December 17, 2024

Jocelyn Jones joined the Can-SOLVE CKD Network in 2022 in the role of coordinator for the Indigenous Peoples’ Engagement and Research Council (IPERC). Over the past two years, she has fully embraced her work with the council and become an integral part of both Can-SOLVE CKD’s Operations Team and the Indigenous Initiatives Team.  

In November, Jocelyn was promoted to the role of Indigenous Initiatives Manager. This new role within Can-SOLVE CKD reflects the growth in the depth and breadth of IPERC’s work within the network, as well as our continuing focus on amplifying Indigenous voices within the network and beyond.  

We sat down with Jocelyn to hear about what she’s learned from her work with IPERC, her commitment to Indigenous health, and her vision for her new role within the network. 

You started with Can-SOLVE CKD as the IPERC coordinator. What skills and learnings have you gained through that role? 

I think the biggest learning has been working with people. I especially liked working on the Knowledge Keepers in Research project during my first week with the network. I felt so grateful to be able to sit in the space with Knowledge Keepers and Elders and have the opportunity to hear their wisdom.  

My job is to support and facilitate Council meetings and ensure that Indigenous voices are reflected back into the network. There are a lot of different dynamics and moving parts within patient-oriented research and our network. Over the years, I’ve developed an understanding of our strategic plan and future goals. This will help me in my new role. 

What’s your vision of your new role as Indigenous Initiatives Manager? 

In my new role, I’ll support in advancing the strategic plan that IPERC has created and implement Indigenizing principles [into our work]. I think this role will give me an opportunity to expand on my project management opportunities, which I really enjoy.  

In the new year, we’ll look for ways of expanding collaborations with other organizations—share our work more outwards. We are really good at sharing successes within the network, in our circles, but we need to spread the work outwards when we think about the sustainability of Can-SOLVE CKD beyond Phase 2. 

What aspects of this future work are you most excited about? 

I’m really excited about the implementation of our IDEA audit, working with the IDEA Advisory Board to identify actionable items to address. I’m also really looking forward to developing collaborations or partnerships with other Indigenous organizations, to bring the work of our Indigenous initiatives more outwards.  

Why is work that advances Indigenous health important to you? 

This work is very important to me. I think reconnecting with my mom’s side—our First Nations, Anishinaabe culture—and learning more about my roots has fostered a kind of understanding, not only about intergenerational trauma, but the resiliency of Indigenous people to continue doing this work. We need to make sure that Indigenous peoples are leading research, not being researched on. 

Anything to add? 

I’m really grateful to IPERC co-chairs Arlene Desjarlais and Cathy Woods for their mentorship and guidance, and Craig Settee as well. I’ve learned so much from the whole Can-SOLVE CKD team over the years.