The Team
Meet the learning constellation members
Anishinaabe Star
Bkejwanong, Gnoozhekaaning, and Baawiting
Nicholas Reo
Principal Investigator
I'm a faculty member in the Department of Indigenous Studies at Simon Fraser University. I'm an enrolled member of the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. As an Anishinaabe community member, I am always learning and trying to share what I know in a responsible way.
Minogiizhgad
Co-Researcher / Knowledge Keeper
Minogiizhgad (Fine Day) is Anishinaabe from Bkejwanong Territory (Walpole Island First Nation), Turtle Clan, and brings decades of experience in cultural knowledge, community leadership, and land-based education. He is dedicated to intergenerational learning alongside his partner of 39 years, Zhaawshko Giizhgo Waaboyaan Kwe (Sky Blue Blanket Woman), their four children, and three grandchildren.
Jesse Bowen
Co-Researcher
Joshua Biron
Co-Researcher
Kānaka Maoli Star
Hawaiʻi
Katie Kamelamela
Co-Principal Investigator
Aloha mai, I am an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University who studies ethnoecology (the relationship between people and the environment). My research focuses on historical and contemporary Native Hawaiian Forest plant gathering practices.
Joshua Lanakila Mangauil
Co-Researcher
Māori Star
Aotearoa
Jordan Waiti
Co-Principal Investigator (Aotearoa/NZ Lead)
Dr. Waiti (Ngāti Pikiao, Te Rarawa) has been researching and teaching Māori health and Development for the past 20 years. In 2015 he completed his PhD in Māori Public Health - with a focus on Whānau Resilience. In 2018 he was recognised as one of the 100 Māori Health Leaders.
Matariki Wainohu
Co-Researcher
Matariki Wainohu is a dedicated māmā, educator, and community leader committed to revitalising Māori knowledge and sustainability. As a founder of Whenua Wai Ora Ltd and a Kai Oranga lecturer, she empowers whānau to reconnect with te taiao, whakapapa, and kai sovereignty.
Tihema Makoare
Co-Researcher
Nuchatlaht First Nation Star
West Coast of Vancouver Island
Jordan Michael
Co-Researcher
My name is Jordan Michael, I am a proud member and hereditary chief of the Nuchatlaht tribe.
Mellissa Jack
Co-Researcher
My name Mellissa and my traditional name is Tsee-tsak-sup. I have a passion for learning our History, Culture and Language, as well as Indigenous Politics.
I feel that by learning our history we can start to build a strong foundation. Strengthening my teachings through education, I thrive to have a balance of education and cultural teachings that guides me.
I would like to see Nuchatlaht be a strong healthy community for generations to come as our ancestors would by lifting our people up.
Erick Michael
Co-Researcher
Sara Jansen
Co-Researcher
I have had several random jobs and experience in my lifetime, I feel like I bring a logical viewpoint to situations and am a problem-solver. I have been working with Nuchatlaht over 4 years, and the lifetime and work experience has helped me to grow into this role. Prior to Nuchatlaht I worked for local government in emergency management on south Vancouver Island for around 13 years, both in a regional coordination capacity, and in a local capacity. I can bring people together and find common themes in issues and always have ideas for solutions. I have a BComm from the University of Alberta and several other courses and certifications from my varied work history.
Simon Fraser University Star
Burnaby, British Columbia
Natahnee Winder
Co-Researcher
Dr. Natahnee Winder is a citizen of the Duckwater Shoshone Tribe and first descendent of the Navajo Nation, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and the Southern Ute Tribe. She is an Assistant Professor of Indigenous Studies and the School of Public Policy at Simon Fraser University. Dr. Winder's research interests are Health & Well-being, Indigenous Education, Ethnic & Race Relations, Community Based Participatory Research, Indigenous Research, and Qualitative Research.
Chelsey Geralda Armstrong
Co-Researcher
Chelsey Geralda Armstrong is an assistant professor in Indigenous Studies and associate member in the School of Resource and Environmental Management at SFU. She is a historical ecologist and archaeologist supporting Nuchatlaht-led archaeological and heritage management work on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Zoe Todd
Co-Researcher
Dr. Zoe Todd (she/they) is a fish nerd, artist, and writer from Alberta, Canada. They are a proud citizen of the Manitoba Métis Federation. Dr. Todd is Tier II Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Governance and Freshwater Fish Futures at Simon Fraser University. They run a community-oriented collective, the Institute for Freshwater Fish Futures, which brings together artists, storytellers, scientists, community leaders, and others to promote vibrant collective futures for humans and fish across diverse watersheds. You can check out their work at fishphilosophy.org.
Cassidy Acheson
Knowledge Mobilization Specialist
Cassidy is a settler researcher and knowledge mobilizer based on unceded xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) lands. With a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (Indigenous Studies and History), she focuses on building relationships and helping turn research into action through community-driven approaches.
Vinisha Chaudhary
Research Grants & Projects Coordinator
I'm a Research Grants & Projects Coordinator at the Institutional Strategic Awards at Simon Fraser University. Working with Dr. Reo, I provide comprehensive project support in the development and delivery of the Coastal Relationalities and Regeneration (CORR) research program. I'm looking forward to the meaningful work emerging from CORR, an Indigenous-led initiative that fosters community collaboration.
Mark Campbell
Research Project Manager
Mark has been facilitating research at SFU since 2009 and is assigned to the Coastal Relationalities and Regeneration team as lead administrator.