We are saddened by the passing of Joan Phillip, Amshen, a longstanding friend and supporter of our organization.

For more than 20 years, Joan, together with her husband, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, helped make a meaningful difference in the lives of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people with disabilities through her unwavering support of our programs and services.

Her legacy lives on through the work of the Footprints Center in serving people with disabilities in Penticton over the last 20 years. Our history with the Footprints Center began with the blessing and official opening with Amshen and her husband in 2006.

Many of us will remember Joan as a familiar and welcome presence at our open houses and community events over the years. Alongside her husband, she celebrated milestones, shared in our successes, and demonstrated a genuine interest in the people at the heart of our work.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to her husband, family, and loved ones. She will be remembered with deep gratitude and affection.

Photo Caption: Chief Steward Phillips and Greg Pyc, Neil Squire National Operations Manager, planting a tree together at the first Footprints Open House in 2006. Although not pictured, Joan was a supporter who helped get the Footprints Center off the ground.

The family asks for privacy at this time, and in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the BC Cancer Society (new window).

You may watch the funeral service of Joan Phillip, Amshen on YouTube here (new window).