1-778-361-0769
DAVID EMERSON
Addiction &Â Community Service Worker & Director Of HGSW
David Emerson is born and raised in Massett B.C, he moved away mid 2009, but came back in 2017. He is a father of four beautiful children and has ancestry of Filipino, Haida/Irish descent. David was adopted into the Kyaanuuslii clan and was given the name Juu diigwiiaas Strong like cedar tree. CDI College graduate as an addiction and community service worker. He also has finished training in Trauma Recovery, Nonviolent Crisis Invention, Suicide TASC steps, Asist (Suicide Prevention Planning) First Aid & CPR/AED level C, Psychology of criminal justice and has taken workshops on Indigenous Perspectives, recovery mental health and trauma and grief healing workshops. David is more than excited to continue his training in whatever way possible to educate and enhance his knowledge of mental health and wellness for his community and many others. David is dedicated to serve the individual and families that are suffering from addiction.
David has faced challenges in his life, having a long history of childhood trauma and 16 years living with crime and addiction. He is now in recovery and is grateful for the opportunity to give back to his community.
GARRY OTTO
Board Of Directors (Vice President)
61 years old, resident of Haida Gwaii since 1972. Fourth year into retirement after 39 years with Government of Canada as a Federal Fishery Officer throughout Coastal BC and at sea onboard midshore patrol vessel.
Recovered alcoholic into 13th year of sobriety focused on spiritual program. Years of experience working with others seeking and maintaining recovery as an action way of living. Sole motive for contributing time and effort to HG Serenity Warriors Society is to give back freely to the Haida Gwaii Community to help those seeking to change their current life by providing solutions through action to meet life's challenges without use of mind altering substances.
Offer strong skill set to the HGSWS to foster cohesion with other team members, clients and outside groups to deliver recovery solutions based on experience.
JACQUI FERRABY
Board of Directors(Secretary)
Jacqui Ferraby is of Euro-Canadian ancestry (French and English) and has been proud to call Masset her home since 2018. When not busy teaching at Tahayghen Elementary, she enjoys walking her dog Jojo, fishing or playing soccer, basketball and softball.
ELLIS EDGARS
Board of Directors(President)
Ellis was born and raised on Haida Gwaii in Masset, BC and has spent majority of his life on this beautiful island. Ellis got his diploma in Life Skills Coaching in 1996 and is dedicated to supporting people in anyway he can with the training he has obtained. Ellis is currently attending Indigenous Tool of life Training which will aid him in providing holistic and land-based support to everyone he encounters. Ellis is 27 years sober from drugs and alcohol and has used this experience to have a positive impact on his community by dedicating his sobriety to helping others heal externally and internally.
ANDRE JOHNSTONE
Board Of Director (Treasurer)
Andre Johnstone is a visitor and resident of Haida Gwaii for eleven years and in Masset for six.
A frequent participant in the community as a caterer and an Education Assistant (SD50), Andre is also coparenting children and volunteering as a board member/treasurer with Haida Gwaii Serenity Warriors.
The need for men’s recovery and services on island is essential; Andre has been an advocate for creating infrastructure towards health and wellness and is strongly supportive of HGSW’s efforts.
We’d be happy to speak with you at any time.