Our people

Jonathan is a researcher and program manager for Ch’nook. In his role, Jonathan works with the Ch’nook Scholars Program and the Downtown Eastside deliveries of the Ch’nook Accelerated Business Program (ABP) as well as does research and program evaluation for the centre.

Prior to joining Ch’nook in January 2017, Jonathan worked in management consulting, focusing on customer strategy research in the utilities sector. Outside of work and school, Jonathan has spent time volunteering with various LGBT+, immigrant, and labour organizations. 

Jonathan holds two degrees in Music Theory – a BA from Florida State University (2009) and an MA from the University of British Columbia (2012). Jonathan also sits on the board of Erato, a Vancouver-based chamber music ensemble, and sings with the Juno-nominated Chor Leoni Men’s Choir.

Erin is a program manager for Ch'nook Indigenous Business Education. Erin leads the Aboriginal Management Program (AMP) and supports other Ch'nook initiatives and research.

Prior to joining the Ch'nook team, Erin worked for ten years with the provincial government as a First Nations Engagement Officer in Strategic Engagement with BC Wildfire Service. Erin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Vancouver Island University as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, with a double major in art history and visual arts. In her spare time, Erin loves spending time outdoors and giving back to community through volunteering for various non-profit organizations.

Publications:

Catherall, E.E., Janes, J.K., Josefsson, C.A., and Gorrell, J.C. 2018. Spatial and temporal assessments of genetic structure in an endangered Gary oak ecosystem on Vancouver Island. Botany. 96: 257 - 265.

Richenda is the Administrative Assistant for Ch’nook Indigenous Business Education providing front counter support while overseeing the administration of the unit including program coordination, student services and event coordination.

Prior to joining the Ch’nook team, Richenda worked for Líl̓wat Nation in various roles including Administrative Assistant for the Lands and Resources department, Social Development Worker for the Social Services department and Assistant Manager for the Xet̓ólacw Tsi’pun Supermarket.

Richenda is a proud member of Líl̓wat Nation in Mount Currie, BC. Her given ancestral name is “Psil’itqwa” which translates to “Morning Glory” and is fitting for this early riser. Outside of the office, Richenda enjoys hiking and biking, but is happiest cooking up a gourmet meal and enjoying it with her children. She is a single mother and sits on the Líl̓wat Nation Community Land Use Planning Committee. Richenda is also a member of the UBC Sauder Workplace Wellness Committee and the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee.