Knowledge Makers History
Born from a desire to support Indigenous undergraduate students in becoming researchers,
Knowledge Makers started with fourteen students and a two-day workshop that explored Indigenous research. We came together with the support of our families, Elders, administrators, faculty, staff, and each other to create something that expresses the importance of being Indigenous researchers, and the breadth and possibilities of Indigenous research methodologies. This communal sharing of knowledge led to the inaugural Knowledge Makers publication.
Knowledge Makers is a collaborative teaching initiative where Indigenous undergraduate students learn the process of research, and how to publish research as Indigenous researchers. Based at Thompson Rivers University, we bring together up to 15 Indigenous undergraduate students each year from across the university to learn how to ‘make knowledge’ through a multi-modal approach.
what we want to do
Our Mission
By offering opportunities for support, collaboration, and publication we are dedicated to transforming universities through engaging Indigenous students in research across multiple disciplines.
how we will get there
Our Vision
Our vision is to create an Indigenous research network that uplifts Indigenous academic authors and publishes a journal accessible to all, facilitating immersion in Indigenous knowledge and ensuring its preservation for future generations.
The Knowledge Makers Symbol
The symbol of Knowledge Makers is the traditional Secwépemc Nation craft of the pine needle basket.
Levi Glass, a Knowledge Maker in 2016, created this symbol to incorporate two elements; that Knowledge Makers is both about the many generations of Indigenous knowledge that came before us and that our work together is weaving a future generation of Indigenous researchers.
Our team
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Dr. Rod McCormick
Director of All my Relations Indigenous Research Centre
Kanienkehaka
Dr. McCormick brings extensive professional experience in counseling, psychology, and Indigenous mental health. Over the past 15 years, he has dedicated himself to building Indigenous health research capacity and advocating for Indigenous health research at both provincial and national levels. His work is grounded in a commitment to addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by Indigenous communities and creating pathways for culturally relevant support.
For more than a decade, Dr. McCormick led several significant initiatives, including the BC Aboriginal Capacity and Developmental Research Environments (ACADRE), the Network Environment for Aboriginal Health Research (NEAHRBCYT), and Kloshe Tillicum, each of which contributed to advancing Indigenous health research and capacity-building across British Columbia. His leadership extended to the national stage as a co-founder and leader of the National Aboriginal Health Research Steering Committee: Kawatsire, furthering his advocacy for Indigenous voices in health research.
Currently, Dr. McCormick serves as the BC Indigenous Health Research Chair and directs the All My Relations Indigenous Research Centre at Thompson Rivers University (TRU). In this role, he continues to drive initiatives that support Indigenous well-being through research, education, and community collaboration, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are at the forefront of health research and policy development.
Jeneen Herns-Jensen
Assistant Director of All my Relations Indigenous Research Centre
Algonquin, Shoshone & Norwegian Settler Descendant
Jeneen holds a Master of Education, with an academic foundation spanning English and language studies, political science, and Indigenous studies. Her interdisciplinary background has equipped her with a nuanced understanding of language, culture, and governance, which she applies in both her professional and personal pursuits.
As an active researcher, Jeneen is passionate about Indigenous research methodologies, particularly those rooted in community-based approaches and cultural knowledge systems. She is dedicated to advancing linguistic teaching methods within Indigenous languages, working closely with Dr. Gloria Ramirez and Dr. Janice Dick-Billy on Secwepemctsin language revitalization projects. In addition to her collaborative work, Jeneen is learning Secwepemctsin herself, demonstrating her deep commitment to preserving and revitalizing Indigenous languages.
Beyond her academic and research endeavors, Jeneen is a devoted parent to her Secwepemc son. She is also an avid gardener, nurturing both plants and her connection to the land. Her roles as a mother and a gardener reflect her broader commitment to nurturing growth, resilience, and the well-being of future generations.
In all aspects of her life, Jeneen strives to honor Indigenous knowledge, practices, and languages, while contributing to their ongoing preservation and revitalization.
