Office of Indigenous Education

Weyt-kp xwexwéytep!

Tina respectfully acknowledges Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc territory where the TRU Kamloops campus is located and is grateful to be a guest in beautiful unceded Secwépemc territory. She is a proud Secwépemc woman and member of Simpcw First Nation located in the North Thompson Valley. She brings with her a passion for helping Indigenous people by making educational opportunities accessible to everyone. She is honoured to hold the position of Executive Director in the Office of Indigenous Education at Thompson Rivers University and has held this position since 2018.

The Office of Indigenous Education reports directly to the Provost and Vice‑President Academic and works closely with all TRU deans, faculties and departments to support broad-based indigenization and align indigenization efforts with TRU's vision and strategic change goals that support staff, faculty, and students. The Office of Indigenous Education also liaises and connects TRU with Indigenous organizations and communities for partnerships, research, training and collaboration.

Tina holds a master of education and an undergraduate degree from Simon Fraser University. She is an education professional with over 30 years' experience working with Indigenous communities, organizations, public and private institutions, as well as industry. She has particular strengths in conducting research, developing organizational processes, and connecting Indigenous people with training opportunities. She is an active community member who always strives for self-governance and leadership for all Indigenous people through mentorship and respectful leadership. Tina is currently undertaking her education doctorate (Ed.D) with Simon Fraser University.

Weytkp, my name is Ted Gottfriedson. I am from TTk’emlúps te Secwépemc. My parents are Ted and Evelyn Gottfriedson (Thomas) from Tk’emlúps, my paternal grandparents were Gus and Millie Gottfriedson (Manuel) from Tk’emlúps; my maternal grandparents were Squwey and Lizzie Thomas (Lampreau) from Tk’emlúps (Squwey) and Simpcw (Lizzie). My wife Sharon Gottfriedson (Grant) is from Tsq̓éscen; we have been married for 32 years and have four children and one amazing little granddaughter.

I have been a passionate lifelong learner of my language and culture. Through the years and wonderful mentors, I have learned and experienced the magnificence, the joy, and the interminable knowledge found in the ancient language and culture of the Secwépemc. My journey through experiencing and appreciating our ways of knowing has gifted many things: a sense of belonging, a sense of self, and a sense of dignity — collectively these have helped me in realizing healing and happiness.

I have taught in the Kamloops/Thompson School District, Simon Fraser University, and Thompson Rivers University; a combined teaching experience of 25 years. I have also worked for my home community of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc for six years in the Language and Culture Department. Through the creation and implementation of programs, documentation and research, and policy development, the department worked towards — and continues to work towards the revitalization of our language and culture.

With TRU being located on the ancestral, unceded territory of the Secwépemc, and the Kamloops Campus on the Tk̓emlupsemcúl̓ecw to be specific; I look forward to this excellent opportunity to share the Secwépemc ways of knowing with the staff and students of TRU. It is my hope for all to gain an understanding of the Secwépemc, while developing a healthy connection to this beautiful land they are living and learning on.

Gottfriedson is from Kamloops, BC. He is strongly rooted in his Secwépemc (Shuswap) cultural teachings. He holds a Masters of Arts education degree from Simon Fraser University. In 1987, the Naropa Institute in Boulder, Colorado awarded a Creative Writing Scholarship to Gottfriedson for Masters of Fine Arts creative writing. There, he studied under Allen Ginsberg, Marianne Faithful and others. Gottfriedson has 10 published books. He has read from his work across Canada, United States, South America, New Zealand, Europe and Asia. Gottfriedson’s work unapologetically unveils the truth of Canada’s treatment of First Nations. His work has been anthologized and published nationally and internationally. Currently, he works at Thompson Rivers University.

Kimberly Rolle was born on the island of Freeport, Grand Bahama in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. She has five siblings (three sisters and two brothers). She was raised by her mother and grandfather in the oldest Bahamian village called "Fox Hill Village". Fox Hill is named after Samuel Fox an enslaved African who was freed and granted land in 1801. The original residents were from the Yoruba, Nango, Congo and Ebo tribes of Africa.

