The PRRO is a team of skilled professionals with experience in a wide range of fields including, forestry, archaeology, anthropology, First Nations’ Governance, environmental mitigation and remediation, geographic information systems (GIS), cultural heritage resource management, environmental resource management, and strategic planning.
Our staff experience covers the private and public sectors with several organizations like the provincial government, local government, consulting, and First Nations’ organizations.
Dr. David Schaepe is the Director & Senior Archaeologist of the Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre at Stó:lō Nation. He has worked for over 15 years as a community-based researcher addressing issues of aboriginal rights and title, heritage management policy and practice, repatriation, land use planning, archaeological research, and education and outreach. He earned his PhD in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia in 2009. In addition to working at Stó:lō Nation, he is an adjunct professor in Simon Fraser University’s School of Resource and Environmental Management, and an instructor of Indigenous Studies at the University of the Fraser Valley. His research interests are multi-disciplinary in nature and include household archaeology, oral history, Stó:lō-Coast Salish settlement patterning and community organization, cultural landscape management, and issues of aboriginal rights and title. Dr. Schaepe has over 25 years of experience in archaeology/anthropology, and cultural heritage research and resource management.
Matt was the first of his family to be born in Canada, his parents both being born to New Zealand settler families. Graduating from UBC with a Major in Anthropology, he worked as a field archaeologist across BC before returning to school at BCIT for an Advance Diploma in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Following his graduation from that program, he was hired at the Sto:lo Research and Resource Management Centre (SRRMC) in 2012 just as StoloConnect.com and The People of the River Referrals Office (PRRO) were about to launch. He now manages PRRO.
Sandy is a proudly connected to Leq’á:mel First Nation. She started with the SRRMC in Sept 2013 as an Archaeology researcher, and later joined the PRRO as the Referrals Administrator, which can be contacted at [email protected].
Damodar has a background in natural resource management, land use planning, protected areas, conservation policy, and traditional ecological knowledge. In addition to working as a Referrals Officer, he is also the Lands and Natural Resource Officer at the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe that includes the communities of Aitchelitz First Nation, Shxwha:y Village, Skowkale First Nation, Soowhalie Indian Band, Squiala First Nation, Tzeachten First Nation, and Yakweakwioose First Nation.
Gina was raised by her Grandparents in Seabird Island and spent her high school years in White Rock. After working in retail for a short
time, Gina boarded a plane to Japan where she lived for two years teaching english and travelling throughout Asia. Since then, Gina has
returned home and has planted firm roots by starting a beautiful family with two girls, Stephany and Candace. When not working, she can usually be found at the nearest lake on her paddle board or boat!
Nathaniel Point is from Skowkale First Nation and has been practicing his culture for most of his life. He has just finished his degree in mathematics, and is excited to do work as a referral officer.
“My goal is to help break barriers and build relationships between both worlds. I think this job will help me see what kind of relationships there are and what can be improved on. At the end of the day we all share this land now, and we have to work together to make sure it lasts.”
Amanda is from Sts’ailes First Nation, a graduate from UFV with a Major in Indigenous Studies and Minor in Sociology with an Intermediate Proficiency Associate Certificate in Modern Languages with a concentration in Halq’eméylem. In addition to learning Halq’eméylem I maintain a relationship with our Sxwōxwiyám, which as Xwélmexw people, we understand carry our history. This is relevant to my role because I am someone who has developed a framework of Indigenous and Western ontologies that center Indigeneity. I intend to pay respect and reverence to S’ólh (Stó:lō) Téméxw as PRRO Federal Referral Officer and look forward to the shared responsibility of caring for the territory with the Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre (SRRMC).
Marla grew up on a rural acreage outside of Edmonton surrounded by wilderness and nature. Developing a passion for environmental sustainability, she studied environmental sciences and plant pathology at the University of Alberta before moving to BC for a career opportunity. Her favorite things about the Fraser Valley and Stó:lō Téméxw include the mild weather, mountains, and serene forests. Her professional interests include environmental sciences and conservation, ecology, pest management, as well as a wide variety of biology fields. Marla aims to dedicate her career towards not-for-profit initiatives that support communities and protect land.
Emma is a recent graduate from the University of Victoria, with a Bachelor of Science Double Major in Geography and Environmental Studies. Her educational background emphasizes sustainability, GIS skills, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge. With a passion for finding solutions that work for both people and the environment, Emma is excited to apply her knowledge and gain expertise in this role.
Dani Kent is the Communications Coordinator for the S’olh Temexw Stewardship Alliance (STSA), with a background in television, radio, and print news (graduated from NAIT’s Broadcasting Program in 2004). She also brings her expertise in web building and design, SEO, and digital marketing to her current role. Since leaving broadcasting (most recently Global BC in 2018), she has focused on expanding her communications skillset by gaining experience in local government communications roles and obtaining her Associate Diploma in Graphic Design.