Shriya Chandna
Divisional Assistant All My Relations Research Centre
Indian
Born and raised in New Delhi, India, Shriya made Kamloops her new home when she moved to Canada in 2023. She has a Master of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Hotel Administration. She is a former Hotelier and has worked extensively with Diplomatic Missions in India, particularly with the Canadian Government, IRCC, and the U.S. Department of State.
Currently, Shriya supports the All My Relations Research Centre and the Knowledge Makers Program at TRU. She is keen on learning about Indigenous communities, language, culture, and their ways of being.
She loves traveling, trying new cuisines, watching sunsets, and exploring the outdoors and wilderness in beautiful British Columbia. She is a language enthusiast and can speak 5 languages and dialects.
Chuying Jiao
Knowledge maker coordinator
Chinese
Chuying, born and raised in China, journeyed to Canada in 2017 as an international student.
Armed with a Master of Education and a bachelor’s in social work, she embodies a compassionate and knowledgeable approach to supporting all students in their academic endeavors.
Specializing in facilitating Knowledge Maker programs, Chuying diligently fosters an inclusive and conducive learning environment.
Chuying ardently champions Indigenous Knowledge Systems and worldviews, advocating for their significance within the academic world.
Peyton Anderson
Research Coordinator
Nuxalk Nation
Peyton Anderson holds a Master of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. She has collaborated with the British Columbia government to advocate for policies that respect Indigenous knowledge systems and ensure that decision-making practices are inclusive of Indigenous voices.
In addition to her academic and intellectual pursuits, Peyton is an avid skier and enjoys leading an active lifestyle. Her connection to the land through recreation and her cultural roots has deeply informed her work and personal philosophy.
Currently, Peyton is contributing to the Knowledge Makers Journal, where she supports Indigenous research and scholarship. She is also working alongside Dr. McCormick and Jeneen Herns-Jensen on a research project centered around land-based healing practices, which aims to explore the profound connection between Indigenous peoples and the land as a source of well-being and cultural resilience.
Kirsten Glass
Research Assistant
Of Settler Descent
Born and raised in St. Albert, AB, within Treaty 6 territory, Kirsten relocated to Kamloops in 2020. Equipped with a General Management Diploma from Camosun College, she is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Digital Journalism with a minor in Marketing at TRU. Her passions lie in accessibility, decolonization, and design.
At TRU, Kirsten has served in various research assistant roles including at TRU Makerspace and Rethink Learning Design, alongside assisting in classroom learning as a Student Teaching Assistant in Communications and Visual Arts.
Currently, Kirsten leads the TRUSU Social Dance Club as president and dedicates her spare time to fostering the campus community through innovative initiatives.
Ellis Dakota Knife Rondquist
Research Assistant
Nation
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Brian Burciaga
Research Assistant
Nation
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Elders in Residence
Knowledge Makers Journal is grateful to have the wisdom of Elders that help to not only guide new Knowledge Makers but also the processes of healing, learning, documenting, protecting, and preservation that comes with research and our program.
Mike Arnouse
Cstèlen
Kamloops Campus
Elder Mike speaks softly but has lots to teach about the history of Indigenous people and ancestral teachings.
Joanne Brown
Cheslatta / Dakelh
Kamloops Campus
Joanne Brown is a member of the Cheslatta Carrier Nation, L’silu clan, born and raised in her home territory near Burns Lake, British Columbia. She moved to Secwépecmc’ulucw from Prince George in 1996.
Joanne’s previous work with Employment and Immigration Canada, as well as her studies in geography and anthropology (TRU) made her a natural fit for an occupation in Indigenous post‑secondary education.
She is grateful for her amazing community, especially working with neighbours and friends. Joanne strives to make sure that everyone is welcomed and ensures they feel special in a way that is unique and unforgettable. In her free time Joanne kayaks, gardens, cooks, and loves spending time with her precious friends and family.