Emma Sutherland

Emma was born and raised in east Vancouver (Musqueum, Tsleil-Waututh & Squamish Territories) and began working on the Downtown Eastside at age 17. She realized quickly that people in the community there cared for and looked out for one another. It reminded her of the care and concern people showed each other in the small Prairie town where her mother’s family settled from Rumania and the Ukraine in 1902.

Emma has used her degree in Women’s Studies from Simon Fraser University, and thirty years’

experience in the recreation and advocacy fields to continually support individuals and families in Metro Vancouver. Her goal has consistently been to show children and youth how to work around the barriers they face to learn new skills, be active and expand their horizons. Her biggest joy is seeing youth take on leadership roles in Red Fox and in the larger society. Emma gets around everywhere on her electric bike and enjoys hiking, birdwatching and spending time having active fun with the many children in her life.