For Evangelina Dillon, community work is more than a calling, it’s
personal.
Originally from Onion Lake Cree Nation, Dillon grew up in Lloydminster and has called it home for the past eight years, after spending a decade away for school.
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“I left for about 10 years but came back because this is where my roots are,” she said.
Once a cook at the Gold Horse Casino, Dillon is now a full-time grandmother and active member of the Hope Street Team, a local group providing outreach services to the unhoused and people facing food insecurity.
Her motivation to get involved stemmed from heartbreak after her niece, Autumn Gray Raven Dillon, went missing in Lloydminster almost three years ago. She has not been found.
“I met Catherine (Hill) years ago when I was taking addictions counselling, and later, when my niece went missing,” she said. “I joined the Hope Street team and Catherine created a space where I felt I could make a difference. That’s what drew me in.”
Her niece’s disappearance became the driving force behind her
commitment.
“It was the only real reason I joined at first, but the more I helped, the more my compassion grew,” she said. “You think you’re going to help for just one reason, and suddenly, you realize there’s so much more to do.”
Dillon’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Hill, founder of Hope Street, explained she couldn’t have a better person than Dillon on the team.
“I love Evangelina. She’s got such heart and soul for this work,” said Hill. “She’s wise, full of wisdom and such a hard worker. Very, very humble … she just does the work. She’s strong, she doesn’t argue, she just makes her point and that’s it.”
Dillon’s path to where she is today wasn’t easy. At 19, she became a certified mechanic, something uncommon for women, especially Indigenous women.
“You got picked on a lot for being a girl in a traditionally male field,” she recalled. “But I did it to prove I could.”
Later, she married, raised five children, and when they were grown, returned to school herself.
Now, as part of the Hope Street team, Dillon finds fulfilment in direct community outreach.
“We go out there, on foot, and meet people where they are,” she said. “You get to know who’s out there, their stories, their struggles. That’s why I chose this group, no one else was doing it that way.”
She recalled her favourite moments.
“It’s when people say ‘Thank you.’ Sometimes they’re crying because they’ve been hungry all day, or their legs are too sore to walk to town for help. That gratitude hits you.”
Dillon believes Lloydminster could benefit from more shelters, safe places where the unhoused can find security and rest.
“A safe place to sleep is something so simple, but so crucial,” she said.
Reflecting on her work and its impact, she says it’s been an honour.
“I didn’t expect any recognition, and being part of this community, doing something meaningful, it’s the greatest reward,” she said, noting she hopes her niece knows she hasn’t stopped looking for her.
Dillon’s story is one of quiet strength, relentless love and unwavering service. It’s a true testament to the power of community and compassion.
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