amazing youth! At work, and in her community, Emily aims to create affirming and joyful spaces and where 2SLGBTQIPA+ people of all ages can thrive. When she’s not at work, Emily is probably reading queer fiction or enjoying some time outdoors.

Indigenous Cultural Program Coordinator

My name is Cheyenne Haogak! I’m a queer, gender non-conforming Inuvialuit and Sahtu-Dene Northerner from various communities in the NWT. From the high arctic Sachs Harbour to the capital, Yellowknife, I’ve lived in the Northwest Territories all of my life!

Growing and learning has always been a priority for me, I’ve always believed in “you learn something new everyday” and I’m excited to use my position as a way to carry that message to my programming. I want to encourage learning, skill-building, and comfort and safety for all, I have big dreams for what I can accomplish here. My focus is on the 2SLGBTQIPA+ and Indigenous communities not only within Yellowknife but for every community. I aim to learn all that I can to bring the best experiences for all!

Territorial Training Coordinator

My name is Jonny McColl and I have recently moved to Yellowknife after growing up in England. I have spent the last 3 years facilitating social groups for 2SLGBTQIPA+ young adults, educating others and strengthening relationships among the community. My time in England was spent providing life skills sessions and harbouring a safe space for queer youth to meet like-minded individuals.

I am excited to be in a role where I can spearhead discourse about what it means to support 2SLGBTQIPA+ people, amplify voices, actively untangle misconceptions some may have about the community, and learn more about those I look to serve. At my core, I aim to uplift others and be a positive trainer; these workshops are a great way to uphold my goals as they build people’s confidence in discussing issues and provide support to them when they need it.

Mentorship & School Supports Coordinator

Tineke is a queer settler who grew up on Treaty 45 and a half territory in Southern Ontario. She moved to Yellowknife after obtaining her MA in International Development at Queen’s University where she was trained in Gender Based Analysis. Her thesis project examined the intersections of gender, race, and violence in community development and care.

Tineke is passionate about promoting joy and connection amongst queer youth. She believes that we can all learn from each other and strives to create inclusive and empowering educational spaces. When Tineke is not at work she enjoys painting and spending time with her silver shaded Persian kitten, Cherry Blossom.