Interim Executive Director/ Financial Controller
Lena Green (all pronouns)
Email: lena@edmonton2s.
Lena Green hails from Edmonton, situated on the ancestral lands of Treaty 6, where her family heritage is woven through a tapestry of names such as Huppie, Desjarlais, Oakanese, Batoche, Cardinal, and Tremblay. Though adopted into her stepfather's family as a child, she proudly bears the name Green today.
As the Chief Interim Executive Director and Financial Officer, Lena plays a pivotal role in a multifaceted mission. Her work encompasses a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) initiative, which involves establishing three crucial councils: an Elders Council, a Youth Council, and a Matriarch Council. Lena collaborates closely with Indigenous organizations to combat GBV in their community.
Lena's roots trace back to a lineage of labor activism, a legacy she continues to uphold. Her dedication to labor and human rights has led her to spearhead the formation of a Human Rights Committee for District 3, encompassing all provinces west of Manitoba and the Northwest Territories. As a 2S (Two-Spirit) person, Lena champions the importance of elevating 2S voices, ensuring they are not only heard but seated at the table. Her core values of respect and honesty are unwavering principles she carries into every facet of her life and her time at E2S.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Lena thrives in the embrace of nature. She revels in the serenity of camping and the artistry of fly fishing, passions that come alive during her beloved summer season. Her heart finds its truest contentment in the company of her cherished wife, Christine Braakman.
Office Manager
Randi Jackson (She/Her)
Email: officemanager@edmonton2s.com
Randi is a proud member of the Mikisew Cree First Nation located in Treaty 8, Fort Chipewyan, Alberta. Through her Maternal bloodline she is tied to the Marten family. Daughter of Late Lyanne Jackson, she is rooted in Goodfish Lake First Nation and Kehewin Cree Nation through her Paternal Dumais side.
In her role as Office Manager/HR, Randi is dedicated to ensuring the smooth operation of the office, focusing on community engagement and working diligently to align our initiatives with the values and needs of the communities we serve. She strives to create opportunities for collaboration and dialogue that empower community voices.
Drawing on their life experiences and professional career, Randi is committed to advocating for the rights and voices of Indigenous peoples, especially within the context of 2 Spirit identities. Their passion for community engagement and cultural education drives their work, as they strive to build bridges between diverse Indigenous groups and create empowering spaces for meaningful dialogue.
Outside of work, Randi enjoys spending time with her family and partner, as well as attending ceremonies and cultural events, which further strengthen her commitment to cultural pride, community connection, and personal growth.
Administrative Assistant
Ruben Yarn (They/He)
Email: administration@edmonton2s.com
Ruben Yarn (They/He) is a two-spirit individual and proud member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation. On their maternal side, The Pas MB is home for their kokum (Mary Head), while their late Mosom (Stan Sinclair) originates from York Factory First Nation MB. Their mother spent most of her days growing up alongside polar bears in the polar bear capital (Fort Churchill, MB) as her father Stan trained to be a firefighter. Ruben’s father is a moniyaw settler who travelled on his own to Amiskwaciwâskahikan from Gander NL. His late Mum is from Marystown NL and late Pop is from Saint Jacques NL.
Ruben grew up around Edmonton and has been actively working towards taking on the many roles and responsibilities of a helper in ceremonial spaces and within community for the past few years. Through a 2S lens, they have come to understand how dire the need is in Amiskwaciwâskahikan for accessible ceremonial and communal third spaces.
Now that they are in a helper position as Administrative Assistant at Edmonton 2 Spirit Society they are looking forward to providing support to the growing E2S team as well as the general public. They strive to utilize this privilege to bring prosperity to their community through advocating and sharing insight with those willing to listen. Ruben’s goal at E2S is to build and maintain relationships in order to strengthen the community as a whole.
In Ruben’s free time they enjoy hiking, creating miniature homes with recycled materials, tending to their plants and cooking for friends and family.