Kimberly graduated in December 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and is enrolled at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in the Master of Nursing program. Kimberly greatly respects the vision of TRU which is "A place of belonging — Kw’seltktnéws" (we are all related and interconnected with nature, each other, and all things). Kimberly practices cultural humility and desires to give back to the community. Kimberly constantly seeks to develop her self-awareness, self-confidence and self-efficacy (self-belief).

Kimberly has a passion to become an effective leader, to serve systematically and purposefully in order to be a change agent for individuals and communities. Kimberly believes that change do not just happen — effective leaders bring change and count being present at TRU a privilege and honour.

Born in Vancouver and raised in urban landscape across BC, Jason is Nlaka’pamux from the Lower Nicola Indian Band located in Merritt, BC. His Grandparents are Mary and Jacob Anderson/Amy Mike and Albert Dunstan.

Jason attended the Native Education Centre, in Vancouver, with an education in Criminology. He has had quite an extensive working career having worked in various job markets ranging from hospitality, trades, and human service work to business owner.

Jason works as the Indigenous Education Supervisor in the Office of Indigenous Education. Prior to filling the role as IE Supervisor, he worked as a Learning strategist in Indigenous Student Services at Cplul’kw’ten. Mr. Mike has been with TRU for a total of 10 years and spent that time working with students face to face.

Jason is a voracious consumer of cinematic adventure as well as music. He enjoys playing guitar and hockey. In his spare time, he pursues artistic aspirations though photography, film making writing and drawing.

Kaleena proudly identifies as Metis and embraces and honors her ancestors from the Red River Métis Settlement in Manitoba. Kaleena was born in Kamloops and her family has connections to the area and surrounding communities within the traditional territory of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc.

She is an Alumni of TRU’s Bachelor of Journalism program as well as the Certificate in Business Skills. Kaleena was a recipient of funding towards her Education from the Métis Nation of British Columbia as well as a scholarship from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. Following the completion of her Journalism degree Kaleena moved to Fort McMurray, Alberta where she worked in the Energy Sector in roles related to Indigenous Relations, Human Resource Management, Event Planning and Communications. She has over ten years’ experience working as a Freelance Journalist.

During her time in Fort McMurray Kaleena worked for the local Métis office and began to build connections to the surrounding Indigenous Communities. It was through this role that she began to see the need for on-going engagement between the Energy Sector and the Indigenous communities in the area. This role allowed her to re-connect with her Métis community and begin to learn her culture and build relationships with the Elders in the area.

Kaleena moved back to Kamloops with her family in 2019 and began her career at TRU as the Administrative Assistant to the Dean and Associate Dean in the Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economis. She is excited to be joining the Advancement team as the Advancement Officer-Indigenization, where she will be able to support Indigenous fund development across the campus.

Kaleena is a mother of two young daughters and spends most of her free time with her husband and children. She is an advocate for lifelong learning and is constantly pursuing additional academic endeavors or professional development. She is currently in the process of completing a Bachelor of Arts, and a Certificate in Indigenous Studies from TRU, as well as a Citation in Indigenous Community Engagement through the University of Alberta and Yellowhead Tribal College.

She holds a position on the Board of Directors for the "Children’s Therapy and Family Resource Centre," as well as "Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services." Kaleena believes in the need for supports for Children, Youth and Families within the region and looks forward to seeing the potential of the next generation.

Wynona is from Ts'kw'aylaxw First Nation of the St'at'imc people. She was born and raised here in the Tk'emlúps to Secwépemc territory, within the unceded traditional lands of the Secwépemc Nation.

She graduated with the first cohort of the Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice program here at TRU. She also received her Fine Arts Degree, Visual Arts Diploma, Aboriginal Studies Certificate and Human Service Diploma from Thompson Rivers University.

She was a part of the volume 5 Knowledge Makers peer reviewed journal, her paper was titled 'Holding onto Traditional Indigenous Ways in Contemporary Times.' She loves learning new things, and she holds onto her cultural traditional ways. She loves attending ceremonies, singing and dancing powwow. She grew up travelling the powwow trail, attending different powwows and round dances across BC, Alberta and the United States. She loves travelling. She enjoys hunting, fishing and being out of the land collecting and harvesting traditional medicines, and most importantly she enjoys sewing and beading. She has been designing and making her own powwow dresses, shawls and other powwow outfits since a young age.

