Our Team - Knowledge Makers Journal

The People Behind All My Relations

Our team plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our programs and events. From event coordination to administration, the team provides the behind-the-scenes support that allows us to carry out our work efficiently and effectively.

Director of All my Relations Indigenous Research Centre

Dr. Rod McCormick

Kanienkehaka

As leader of the team, Dr. McCormick brings extensive professional experience in counselling, 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.

Dr. McCormick brings extensive professional experience in counselling, 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, the Network Environment for Aboriginal Health Research, 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.

Learn more about Dr.McCormick’s full bio here.

Associate Director of All my Relations Indigenous Research Centre

Jeneen Herns-Jensen

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.

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 endeavours, 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 honour Indigenous knowledge, practices, and languages while contributing to their ongoing preservation and revitalization.

Knowledge makers coordinator

Chuying Jiao

Chinese

Chuying holds a Master of Education and a Bachelor’s in Social Work, which equip her with compassion and expertise in supporting students on their academic journeys.

Born and raised in China, Chuying Jiao moved to Canada in 2017 as an international student. She now holds a Master of Education and a Bachelor’s in Social Work, which equip her with compassion and expertise in supporting students on their academic journeys.

As the Knowledge Makers program coordinator, Chuying is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. She is a passionate advocate for Indigenous Knowledge Systems and worldviews. Using her work to ensure their importance is recognized and integrated within the academic sphere.

Chuying’s work is driven by her belief in the power of education to transform lives and build bridges between diverse communities. Outside work, she enjoys exploring new cultures and continuously expanding her knowledge.

Research Coordinator

Peyton Anderson

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 contributes 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. This project explores the connection between Indigenous peoples and the land as a source of well-being and cultural resilience.