COMPILED BY JENNIFER GRAY-GRANT

Local resident Emanuela Sheena passed away early December 2023, following a long illness.

A beloved community developer, Emanuela first became involved with Collingwood Neighbourhood House around 2000, when CNH partnered with the local Synala Housing Co-op. Synala led a project to engage an Indigenous carver (Emanuela’s husband Gerry Sheena), to mentor and teach carving to local youth, who then raised a pole at Synala.

Together with their children, Matthew and Erick, the family became actively involved in many community-building initiatives. With the success of the initial carving project, youth approached CNH to do more carving projects and Emanuela subsequently supported the CNH Multicultural Gateway (in front of the CNH Joyce entrance), Eagle Totem Pole at Slocan Park and a Welcome Post at the Renfrew Park Community Centre.

After Sandra Gray initiated an Indigenous-youth-led Canoe Club (now called C.R.E.W.) at CNH, Emanuela nurtured and supported the club for many years and had a profound impact on youth leadership and cross-cultural understanding. She developed partnerships with groups like Pulling Together, which resulted in youth, along with supportive adults and police, taking canoe journeys to many nations across B.C.

Emanuela also provided coordination support to the Arts PowWow (a group of local, intercultural, multi-disciplined artists), who worked on bringing arts and culture into the community. She worked on community events such as Collingwood Days and sat on local boards like the Renfrew Park Community Association.

The revitalization of Renfrew-Collingwood spaces such as Slocan Park were important interests of hers, particularly as they related to safety and inclusion. Emanuela worked in many capacities at CNH including fundraising, coordinating initiatives created by local residents, youth initiatives, arts and culture, events planning, administration office work and community intercultural relationship building.

“She was one of those rare individuals who embraced everyone with an open heart, always saw the gifts in people and was committed to making the community that she lived and worked in a great place for everyone,” said former CNH executive director Paula Carr, who provided the above information about Emanuela’s path both in CNH and in the neighbourhood. “The impact she had on all she touched is immeasurable. She dedicated so much of her personal time to her family and community, particularly helping Indigenous youth find their strength, paths in life and leadership skills. She shared her pride in all of them openly and often.”

From Matthew Sheena, Emanuela’s son: “Emanuela was not quick to announce her condition. She was a very proud woman, who has touched the lives of many. Never did she do this because she felt the need for something in return; she did this because in her heart of hearts, she knew it was the right thing to do. So when her condition worsened, she didn’t want those around her to feel obligated to return the favour in any way. She was selfless to the very end.”

From Eileen Tann and Kate Smith, C.R.E.W. coordinators: “It’s with great sadness that we, the canoe club family, announce the passing of a legend and amazing mentor, Emanuela Sheena who made her journey home to the ancestors this afternoon surrounded by her sons Matthew and Erick and partner Gerry Sheena. Emanuela was a private person about her final time with us on earth but we have the permission to share that Emanuela was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often called Lou Gehrig’s disease) and that even through the journey with this disease she was there in mind and spirit, right till the end.

“Emanuela started the Canoe Club 20 years ago at Collingwood Neighbourhood House, and through her hard work and dedication, the program we now know as C.R.E.W. continues to flourish. Emanuela mentored many Indigenous youth over the years who are now becoming well-known artists, doctors, red-seal trade workers and many youth workers. Many of her past youth, when first meeting her, were young, lost and without family and Emanuela’s dedication and unconditional acceptance gave them a sense of belonging and family. Over the past week, these youth have gathered to say goodbye and share their love for Emanuela.

“Our teachings tell us that over the next four days we are to be still and gentle with each other as Emanuela makes her journey to her ancestors. We ask that everyone eats a meal in her name and places a cup of water outside to feed Emanuela as she passes; light a candle to help light her journey home. Thank you and keep our youth in your hearts and minds.”

From Yoko Tomita, CNH arts and culture coordinator: “I remember asking the Canoe Club to be part of the craft fair, to have tables and a recognition of the land and First Nation culture sharing. Emanuela really cared about each C.R.E.W. member with a warm heart. I joined their gathering sometimes to share arts-and-crafts making and she always had nice refreshments and talked to each member. I really respect how she established the Canoe Club and sustained their vision to keep going. Writing grants and overseeing all the activities to happen on schedule is not easy. I take my hat off to her dedication and love to the First Nations community, which really made a big difference for each participant. I hope her sprit may lifted by all the goodness what she shared in the past.”

From Carmen Correal, recreation manager: “Emanuela was my office colleague for several years. She was a valuable woman whom I respected and admired. I remember a Saturday when we went to IKEA together to buy office furniture, assembled it, and high-fived each other when we finished the work. I also remember seeing her walking to the corner of the Joyce-Collingwood SkyTrain Station where Tim Horton’s was; she told me there was no better coffee than this, the best in the city. She always asked me if I wanted coffee. She worked passionately with the Aboriginal youth team, especially in the summer, when journeys lasted more than a week, and she returned with great joy and new stories. I still miss her presence.”

From Kulwant Kaur, operations director: “We had some great memories of working together in the office and then later in the Community Development department. I want to thank her for all of her contributions, hard work and dedication to CNH and the community. She was an amazing staff who worked so well with the office team and all staff.”

Jennifer Gray-Grant is the executive director of Collingwood Neighbourhood House.

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