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
Meet Our Members
Dr. Rod McCormick
Director
Jeneen Herns-Jensen
Associate Director
Chuying Jiao
Knowledge Makers Program Coordinator
Peyton Anderson
Research Coordinator
Shriya Chandna
Divisional Assistant All My Relations Research Centre
Kirsten Glass
Research Assistant
Ellis Dakota Knife Rondquist
Research Assistant
Brian Burciaga
Research Assistant
Olivia Lane
Research Assistant
Read Our Team’s Full Bios
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
Mike Arnouse is from the Adams Lake community. He has been an Elder on TRU’s campus for over twenty years.
He is a helper who believes in learning from one another. He appreciates the opportunities to meet and talk with students, staff, and faculty, as we all can learn from each other. He shares his knowledge freely. He notes that knowledge has been hidden from our people for so long. Everything that we learn and share is for future generations — to learn about medicines, animals, and stories. The colonization of our culture and the copyrights to knowledge systems are a hindrance that carries the knowledge of the history of Secwépemc’ulucw.
Indigenization and de-colonization of the Secwepemc culture. Knowledge is best passed through relationships and talking to one another. Mike invites people to sit and talk with him anytime he is on campus. Have tea and chat. Be yourself and have a heart-to-heart. Build relationships, friendships, and family.
Joanne Brown
Cheslatta / Dakelh
Kamloops Campus
Joanne Brown is a member of the Cheslatta Carrier Nation, L’silu clan. She was born and raised in her home territory near Burns Lake, British Columbia, and moved to Secwépecmc’ulucw from Prince George in 1996.
Joanne’s previous work with Employment and Immigration Canada and 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 ensure that everyone is welcomed and feels special in a unique and unforgettable way. In her free time, Joanne kayaks, gardens, cooks, and loves spending time with her precious friends and family.
Doe Thomas
Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc
Kamloops Campus
Leona (Doe) Thomas is a Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc (TteS) band member.
She is a mother and grandmother. She has been retired for several years and has worked with Alberta First Nations on developing, implementing, and reporting on health programs.
She is currently an elder with the Kamloops First Nations court and generally enjoying retirement.