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.

Meet Lex, a driven and accomplished individual hailing from the St’at'imc community of Ts’kw’aylaxw First Nation. Lex's journey began after completing high school when he decided to follow his passion for cooking. Eager to learn and excel in the culinary arts, Lex enrolled in the prestigious Culinary Arts program at TRU. With a solid foundation in the restaurant industry, Lex's thirst for knowledge led him back to TRU, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in English and Philosophy. After graduating, Lex embarked on his professional career as a Research Assistant, honing his analytical skills and deepening his understanding of various subjects. Continuing to expand his horizons, Lex transitioned into the role of a Learning Strategist, utilizing his expertise to support others in their academic pursuits. His dedication and commitment were recognized, and Lex took on the role of a Qelmucw Future Students Advisor, sharing valuable insights and guidance with prospective students. Driven by a passion for mentoring and fostering a sense of community, Lex now serves as the Indigenous Mentor and Communications Coordinator. He eagerly anticipates the opportunity to assist students on their university journey, offering support and helping them navigate the challenges they may encounter along the way. When Lex isn't immersed in his professional endeavors, he finds solace and joy in various hobbies. Whether it's cheering on his favorite hockey team, indulging in captivating movies, immersing himself in melodious music, or embarking on exciting adventures to powwows, Lex embraces the enriching experiences that life has to offer. With his diverse background, unwavering dedication, and genuine passion for helping others, Lex Edwards stands ready to make a positive impact on the lives of students and contribute to the vibrant community at TRU.

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

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.

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.

Sid has been an active member of MNBC for over 20 years, serving as the past president/vice president in the Terrace community for over 10 years. Sid’s experience includes 12 years on the board of the Kermode Friendship Centre. He was also appointed by then Premier Christy Clark to the Indigenous Business Investment council of BC and remained involved for over 10 years. Sid is also a member of the board for the Metis Financial Corporation of BC.

Sid was a helicopter pilot for 44 years and owned his own helicopter company in Northwest BC for 25 years. When he sold his helicopter company in 2019, he and his wife moved to Kamloops where they own and operate a resort for three seasons of the year.

Sid was recently appointed as an elder in 2022 to the BC Indigenous Court where First Nation, Métis, and Inuit can request court proceedings through Indigenous Court and not through the Colonial Courts.

Sid is Métis, born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His family genealogy includes Fidlers, Caplette, Pelletier, Bremner and other family ties. Sid is married with 3 children and 6 grandchildren.