Knowledge Makers Journal

The Knowledge Makers Journal is a peer reviewed Indigenous Undergraduate Journal that is produced after the undergraduate Knowledge Makers workshop. The journal contains articles from both current and alumni Knowledge Makers and Indigenous academics.

2016: Volume 1

Our 2016 journal had 21 contributors. We opened with Marcus Scherer’s reflections on his participation in Knowledge Makers, who reminds us of the importance of research and how research and education has shaped us all. We then shared our thoughts on Indigenous research methodologies, photography, education, governance, law, environment, and identity. Indigenous scholars offer their reflections on the importance of Indigenous research. We closed with Elder Mike Arnouse, whose words took us back to a moment in time where we shared stories, laughter, and song, and reminded us that our efforts today can influence future possibilities.

2017: Volume 2

Our 2017 journal had 22 contributors. We open with Marina Troke’s paper on the critical potency (like ‘lightning’) of Indigenous researchers being knowledge makers. The following papers then weaved together knowledge making on identity, youth, art, research methods, international understandings, technology, social work, e-portfolios, substance abuse, communication, researcher mentoring, culture and politics, tourism, cultural safety, sustainable hunting, achievement in post-secondary education, Secwépemc research, and Secwépemc epistemology. Threaded alongside the undergraduate Knowledge Makers’ papers were those from past Knowledge Makers and established Indigenous scholars, further strengthening our expanding Knowledge Makers research community.  We closed with Elder Mike Arnouse’s words, who reminded us that we come from strength; through our work together as knowledge makers we draw on our “original capabilities.” It is this collective strength, this potential, that is so present throughout this Knowledge Makers journal.

2018: Volume 3

Our 2018 journal had 21 contributors. We open with Aaron Fredborg, who explores the impact of the current K-12 system on Indigenous students and suggests a way forward that is inclusive of all learners. We share our thoughts on Indigenous research, the importance of our languages and cultural practices in resurgence, self-determination and self-governance, and how our epistemologies can interact with Western epistemologies. We reflect on authentic tourism experiences, the cultural and ecological impacts of declining salmon stocks, and our own personal biases. Our last article comes from Roxie Defant, who urges us to “forget decolonization and reconciliation” and “start with radical cultural resurgence.” We close with words from Elder Mike Arnouse, who reminds us what we do as Indigenous researchers is share our people’s knowledge and stories in ways that are inspired by Coyote. This has been a great journey that is a privilege to share with everyone.

2019: Volume 4

Our 2019 journal had 24 contributors. We open with Sandra Bandura, who reflects on the words of the Knowledge Makers who came before her and the lessons that they offer: “they are the front line, the leaders and the inspiration for me and others. By using their voices, I demonstrate the idea of interconnected knowledge and our connection to each other.” We then share our thoughts on dismantling the Eurocentric foundations of social work, addressing the racism inherent in the justice system, and the impact of colonization on language retention. From there we discuss the loss of medicinal plants, responses to macroaggressions, seeing justice for our communities, healing from addiction, and residential schools. We reflect on our family histories and how they tie to the wider colonial project, the failure of the justice system to uphold the honour of our families, and we ask Thompson Rivers University to uphold its commitment to Indigenous learners. We close with Stephanie Tourand and her reflections on learning to “jig in both worlds” as she balances Indigenous knowledge-making and the academy.

2020: Volume 5

Our 2020 journal had 21 contributors. We begin with a remembering of Elder Estella Patrick-Moller, whom this journal is dedicated to, and her inspiring ways and words. The papers within helped us to discover the interconnectedness of the path we walk, and the impact of tourism on Indigenous cultures and communities. We discuss the impact and natural ecological influences that climate change left on Indigenous women. We discuss the preservation of a culture through art, and the value of holding onto traditional Indigenous ways in contemporary times. We close with a quote from Elder Estella “Being part of Knowledge Makers has opened up a door that I thought might never happen in my lifetime. I’m just so grateful now that all the knowledge that I have is not going to get lost. I’m so proud of you.”