Program Manager
Jonathan Collins (He/Him)
Email: programmanager@edmonton2s.com
Jonathan Collins is a Two-Spirit proud member of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation on his maternal side and the Beaver Lake Cree Nation on his paternal side. With a legacy rooted in activism and the defence of Indigenous rights and culture, his family is known for their strong advocacy in Indigenous rights, which has a profound influence on his path.
He has honed his graphic design skills for nearly a decade, blending traditional Indigenous imagery with modern techniques. Jonathan has celebrated over 4 ½ years of sobriety, a journey that has been integral to his personal and spiritual growth. Immersing himself fully in Indigenous culture, he continues to seek ways to honour and respect his ancestors through both his art and daily life.
As Program Manager, Jonathan has dedicated himself to advancing the cultural and spiritual growth, to foster pride and unity within his community. His journey is a testament to resilience, healing and the unshakable connection he feels to his ancestors. With his combination of artistic talent, cultural leadership, and unwavering commitment to sobriety, he is not just preserving the past—he is shaping a powerful future for Indigenous youth, one where culture, pride, and unity thrive for generations to come.
Program Coordinator
Beth Omeasoo (She/They)
Email: programcoordinator@edmonton2s.com
Beth is a proud 2 Spirit member of the Maskwacis, Samson Cree Nation on her maternal side, and the Fishing Lake Métis Settlement on her paternal side, both located on Treaty 6 Territory.
Growing up with a disconnect to her own culture, Beth understands the importance of cultural, traditional, and spiritual resurgence. She continues to humbly explore and discover all the different characteristics of the Plains Cree people and their relatives. In doing so, she hopes to honour her bloodline by helping guide those who were not as privileged to grow up in their cultures.
As Program Coordinator, Beth is focused on continuing to build upon the structure that has been established by the Edmonton 2 Spirit Society. In doing so, they ensure that the system they work upon is based on cultural & spiritual growth, the 7 sacred teachings, and the organizations promise to commit to their connection with the community. Beth is dedicated to investing their time and energy into helping create a space that 2SLGBTQIA+ folks feel safe to exist in.
Housing Manager
Ashleigh Cardinal (She/They)
Email: housingmanager@edmonton2s.com
Ashleigh is a dedicated public educator, facilitator, and multi-disciplinary artist who is proud to serve as the new Housing Manager for the Edmonton Two Spirit Society. Hailing from Saddle Lake Cree Nation/Whitefish Lake First Nation #128 on their maternal side and Kikino Métis Settlement on their paternal side, their work is deeply informed by their lived experience, grassroots advocacy and a passion for holistic wellness.
Ashleigh has a strong background in leadership, having served five years as Co-Chair of the E2S Board of Directors. They currently serve as theVice-Chair for the Premier's Council on MMIWG2S+ and were recently appointed as a member of the National 2SLGBTQQIA+ Committee, bringing their valuable insight to a national stage. With a love for public speaking, Ashleigh is committed to creating positive change and supporting their 2SLGBTQQIA+ kin.
Housing Assistant Manager
Rob Gurney RSW (He/Him)
Email: assistanthousing@edmonton2s.com
Rob Gurney walks the Red Road with poise as a proud 2-Spirit nehiyaw from Montreal Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan (Treaty 6 territory), drawing on deep cultural grounding to inform his practice. As a registered social worker and survivor of the Sixties Scoop,
Rob has dedicated his career to supporting houseless and vulnerable Indigenous community members, bringing profound compassion and resilience to his work. In his current role, he provides essential social work expertise to the housing manager and team, with a focus on comprehensive psychosocial support.
Outside of his direct advocacy, Rob is well-known as a drag queen, using his artistry to creatively raise awareness and funds for numerous community initiatives.
For any emergency support please call 911, or visit your nearest emergency center.
For suicide prevention, you can contact:
• The Distress Line: 780-482-4357 (HELP).
• Brite Line: 1(844) 702-7483
***At this time, we do not have any supports in place for crisis intervention. If you are experiencing a crisis, please refer to Brite Line or call 911 in an emergency.***
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