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Office of Indigenous EducationIndigenous TRU

The Office of Indigenous Education is the administration and academic office that reports directly to the Provost and Vice-President Academic. The office works with the deans, faculties and departments on Indigenization across the campus.

This includes incorporating TRC 94 Calls to Action and UNDRIP into courses, curriculum, and programs.

This office also liaises and connects TRU with the surrounding Indigenous communities and organizations for research, partnerships and collaboration.

We support Indigenization efforts at every level of the university and provide specific support for Indigenous employees, students and Indigenous communities.

Meet the team

Faculty

Tina Matthew

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.

Vernie Clement

Dahooja. Si Vernie Clement ts'uhutni, Dakelh nusdli 'ink'ez Lhoosk'uz Whut'en. Su'uma 'en Rosa Chantyman, 'en Lhoosk'uz whut'en, 'ink'ez su'uba 'inle 'en Nazkoh whut'en 'ant'e. Su'adoo 'inle 'en Agnes Chantyman 'en sghestan 'uski nusdli da, Lheyidli 'ink'ez Lhoosk'uz whuz. K'an Kamloops (T'kemlups) 'et 'usda 'ink'ez Thompson Rivers University whuz 'ust'en. Vernie is the Son of Rosa Chantyman (Lhoosk’uz Dene) and the Late Vernie Clement Sr. (Nazko Whut’en). Vernie belongs to the Lhoosk’uz Dene and is Dakelh. He was raised by his grandmother first in Tl’esqox (a Tŝilhqot'in community), and then moved to the isolated community of Lheyidli. After moving to Kamloops, he graduated with District Honours from Norkam Secondary and continued on to University College of the Cariboo (now TRU). With his experiences in the First Nations Student Association (Vice-President, and then President), as well as other volunteer and extra-curricular programs, Vernie joined Indigenous Student Development at Cplul’kw’ten (house 5) as the Mentor & Community Coordinator for 7 years and as Supervisor for 4 years, which serves First Nations (status/non-status), Inuit and Metis students. The supervisor oversees projects, maintains service levels, advocates, initiates programs, and acts as a liaison between on-campus and community partners with the goal of facilitating the personal, social and intellectual development of Indigenous students. Vernie also overseed practicum and work study students, and the Elder in the House program. As of January 2023, Vernie joined the Indigenous Education department as Associate Director and is now taking a one year secondment with Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics. He is currently enrolled in the Executive MBA, Indigenous Business and Leadership through Simon Fraser University.

Gabriel Archie

Raised in Tsq̓éscen̓ (Canim Lake) of the Secwépemc Nation, Gabriel was taught - and continues to teach - humility, compassion, gratitude, and hard work that shape strong and wonderful people. Gabriel graduated from Simon Fraser University with a diploma in Language Proficiency (Secwepemctsin), earned a Filmmaking Certificate from the Digital Film Academy, and a Web Development Certificate from Lighthouse Labs. His passion lies in Secwépemc language revitalization, and he uses his expertise in web and app development, filmmaking, and writing to create accessible resources to help people learn Secwepemctsín. Gabriel strives for a balanced lifestyle outside of work and enjoys writing, playing hockey, CrossFit, coding, and watching movies. Live in gratitude, it helps.

Wynona Edwards

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.

Karisa Barker

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 Edward

Robert Edward 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.

Kaleena Carriere

Kaleena Carriere (Loehr) is a proud Métis woman with citizenship in the Métis Nation of British Columbia, and family connections to Secwepemcúlucw through the Wilson, Oscar, Null and Lampreau families. An alumna of Thompson Rivers University’s Bachelor of Journalism program, she now serves as an Advancement Officer, leading Indigenous fund development efforts. Her primary fundraising priority is the new Indigenous Education Centre—a transformative space for learning, culture, and community. With a background in journalism, Indigenous relations, and community engagement, Kaleena is passionate about building relationships that foster meaningful support for Indigenous education. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services, advocating for programs that empower Indigenous children, youth, and families. Kaleena lives in Kamloops with her husband and their two young daughters, who inspire her commitment to lifelong learning and cultural revitalization.

Sharon Gottfriedson

Sharon Gottfriedson ren skwekwst, te Tsq̓éscen re st̓7é7kwen. K’émell emúmt-wen ne Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc with my family. My husband Ted Gottfriedson and I have four children and our first granddaughter. I am a passionate advocate of the strength and resiliency of our people. I am honoured to join the Office of Indigenous Education at Thompson Rivers University as the interim Associate Director. I received my Master of Business Administration in Indigenous Business and Leadership from Simon Fraser University and my Bachelor of Education from Thompson Rivers University. During my career I have gained experience working with First Nations communities, Indigenous organizations, educational institutions and industry partners. Currently, I am a PhD candidate in Interdisciplinary studies with the University of Saskatchewan. I am eager to support Indigenous initiatives at TRU and positive relationships with Indigenous communities.

Ted Gottfriedson

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.

Alexis Gottfriedson

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.

Dr. Garry Gottfriedson

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.

Thompson Rivers University campuses are on the ancestral lands of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc (Kamloops campus) and the T’exelc (Williams Lake campus) within Secwepemcúl̓ecw, the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc. The region TRU serves also extends into the territories of the St’át’imc, Nlaka’pamux, Nuxalk, Tŝilhqot'in, Dakelh, and Syilx peoples. » TRU Service Area » Secwepemcúl’ecw Territory

Major projects

Academic

Support for programs aimed at Indigenous students in the School of Nursing, Bachelor of Education, Trades, Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Arts, and Faculty of Law.

Coyote Project

Elimination of educational and employment gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians by setting measurable and achievable goals in the areas of participation, retention and completion rates of Indigenous students.

Aboriginal Service Plan (ASP)

Ministry of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills funding to support community, rural/urban Indigenization initiatives. For example, Transitions to Post-Secondary where we invite Indigenous students from school districts in the TRU service area — SD73 Kamloops, SD27 Williams Lake, SD58 Merritt, SD74 Gold Trail and SD83 Salmon Arm.

2021–2022 ASP 2016–2019 ASP 2015–2016 ASP

Universities Canada — Global Skills Opportunity

Outbound travel opportunities for Indigenous students — international Indigenous partnerships and student publications through the Knowledge Makers Journal in collaboration with the All My Relations Indigenous Research Centre.

This image shows Sek̓lép (Creator, Trickster, teacher) on his educational journey at TRU. This image is synonymous with indigenization and represents working in partnership and supporting one another.

  • Dark blue on the outside represents Séwllkwe (Water)
  • Green represents Specéc (Air)
  • Brown represents the Tmicw (Land)
  • Orange represents the Skwék̓w7es (Sun)
  • Yellow represents the Mégcen (Moon)
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