About
First Things First
Okanagan
Our Story
Organized in 2015 by local elders and leaders, First Things First Okanagan (FTFO) is a non-profit under the British Columbia Societies Act with the mandate to educate Okanagan communities on climate breakdown and to promote and organize actions that will help build a sustainable society. Using a broad range of activities, including school programs, online Deep Dive webinars, alternate energy symposia, sponsorship of election debates, lobbying of local, provincial and federal politicians, art based events and more, FTFO has delivered the message that climate change is real, but together we can make the changes that will leave a better world for future generations.
We acknowledge that we live on the unceded traditional territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation and value Indigenous ecological knowledge and worldviews.
Strategic Initiatives
Educate
Inform Okanagan communities about the consequences of climate change and inspire them to take action.
Reduce GHG
Inspire individuals and communities to reduce their GHG footprint.
Seek to influence
Lobby representatives from all levels of government to support policies that reduce the build up of greenhouse gases,
Collaboration
Network with other organizations to strengthen climate change awareness and stimulate effective action.
Meet Our Team.
Our Board of Directors are a passionate team bringing knowledge and experience from various backgrounds. United by their passion for climate advocacy, together they all work hard to turn their shared concern for our planet into a positive change for our future.
Lori Goldman
Board Member
Lori is an ESL teacher and former business owner who cares about social justice. She is a world traveler who has known extreme air pollution in China and Nepal. Lori is active in the community volunteering with seniors and animals, striking for the climate, and encouraging others to participate for a future of climate justice. She loves birding, hiking the Penticton hills and waterways, and learning languages.
Margaret Holm
Board Member
Margaret has worked in outreach and education for cultural and conservation organizations as a researcher, writer and program facilitator. She now devotes time to climate engagement, environmental conservation, gardening, and staying active.
Henry Sielmann
Board Member
Born and raised on a farm in Germany, Henry pursued a career in industry without ever losing his passion for nature. Henry holds a M.Sc. in Engineering Physics and managed various technology and energy projects. Now happily retired in the Okanagan Valley, Henry is free to share his love of the outdoors and help promote a responsible use of our natural resources.
Corinne Durston
Board Member
Corinne grew up in small Manitoba towns. After doing her BA at the University of Winnipeg, she moved to Vancouver to do her MLS and then worked as a librarian for over 30 years.
After retirement she served on the Friends of the Vancouver Public Library Board.
Since moving to Penticton, she has worked as a wedding officiant and became involved with the Grandmothers for Africa.
As a grandmother and great grandmother she is passionate about acting to create a liveable planet.
Sue Kirschmann
Board Member
Sue grew up in Penticton and feels fortunate to be back in the Okanagan, where she helps run her family’s vineyard and farm. She has degrees in Biology and Health Information Science, along with a love of the natural world that has taken her to many remote corners of BC. She is happy to have found FTFO, and is committed to turning her concern about climate change into action for positive change.
Khati Hendry
Board Member
Khati is a recently retired family physician with a strong interest in community health and the environment, especially forests. She worked in immigrant health centres in California, bought a hybrid car in 2001, and moved to the Okanagan in 2004. She has been distressed to see the predicted climate changes accelerating, and is keen to mobilize people to do all we can for a better future. Interests include exploring nature, drawing and always learning.
William (Bill) Laven
Board Member
Although I attended school in Ontario I received my education in my Dad’s library and at the U of A in Edmonton. After a 35 year career in education, I recently retired. My partner and I are proud parents of five grown children, who are now parents themselves. My interest in climate change began many years ago, and as a working teacher I tried my best to cycle to work as often as I could. I hope to be able to help in the spreading of awareness of the healthy lifestyle inherent in walking and cycling, and the ways we can all contribute to lessen our carbon footprint.
Kathleen Davies
Board Member
Kathleen taught high school in Australia, and was a lawyer practicing in Edmonton before retiring to the South Okanagan. Kathleen enjoys music, dance and reading, and is passionate about being physically active and outside in nature.
Jim Beattie
Past Chair