Honouring the Contributions of Braiding Knowledges Canada’s Departing Board and Research Management Committee Members

Many of these members have been part of this journey for nearly a decade, beginning with the Canadian Mountain Network, a Network Centre of Excellence, and continuing through its evolution into BKC. Their contributions have been foundational to BKC’s commitment to Indigenous-led and co-led braided research, helping guide the organization’s transition and successful application for funding through the Strategic Science Fund.

Together, these members have helped BKC navigate the complexities of braiding knowledge systems and weave this approach throughout the organization, from governance and strategic decision-making to research management and the people working directly with communities and on the land. Their collective leadership, expertise and support have helped establish a strong foundation for BKC’s work and its future.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to each of these departing members:

• Gùdia (Mary Jane Johnson) — Research Management Committee and Indigenous Circle of Advisors (ICA). Elder of Kluane First Nation and member of the Tutchone Heritage Society, Gùdia has dedicated decades to Indigenous language revitalization, cultural continuity and environmental stewardship.
• Dr. Julia Klein — Research Management Committee. Professor of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability at Colorado State University, Julia has advanced collaborative approaches that bring Indigenous ways of knowing and Western science together to support mountain sustainability.
• Marlin Legare — Board, Research Management Committee and Indigenous Circle of Advisors (ICA). Métis researcher and project coordinator, Marlin has contributed to Indigenous research and health sciences, bringing valuable perspectives on the health and well-being of Indigenous communities.
• Meagan Grabowski — Research Management Committee. Researcher, biologist and consultant, Meagan has championed collaborative stewardship and the meaningful involvement of northern residents at every stage of research.
• Lawrence Ignace — Board (Vice Chair), Research Management Committee and Indigenous Circle of Advisors (Chair). Anishinaabe scholar and researcher, Lawrence has helped advance Indigenous Knowledge and explore how Indigenous knowledge systems and Western science can inform one another.
• Lynne Hately — Board (Treasurer). With extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, finance and fundraising, Lynne has supported BKC through financial oversight and stewardship, helping strengthen the organization’s long-term sustainability.
• Alida Oegema Thomas — Board (Secretary). Drawing on her experience in First Nations-led health policy, governance and community-based research, Alida has helped support BKC’s governance and organizational direction.
• Wendy Wan — Board member. Bringing more than a decade of accounting and audit experience, Wendy has contributed expertise in financial management, risk oversight and nonprofit governance, supporting BKC’s organizational stability.