Our team
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Dr. Rod McCormick
Director of All my Relations Indigenous Research Centre
Kanienkehaka
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.
Jeneen Herns-Jensen
Associate Director of All my Relations Indigenous Research Centre
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.
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.
Shriya Chandna
Divisional Assistant All My Relations Research Centre
Indian
Born and raised in New Delhi, India, Shriya made Kamloops her new home when she moved to Canada in 2023. She has a Master of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Hotel Administration. She is a former Hotelier and has worked extensively with Diplomatic Missions in India, particularly with the Canadian Government, IRCC, and the U.S. Department of State.
Currently, Shriya supports the All My Relations Research Centre and the Knowledge Makers Program at TRU. She is keen on learning about Indigenous communities, language, culture, and their ways of being.
She loves travelling, trying new cuisines, watching sunsets, and exploring the outdoors and wilderness in beautiful British Columbia. She is a language enthusiast and can speak 5 languages and dialects.
Chuying Jiao
Knowledge makerS coordinator
Chinese
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, working 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.
Peyton Anderson
Research Coordinator
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 aims to explore the profound connection between Indigenous peoples and the land as a source of well-being and cultural resilience.
Kirsten Glass
Research Assistant
Of Settler Descent
Born and raised in St. Albert, AB, within Treaty 6 territory, Kirsten relocated to Kamloops in 2020. Equipped with a General Management Diploma from Camosun College, she is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Communication and Digital Journalism with a minor in Marketing at TRU. Her passions lie in accessibility, decolonization, and design.
At TRU, Kirsten has served in various research assistant roles, including at TRU Makerspace and Rethink Learning Design, alongside assisting in classroom learning as a Student Teaching Assistant in Communications and Visual Arts.
Currently, Kirsten leads the TRUSU Social Dance Club as president and dedicates her spare time to fostering the campus community through innovative initiatives.
Ellis Dakota Knife Rondquist
Research Assistant
Métis
Ellis Rondquist is a Métis social work student with a minor in Sociology whose research focuses on body sovereignty, comprehensive sex education, and community advocacy. Passionate about addressing systemic issues through an Indigenous rights and social justice lens, Ellis brings a unique perspective to their work.
Their experience includes serving as a work-study student with Indigenous Education, a peer mentor at TRU Makerspace and a Marketing and Sponsorship Chair role for the TRU PHP (Philosophy, History, and Politics) Conference. Through these roles, they have cultivated skills in collaboration and advocacy that have greatly influenced their academic journey.
Motivated by a commitment to transformative change, Ellis centers its work on advocating for marginalized communities and promoting holistic, community-driven solutions. It aims to continue this work in its future practice, creating pathways for empowerment and equitable access to resources.
Brian Burciaga
Research Assistant
West Moberly First Nations
Brian Burciaga is a Software Engineering graduate with a strong foundation in software development. In addition to his technical expertise, he is passionate about deepening his understanding of Indigenous culture, environmental sustainability, and the intersection of these with technology.
His diverse experience includes serving as an Indigenous mentor at Cplul’kw’ten, contributing a research paper to the Knowledge Makers program, and gaining practical experience as a software developer during his co-op placement.
Brian is advancing his career as a Research Assistant, supporting various projects. At the same time, he continues to work as a Software Developer, applying his technology skills to real-world solutions.
Olivia Lane
Research Assistant
Métis
Olivia Lane is a proud Métis woman who grew up on the unceded ancestral territory of the Shíshálh Nation on the Sunshine Coast, BC. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology and is pursuing a Social Work degree at TRU. Olivia is deeply committed to community wellness and empowerment and has supported diverse groups as a facilitator, mentor, and support worker.
During her time at TRU, Olivia has served as a Student Wellness Ambassador, Indigenous Mentor, and a member of the MotionBallU Executive Committee. Her research interests focus on marginalized populations, including perceptions of racial bias among international students and faculty and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
In addition, Olivia has published an article on incarcerated Indigenous Peoples and Restorative Justice in Knowledge Makers, Volume 9. Outside of her professional work, she is passionate about beading, houseplants, kayaking, and hiking with her dog.