Along with Rowing Canada’s anticipated relocation of its training facilities to the Cowichan Valley, the organization has added a local member to its board of directors.
Dana Thorne (Sunaxwumaat) was named a director at large in August, a role that will carry over until Rowing Canada’s annual meeting in 2023.
“I am honoured to be a part of the board and to be working alongside some fantastic people,” Thorne said. “As an advocate for reducing barriers and youth sports, I feel that I have a lot to contribute.”
A member of Cowichan Tribes, Thorne is currently completing her MBA through Royal Roads University with a specialization in management consulting.
“Dana provides expertise in developing strategies for increasing customer value by analyzing gaps in service delivery, organizational risks, sustainability, labour skills, team dynamics, capacity, and systemic barriers,” Rowing Canada said in its announcement. “Growing up as an Indigenous female, Dana understands the barriers related to systemic racism, gender inequities, and cultural insensitivities. She approaches these topics with compassion and respectful engagement.
“Dana volunteers on multiple boards with a focus on sports or economic development. She has a husband and two daughters active in the sports community through basketball, soccer, and horseback riding. She believes that sports offer an avenue for growth and development as they help teach discipline, hard work, focus, perseverance, working independently and working as part of a team.
“As an accomplished leader in a diverse community, Dana will elevate and expand the dialogue at the board table.”
Thorne is the first member of the Rowing Canada board without previous experience in rowing, but she plans to give the sport a try in the near future.
”I’ve always wanted to row,” she commented. “I’ve canoe-paddled as a teen, and was excited when [my daughter] Jaeda did rowing with Queen of Angels. I’ve learned there’s a masters division so it has my wheels turning.”