DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS

Drin hǫzǫ! Shozre Julia Spriggs, and I am truly proud to call Dawson City my home. Growing up here has shaped my identity, and after living in various parts of Canada and even Barbados, I felt an undeniable pull to return to the Yukon in 2015, settling back in Dawson City in 2017.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the honor of serving in senior leadership roles within Yukon First Nation Development Corporations. These experiences have deepened my commitment to fostering economic growth and nurturing community development. As a graduate of Robert Service School (RSS), my connection to local education is close to my heart. I’ve also enjoyed working as a substitute teacher at both RSS and Chief Zzeh Gittlet School. I am passionate about creating meaningful career pathways for our youth. I want every young person in our community to feel empowered, knowing they have options and opportunities right here at home and don’t need to choose between culture and career.

In my role as Director of Finance and Operations, I aim to blend financial expertise with a warm, human-centered approach. As a chartered accountant with a systems-thinking approach, my vision is to build an integrated finance department that serves all our schools and departments. I believe that by providing our teams with the right information, we can empower them to make informed decisions that positively impact our community.

I strive to break free from the typical “numbers person” stereotype. I thrive on relationships and collaboration, drawing energy from working alongside others. You’ll often find me engaging colleagues in thoughtful conversations because I believe that great ideas flourish when we share and discuss them together.

I am deeply committed to the vision and values of the First Nation School Board. My hope is to leverage my skills and experiences not just to support our goals but to create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

With my strong roots in the Yukon, diverse professional background, and heartfelt passion for community development, I am excited to embark on this journey with the leadership team at the First Nation School Board. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for our students and communities.

FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR

Bonnie was raised in Teslin, a member of the Kukhhittan clan of Teslin Tlingit Council, but moved to Whitehorse for high school and has lived here since. Her mother, Bessie Cooley, is a well known Tlingit language and culture teacher.

After receiving her diploma in Accounting at Yukon College, Bonnie worked 30 years with the finance department at Yukon government’s Department of Education, where she most recently held the position of Capital Project Cost Analyst/Budget Analyst.

This makes Bonnie very familiar with the financial operations of Yukon public schools putting her in a great position to support the First Nation School Board schools.

“Being part of the set up of this new school board is pretty exciting,” says Bonnie. “I completely support the work we are doing. It is so good to see Yukon First Nations finally sharing authority over our public schools.”

FINANCE ADVISOR

Hello! I’m Raj Toor from Abbotsford BC. I completed my Master's Degree in Business Administration at the New York Institute of Technology-Vancouver and moved to in Yukon summer of 2022.

I have worked with CIBC as their Financial Representative, learning all about financial planning and helping people achieve long-term goals while learning the importance of financial literacy and responsible investing.

Outside of work, I have a love for the great outdoors. I find the joy of living in Whitehorse, surrounded by the beauty of mountains and lakes, and going hiking, camping, paddle boarding, and so much more. You can say I'm in my element when I'm outdoors!

I'm excited to work with such amazing people and it's an honour to be a part of an institution that values knowledge, education, empathy, and the betterment of our communities.

FINANCE AND OPERATIONS ASSISTANT

Hey there! My name is Indica Stewart, I'm a proud Tetlit Gwich'in woman from Fort McPherson, with roots reaching back to the Yukon. Growing up in Whitehorse, Yukon, I've always felt a deep connection to nature and community.

Visiting Fort McPherson frequently, I cherish my time there, soaking up the rugged beauty and cultural richness of my ancestral homeland. It's in those visits that I feel most grounded, learning from the wisdom passed down through generations.

Sports have always been a big part of my life, especially volleyball and softball. There's something about the thrill of the game and the bond formed with teammates that keeps me coming back for more.

Beyond athletics, I'm also passionate about traditional art. Being raised by my grandmother I am very fortunate to be able to learn traditional art and the traditional ways from her. Whether it's painting, beadwork, or storytelling, I find joy in expressing my creativity and honoring my heritage through these mediums.

I’m excited to support keeping culture alive through my work at the First Nation School Board.

Office Manager

Hello/Bonjour,

I am Métis coming from an East Coast French Acadian family; Mi’kmaq on my mother’s side and Cree on my father’s side. My first language is French, second is English. I have had the pleasure of living in Whitehorse for the past 24 years, raising my two sons here. My oldest son and his wife, who is a citizen of Champagne & Aishihik First Nations, have given me the gift of a grandson who is the light of my life. Our whole family loves to be outside camping, hunting, and gathering. My father taught me how to survive on the land in BC and Yukon, and I am proud to teach my family the values and respect for the creator, land, animals, and humans that make our world. I also enjoy hiking with my huskies and oil painting.

My educational background has been in business and public administration with an entrepreneurial spirit for the past 20+ years. Having homeschooled my youngest who has recently graduated, I am a firm believer in supporting learners with solid supportive foundations. I appreciate and understand the values and goals of the First Nation School Board and am honored to be able to provide support to these values as Office Manager. My door is always open, please feel free to ask me questions, and I will always make time to listen to a story.

Merci.