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My name is Matthew Jones, and I am a proud member of the Syilx Nation. I carry deep ancestral roots through the Chillhiteeza family of Douglas Lake and the McDougall/Steele families of the Duck Lake area on my late father’s side. On my mother’s side, I honor the traditions of my Norwegian heritage, passed down through generations.

I have a strong connection to the land at Round Lake, where I was raised as a community member. My early life was shaped by the impacts of intergenerational trauma and substance use. I struggled with addiction throughout my teens and started a family shortly after high school. Eventually, my substance use led to the loss of my family and several years of homelessness, during which I cycled through numerous treatment centers.

It was in Penticton that I found recovery and began to build a solid foundation implementing culture and spirituality. Over time, I realized that returning home was the next step in my healing journey. Today, I am proud to be back on the land that raised me, giving back to my community.

I bring both professional experience and lived expertise to my role as a Counselor and Wellness Facilitator. Since choosing to walk the Red Road in 2019, I’ve transformed my personal journey into a source of strength and guidance for others. My work at Discovery House Treatment Center and Snx̌astwilxtn Recovery House as a Recovery House Support Worker, along with my role as a Peer Support Worker with Interior Health, has equipped me to support individuals navigating mental health and addiction challenges.

My approach is rooted in empathy, cultural connection, and spiritual growth. I believe in the power of lived experience to inspire healing and transformation. This work is more than a profession—it is a continuation of my own healing and a commitment to uplifting my community.