Sheree Epp is the granddaughter of the late Dorothy and Duncan Wealick of Tzeachten First Nation. Her paternal grandparents are the late Annie and Lloyd Robinson who were European. Her parents are Georgina Pall and the late Lorne Robinson. She also acknowledges the late Ivan Pall, her stepdad of many years.
Sheree Epp is a member of Tzeachten First Nation. She and her husband, Bruce, raised their four sons, Nicholas, Dylan, Tyler and Derek from their home on Tzeachten First Nation. Sheree and Bruce have seven grandkids (and one more on his way) that fill their hearts with so much love and joy. “I have always felt blessed that the creator honoured me with four sons. I consider being a mom and gramma my most important and favourite roll in my journey of life,” says Sheree.
Being an Indigenous person has not always been an easy journey for Sheree. She grew up ashamed of being an “Indian.” Her maternal grandparents were both residential school survivors. The generational traumas were passed to their children and continued to affect the lives of their grandchildren. While she was growing up, the subject of residential school was never talked about. The Wealick family was not exposed to Aboriginal culture. However, she believes the family members were fortunate to be encouraged to pursue higher education. Many have attended university and have obtained a variety of degrees.
Sheree was in her early 30s before she began her journey to embrace her Indigenous roots. As she became aware of who she was as an Aboriginal woman, she had a strong pull to the culture and traditions of her people. Learning where she came from gave her a sense of belonging she had never known. As she became enlightened in her awareness of Aboriginal culture and history it became very important for her to ensure her sons grew up with a proud feeling of being Indigenous. As a result, her identical twins both have careers working with Stó:lō people. Tyler Epp is a Director of Operations with Xyólheméylh and Derek Epp is the Chief of Tzeachten First Nation.
At the age of 45 Sheree attended the University of the Fraser Valley where she obtained a Bachelor of Social Work with a focus on child protection. She also completed a Certificate in Stó:lō Nation Studies. Her Indigenous knowledge journey began at this time. She was hungry to learn about her historical roots. “There were many classes I was unable to hold back my tears as I learned the historical facts that inflicted so much trauma and pain on Aboriginal peoples,” says Sheree. Sheree felt working with Stó:lō Nation communities was where she would make the biggest impact and she began her career as a social worker with Xyólheméylh.
During twenty years of social work she left Xyólheméylh for a period of time. She managed a group home for Aboriginal youth who came from criminal backgrounds. She then enjoyed a management position with the social work department at Katzie First Nation for several years. Being asked to teach at the University of the Fraser Valley was one of her personal best achievements. She felt honoured to teach a Stó:lō First Nation Study course for several semesters. When she was invited to teach a 300-level social work course she successfully developed a new text book for the students which was focused on Aboriginal people.
When she was 63 years old the love of her life was diagnosed with a debilitating disease. She choose early retirement to be at home to care for him. Two years later she was invited to join the Xyólheméylh Elders Advisory and enthusiastically embraced her new roll as an Elder advisor. She looks forward to many more years in this supportive roll. She feels privileged to walk along side Xyólheméylh staff, the Stó:lō Nation communities and those struggling in their own journeys.
When she is not helping out at Xyólheméylh she could be found doing Tzeachten First Nation volunteer work. Or she could be hanging out with her family. Her gramma roll is the highlight of her life. She values her family and enjoys their gatherings, celebrations, and just being together.
Travelling is one of her passions. She feels blessed to have visited many places around the world. Her future plans include taking her husband on as many vacations as he can manage for as long as possible. Vacationing with her adult children and grandkids are included in her retirement agenda. Retirement for her also includes health and fitness and self-care.
“I still have much to learn and much to give. Participating in the Xyólheméylh Elders Advisory and various Tzeachten First Nation committee’s is a fantastic opportunity to continue my journey of giving and learning in the social work field,” says Sheree.