VRPDF Family Members

Ruth Dudoward, a lifelong advocate for battered women, she unfortunately, at a very vulnerable time of her life, fell prey to evil. The Valerie, Ruth & Pamela Dudoward Foundation, originally founded as The Valerie Dudoward Foundation, was created by her sister Pamela, after the sudden passing of Valerie. The family was successful in a legal battle but unfortunately, the abusive predator was not held accountable for his crimes. At least not in this world, those who loved and cared for Val leave that to the universe. Valerie was so much more than what she endured and continues to be a beacon of light for survivors of Domestic Violence and Battered Women Syndrome through this organization, as one of its important community focused endeavours. Valerie was a brilliant, accomplished and talented gentle soul. She was a proud and accomplished Tsimshian woman who held her Hereditary Name with great pride and knowledge. She was the first indigenous woman hired by CBC as a radio broadcaster at a young age, while still in high school. She later founded the first Indigenous radio program called “Talking Stick” in Vancouver, B.C. Valerie was a published playwright and writer and had her play “Teach Me The Ways Of The Sacred Circle” staged in 1985 and which was again later staged, Produced and Co-Directed by her sister Pamela at The Firehall Theatre in 2009 in Vancouver and then taken on the road, The Lester Centre Of The Arts in 2010 in Prince Rupert. Valerie was a trailblazer in significant and notable roles and paved the way, without recognition, for many Indigenous women and Peoples in ways most remain unaware of. But that was Val, she made significant contributions as a woman, as an Indigenous quiet leader and as a truly wonderful human being. She remained a The sisters co-founded the Professional Aboriginal Women’s Network in the 1990’s. skilled interviewer and won an award for an interview she did for the television show “Pressure Point” in the 1990’s of which she was one of the hosts. Her accomplishments are too long to list but her legacy and work lives on through the organization that carries her name. Her passion and dedication to raising awareness and support for Indigenous youth at-risk, survivors of domestic violence, Elders and preserving & celebrating Indigenous culture and heritage lives on. Her lifelong commitment to improving the quality of life, education and well-being of Indigenous Peoples and Performing & Literary Works is an important part of her legacy through the Foundation.

Ruth Dudoward, the mother of Valerie, Pamela and Jim, was a Hereditary Princess and high-ranking Matriarch originating from The Royal House of (Medik or Medig) from the Tsimshian Nation. A survivor of residential school, through resilience and strength, became an amazing and loving Mother to her 3 children. Ruth was a petite woman in stature but a fierce force of spirit and nature, overcoming immense odds and considerable marginalization.  She became a businesswoman and company co-owner in an extremely male-dominated industry. She was a truly remarkable knowledge keeper of her culture, protocols, traditions and heritage. Throughout her life countless reached out for her knowledge and expertise. And she was extremely generous in providing not only this, but was renowned for her extreme generosity and kindness to others throughout her life. Ruth was genuinely a remarkable woman who spoke her language fluently from a young age of 5 yrs old. She ensured her children were raised, groomed and prepared to take their Hereditary Names and understand positions of responsibility. Each was raised from birth with a strong cultural identity and traditional knowledge in all aspects with strong maternal and paternal grandparents relationships and impacts. Ruth’s passing in late 2011 was an immense and life changing loss, particularly of course to Pamela. Her name  was added to the organization in early 2012 in recognition of her substantial contributions as well as to continue her legacy as well. Pamela Dudoward, the youngest child and last survivor of her immediate family, was the first to pursue a university education with a Major in Psychology. She has worked in senior management in both federal and provincial government positions, corporate and in a leadership capacity in the Indigenous community. She is a published writer and poet. In 2006, she founded the Indigenous organization and registered charity, Vancouver Venture For Diversity, which she remains the CEO of today. The incorporation came the same month and before her beloved sister passed tragically and she remains grateful Val was still alive to bear witness to and was able to convey her great pride. It was the last time she would see her alive in person. 

Pamela is the Founder and President of what is now The Valerie, Ruth & Pamela Dudoward Foundation. Her name was added at the time of her Mother’s for legal purposes and at the advice of her lawyer. She remains dedicated to the legacy of the Foundation and the two women most influential throughout her life, to honour & remember them through the important works the Foundation does. Through Feasts she carries both her sister and Mother’s Hereditary names and remains dedicated to practicing her culture, heritage, protocols. The Hereditary Princess and Matriarch name is her predominant Indigenous name that she has held 2 Name Strengthening Ceremonies for since she had her Feast in 2012 to the Name she held for one year and one day after the sacred ceremonial removal of the Name at her Mom’s Services after she passed. As per her promise to her Mother, on condition of her receiving the Name, it will be buried when Pamela passes, with her. Pamela has dedicated 20 years of her life to this organization and remains committed to helping others and continuing the legacy of her sister and Mother.