“I didn’t grow up in this area specifically, I grew up in East Van, but I love this area because I would go here [for] lunch. I’m Coast Salish, native, so that means I’m actually from here. It’s peaceful. It’s a really good community. If I were to have kids – I don’t have kids – I would definitely bring them down here. I’ve worked at St. Paul’s for a couple years now, as a patient escort porter type deal. I’m off [now] due to health reasons.

“I had the luxury of meeting so many different nurses and doctors. They really look after people in the community, they really do. ‘Cause they’re taking time away from their own families to help other families, a huge sacrifice.”

“Could you tell us about someone important to you?”

“I don’t like to say this, but [my sister] is one of the top five people I talk to. Have her phone number on my speeddial. I call her “lady” because she’s what I think of as a lady. Everything all nails and glittery. Her eyelashes look like two spiders. We both went to the same schools and stuff. 

“I didn’t learn a lot about relationships based on my parents. My mom lives separately. I never met my dad. But my mom was a single mom and she was one of those people that you could talk to, relatable. Everybody has their own story, their background. She takes pride in her culture and heritage for sure. She worked as a care-aid in North Vancouver.”

“How would your family members describe you?”

“Always joking around. Never serious at all. In a good way!”