Staff Members

Chio Gonzalez

Research and Communications Assistant

I am a Filipino immigrant from Manila and uninvited guest living and working on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh lands.

I support our unit’s internal and external communications and research activities.

Christine Wasiak

Longhouse Building Manager

Born to a post-World War 2 European refugee, I am an ally who has had the privilege of serving the Longhouse community since 2001.

I work to make Longhouse and Xwi7xwa Library spaces comfortable for Indigenous, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students and stakeholders.

Cody Bugler

Student Engagement Coordinator

I am nêhiyaw (Cree) from Red Pheasant Cree Nation in Treaty 6 territory, and an uninvited guest on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh lands.

I coordinate Indigenous student programming and events at the Longhouse.

Henry Ornar

Administrative Support I (Facilities/Reception)

I am of Métis and settler descent.

In addition to being the first point of contact for Longhouse visitors, I support events and building operations.

Jackson Farmer

Musqueam and UBC Youth Educational and Bridge Through Sport Coordinator

I am an uninvited guest working and residing on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh.

I coordinate various community spaces, sports, and educational programming for Musqueam, including Bridge Through Sport youth initiatives.

Joely Viveiros

Associate Director/Acting Director (on leave)

I am Gitxsan from the community of Gitwangak, located in northwestern BC, with familial ties to Haisla in Kitamaat.

I manage the operations of the First Nations House of Learning and Longhouse activities, and participate in UBC-wide Indigenous engagement meetings.

Kevin Ward

Research and Communications Officer/Acting Director

I am a member of the Mikisew Cree First Nation, located in Treaty 8 territory, now living and working on beautiful Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh lands.

I eagerly support our unit’s mandate through communication and research initiatives and I embrace opportunities to support today’s generation of Indigenous learners.

Larry Grant

Elder-In-Residence

Elder Grant offers a Musqueam welcome at Indigenous student lunches and related events.

Mischa Makortoff

Executive Coordinator

I am a settler with mixed Russian Doukhobor, Scottish, and Irish heritage and an uninvited guest on the traditional, unceded territory of the Musqueam people.

I coordinate executive meetings and assist with event planning.

Preethi Denis Coutinho

Administrative Coordinator

I am an immigrant settler from Mumbai, India and an uninvited guest living and working on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

With a deep-rooted love for numbers and people, I support the unit through finance, budgeting, and HR coordination. Beyond spreadsheets and procurement, I’m drawn to creating structure that nurtures care—helping the Longhouse community run smoothly so people can connect, learn, and grow.

Samika Bhimani

Community Programs Assistant

I am an uninvited settler from Mumbai, India working and residing on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh.

I support the administration and facilitation of student programming and events at the Longhouse.

Tanya Boult

Indigenous Collegium Coordinator

I am Oji-Cree from Treaty 4 territory in Saskatchewan and a registered member of the Keeseekoose First Nation.

I guide and support student advisors to become leaders in the šxʷta:təχʷəm student space.