Meet the Team

Born in Vancouver and raised in various urban centres 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 and Film making. Mr. Blair possesses a diverse resume having worked in numerous job markets ranging from hospitality, trades, and human service work to business owner.

Jason works at Cplul’kw’ten as part a dynamic team to support student’s journey through the post-secondary landscape which is not only academic. By connecting students with various community and off campus resources as well as finding housing. Locating and securing funding when students are not funded by their Band, Metis Society, Or Inuit organization. Identifying and sharing current scholarships, grants and bursaries with students. In addition; he will assist students through the application process.

Jason is a voracious consumer of cinematic adventure and music. He enjoys playing guitar and hockey as well as photography and film making. In addition; he finds inspiration in the stylings of Edgar Allen Poe, George Orwell, Joseph Conrad, and Hunter S Thompson.

Shawna works alongside the amazing team at Cplul’kw’ten to support students by developing life skills programming, connecting students with community and off-campus resources, and coaching Indigenous students through their academic journey.

She has a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Victoria and has been in the field since 2007. She has worked in a broad array of areas from School District #73 to Child and Family Services in Merritt, Lytton and Kamloops. Shawna’s community connections, human services experience and cultural pride will serve her well.

Born and raised in Kamloops, Shawna is from the Peguis Band in Manitoba. Her kind, calm and caring nature; welcoming and warm smile; and professional demeanor has made her a hit with students in Cplul’kw’ten.

Shawna enjoys literature, cinema and theatre; she leads an active lifestyle and likes to hike, run, paddleboard, and snowshoe.

From the Nlakapamux nation, Denise received her social work degree from TRU in 2010, and her Master of Education from UBC in 2022.

She has worked with youth programming for the past twenty-five years. Twelve years were spent working with Aboriginal students through the Kamloops School District. Denise was a First Nations worker for School District 83 for over three years.

Her hobbies include hot yoga and hiking, and Denise also enjoys watching television.

Marie Sandy is from T’éxelc area of Secwepemcúl’ecw (Williams Lake). She has completed a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Education degree (Dean’s List), as well as a Master of Education from Thompson Rivers University. Marie has worked for various Aboriginal organizations in BC across a variety of fields (health, government, professional development, education). She is currently the Indigenous Mentor and Communications Coordinator, as well as a Sessional Instructor of Secwépemc Language at Thompson Rivers University. Her hobbies include knitting, reading, and she enjoys watching films and television.

Elder Mike speaks softly but has lots to teach about the history of Indigenous people and ancestral teachings.

Sandi is eager to share her knowledge and experience as a Métis person and be an example of a strong, resilient Métis.

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 Secwépemc’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 a natural fit with 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.

Leona (Doe) Thomas is a member of the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc (TteS) band.

She is a mother and grandmother. She has been retired for several years working with Alberta First Nations with developing, implementing and reporting on health programs.

She is currently an elder with the Kamloops First Nations court and generally enjoying retirement.