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), the MNBC Business Management Program, the MNBC Senior Leadership Program and other Ch'nook programs and initiatives.

Prior to joining the Ch'nook team, Erin worked for ten years with the provincial government in Communications 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.

Dennis is a member of səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) in Deep Cove, North Vancouver. He also has ancestral ties to Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish Nation), Welsh ancestry and close familial ties to xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Nation). His traditional name “Whonoak” means caretaker of a river. Dennis is deeply connected to his community and culture, where he serves as an elected councillor for his Nation.

Dennis has an MBA from SFU and brings 15+ years of professional experience from his work with his community, Tsleil-Waututh Nation. During that time, he led new business opportunities and explored future business partnerships, programs and projects. He has extensive experience in Indigenizing business initiatives – from large residential developments to sports facilities. As an active community member, Dennis has served on various Boards of Directors, including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Museum of Vancouver and City of Vancouver UNDRIP Task Force.

 Dennis prides himself on bringing people together and is committed to leaving a legacy that strengthens Indigenous peoples and, in turn, strengthens our entire society. Dennis has won several awards for his work including the 2022 Enduring Award from Capilano University Alumni Awards of Excellence, 2021 Business in Vancouver’s Top 40 Under 40, 2021 Award for Planning Excellence in the category of Planning for Reconciliation by Canadian Institute of Planners for the Heather Lands project.