My name is Karisa Barker and I am in my final year of my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at TRU. I am Métis and currently reside on the unceeded and traditional lands of Tk'emlups te Secwepemc in Kamloops, BC. After I finish my degree, my plans are to attend law school where I will specialize in Indigenous law. In my free time, I enjoy being outside on the land, writing poetry, and spending time with my dog! I am so excited and honoured to begin my WorkStudy position in the Office of Indigenous Education and contribute to the ongoing efforts of decolonization and reconciliation on our campus!

Robert Edwards is a Similkameen/Syilx from Keremeos, British Columbia, and is in the Natural Resource Science program. As a Syilx person, he cares very much about the land he comes from and hopes to learn as much as he can from his program, so that he can contribute to the stewardship of his territory. He also enjoys singing. He’s been singing at powwows for 15 years with the Highwater and Sagehills singers. He enjoys traveling all over Canada and the United States to different powwows and performances. He is also a member of the TRU Drum Club, and hopes to share and learn songs with other students. He is one of two work study students at the office of Indigenous education for the 2023/2024 school year, and is very excited to learn about the administration side of TRU.

Weytkp xwexwéytep, Alexis Gottfriedson ren skwekwst, te Tk̓emlúps re st̓7é7kwen. Ren qellmímen Ted Jr. ell Sharon Gottfriedson re skweskwést.s. Ren qé7tse te Tk̓emlúps re st̓7ékwes ell ren kí7ce te Tsq̓éscen re st̓7ékwes. Ren xpé7e Ted Sr. re skwest.s ell ren kyé7e Evelyn Gottfriedson re skwest.s te Tk̓emlúps re stet̓7ékwes. Len xpé7e John Grant le skwest.s te Cape Breton Island re st̓7ékwes ell ren kyé7e Mabel Grant re skwest.s te Tsq̓éscen re st̓7ékwes. Me7 é7elkst-ken ne Thompson Rivers University re S7extekékstmen ren tsétswe7 es ts7é7cwen.

Upon graduation from the University of British Columbia where I received a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Conservation, I began my career as a Junior Forester and Biologist. I was able to gain extensive knowledge of the environment, throughout Secwepemcúl̓ecw through a Western Science lens. However, during this path I felt as though something was missing, and an opportunity to work within the Language and Culture Department at Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc came up. Throughout my time at TteS I was able to gain valuable experience expanding my knowledge of Secwepemctsín.

Within this position I was able to complete my Diploma from Simon Fraser University in Indigenous Language Proficiency – Western Secwepemctsín, completing over 2000 hours in Secwepemctsín immersion.
I am a passionate learner of my language and culture. Although I have only recently begun my language journey, I have had the honour of experiencing countless hours of joy and love with the many mentors I have had the pleasure of working with through Secwepemctsín revitalization. This journey of experiencing my language to depths I never thought possible has bestowed a multitude of self-realizations allowing me to find: a sense of belonging and a sense of self – collectively these have aided in my healing journey, allowing me to find happiness and comfort in my language and culture.

I would like to give a special thanks to one of my Secwepemctsín mentors, who dedicated countless hours to my language journey and was a bright light in my life the short two years I was able to know him, Daniel Calhoun. Tanyél (his Secwepemcésk̓e “Secwépemc name”) was someone who generously impacted my life in the most positive way. A Skítsesten Elder who will always be my second qé7tse, as he lovingly referred to me as his daughter. Tanyél empowered me and allowed me to enjoy all aspects of Secwepemctsín, as he was always sure to bring a sense of humour and joy to every lesson. One of my fondest memories of Tanyél was when he would say “Kúkelctsemc es le7 es ren sístq̓t” – “you made my day”, a phrase he told me after every visit, and lesson. The memories of his contagious smile and his lifelong dedication to our language will continue to drive my passion for Secwepemctsín revitalization. Me7 xpqenwéllen-kt ey re xqwelténs-kucw es texwtuxwtsínem-kt, wel me7 yews. – we will continue to learn to learn our language to speak accurately, forever.

I am excited and honoured join the community at Thompson Rivers University and more specifically with the Office of the Vice President of Research and Indigenous Education. I look forward to supporting existing and future Indigenous research initiatives, foster relationships with Indigenous communities, and offer dedicated support to Indigenous faculty and students.

Grizzlypaws was born and raised in Lillooet, British Columbia in the Interior Plateau region, she is of St’át’imc descent. Her ancestral name is "Stálhalamcen – Grizzly Paws," She belongs to the people of Xwisten the Bear Clan. She is an independent mother of four children. At the age of sixteen, Grizzlypaws began to relearn the St’át’imc traditions. Her passion grew stronger in education and the heritage of her people; it became a way of life. She is a dancer, drummer and singer/songwriter, an academic, educator and a language/cultural advocate.

The experiences in her education provided her with knowledge and skills with a focus on providing her recipients with the highest quality of cultural education based on the values and needs of the community while meeting the deliverables of the organization or project goals. Grizzlypaws worked at the St’át’imc Government Services office as the Education and Training Manager to strengthen the collective organization and capacity of the St’át’imc; collaborate with the St’at’imc and partners to exercise greater control over education skills and training and to establish a knowledge-based foundation to inform St’át’imc decision-making. She taught extensively through the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and the St’at’imc Education Institute. She has many years of work in curriculum development with the Gold Trail School District, the St’át’imc Education Institute and St’át’imc Government Services.

Her education background consists of a Masters of Education in Education Foundation Land Based Education(2011); Bachelor of General Studies Degree Double Minor Linguistics & First Nation Studies(2007); Bachelor of Education Degree in Curriculum Development & Instruction (2007); Professional Development Teaching Certificate (2006); Language Proficiency Certificate (2003); Counselling & Wellness Certificate (2003). Grizzlypaws was also granted a Language Heroes award for the British Columbia Salishan language family. Her educational accomplishments were made possible through the balance of traditional and spiritual practices of her St’át’imc cultural heritage. Followed by her academic credentials Grizzlypaws was recognized through the Indigenous Music Awards (2019) and awarded for the category "Best Hand Drum Music" for her album debut "Come Home" a week after her receiving an award she competed in the British Columbia Pro Cup and took home two metals for her first Natural Body Building competition as a bikini athlete. She released her new Album "Muzmit.stumc" (2019); dedicated to language revitalization through prayer songs and now preparing for the 2021 bodybuilding competition year where she will strive to earn her place at centre stage and move onto the nationals to obtain her Pro Card and beyond. Grizzlypaws was inducted into the Wall of Fame at the University of Saskatchewan Alumni (2020) for her athletic achievements and the recognition of the Indigenous Education work she offers globally. Thorough knowledge of education and cultural affirmations had proven valuable in Grizzlypaws educational work and cultural way of life.

Grizzlypaws is excited to working with the TRU community through CELT starting August 23rd, as the Educational Developer, Indigenous Teaching and Learning.

My name is Jay Bearhead, I am Nehiyaw (Cree) from Maskwacis Ab, now living in Tk'emlups te Secwepemc. I moved here 12 years ago to continue my career in the bike industry as a rider, mechanic, and guide/coach. I have 2 kitties, Douglas and Sharon, who are part of my world. Being a '60's scoop survivor, residential school survivor and addiction survivor, I never grew up around culture, but since having moved to Tk'emlups and started my healing journey, I have found culture, ceremony, and dancing. I now sing with pow wow drum groups Sage Hills. Dance men's grass as well as traditional and actively attend and run ceremonies.

I am an active outdoors type person and along with medicine gathering and use, I also mountain bike, and snowboard in our amazing terrain, the main reason I moved to Tk'emlups. I own and operate Bearhead bikes and Boards which is an Indigenous guide and coaching company aimed at working with youth. As well as founder and CEO for Ancestors Work Foundation, a non-profit aimed at Indigenous youth and communities to bring sport and on the land activities, to people who may not otherwise be able to experience the sports that aren't readily available. I am stoked to be the Transitions Events Coordinator and work with such a strong team. The others in the office I've known for a while and I feel like I will bring value to the team. I look forward to seeing you on our campus here at TRU.