Meet the Advisors

Emily Roberts

Hi! My name is Emily, and my family is from the Gitxsan Nation, specifically the Gitanmaax Band in Hazelton, BC. I am going into my third year of the Bachelor of Science program, majoring in Biology.

I am super excited about this role mainly to be able to meet and connect with new people. I can’t wait to meet you all this year!

FUN FACTS

  1. I started learning to bead this year and it has become one of my favourite pastimes.
  2. If I could eat one food for the rest of my life, it would be sushi.
  3. I love cooking and baking!

Emma Ward

Hi everyone! My name is Emma, and I am a Cree student in the Faculty of Arts at UBC. I am heading into my second year and planning to major in First Nations and Indigenous Studies. I am originally from Edmonton, Alberta, but my ancestry comes from Driftpile Cree Nation in Alberta on Treaty 8 Territory. I’d like to start by acknowledging that I live, learn, work, and play on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, whose stewardship and care for this land continue to this day.

I’m incredibly excited about this role because I am passionate about building inclusive, supportive communities and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. Whether it’s helping new students find their footing or organizing engaging activities, I love being part of work that brings people together and makes a positive impact. I can’t wait to get to know all of you and work together this year!

FUN FACTS

  1. I’ve played volleyball and softball for three years and still try to play whenever I can.
  2. I’m a blackbelt in Taekwondo.
  3. I’m from Edmonton, so I’m a big Oilers fan!

Hunter Sampson

What’s up, doc? I’m Hunter! I’m with the Faculty of Education in the NITEP program, and I am from the Lil’wat and Wasanec Nations.

I’m excited about getting the opportunity to be an advisor at šxʷta:təχʷəm because during the most recent academic year, I spent most of my time in the space studying or just enjoying the space and presence of past advisors. I hope that I can be as beautiful as they are.

FUN FACTS

  1. I’m pretty decent at drawing dinosaurs.
  2. My four siblings’ names all start with “H”.
  3. I have a beauty day everyday!

Jasper Brodie

Hi everyone! My name is Jasper, and I’m currently studying in the Faculty of Arts here at UBC. I’m from the Kwaw-kwaw-apilt First Nation, which is part of the Stó:lō Nation. I was born in New Westminster and have lived on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples all my life.

I’m really excited to be joining the First House of Learning and šxʷta:təχʷəm as a student advisor this year. I’m looking forward to connecting with other Indigenous students, helping create a warm and welcoming space in the lounge, and supporting community-building events that celebrate who we are and where we come from. I’m really looking forward to meeting all of you!

FUN FACTS

  1. I have a very vocal Siamese cat who’s basically the boss of my household.
  2. I love painting and crafting, and I’m always working on some kind of creative project.
  3. I’m a bit of a gender, race, and sexuality studies nerd and love learning about how culture, health, and identity shape the way we think and live.

Jazmine Andrew

Kalhwá7alap nsnek̓wnúk̓wa7 (hi everyone)! Éntsa sTs̓qáxa7 skwátsits. Sama7 nskwátsits Jazmine Andrew. My traditional Ucwalmícwts name is Ts̓qáxa7, and my given name is Jazmine Andrew. I’m from the Lil̓wat Nation, Mount Currie, BC, which is one of the St̓át̓imc Nations, part of Interior Salish unceded territories. I am also Sinhalese from Sri Lanka. I’ll be going into my third year, currently focusing on First Nations Indigenous Studies and Visual Art.

I am so honoured to be returning as a šxʷta:təχʷəm advisor again, and am beyond grateful to be a part of this community at the UBC Longhouse. If we haven’t met yet, please don’t hesitate to reach out or say hi!

Jess McLay

My name is Jess (she/they) and I’m nêhiyaw from Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 8 on my mom’s side, and Scottish and English on my dad’s. I’m in my fifth year studying Speech Sciences and First Nations and Endangered Languages.

This will be my second year as an advisor, and I had so much fun getting to know everyone last year—we have amazing people in this space. I’m looking forward to making even more memories!

FUN FACTS

  1. I’m learning nêhiyawêwin and hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓.
  2. I make balloon animals.
  3. Hippos make me happy!

Kylie McKay-Nguyen

Hello, my name is Kylie McKay-Nguyen. I’m a person of mixed Vietnamese and First Nations heritage, with deep-rooted ties to Manitoba. On my father’s side, I’m predominantly Ojibwe, with ancestral ties to both the Dakota and Cree Nations. While Winnipeg, MB, is my true home, I grew up in Surrey, BC. I’m deeply honoured to be a student here at UBC, where I am currently in my third year pursuing a major in Sociology and a minor in Health and Society (HESO). Following graduation, I plan to pursue a master’s degree with the goal of becoming a social worker.

Being a part of the šxʷta:təχʷəm team this year is especially meaningful to me, as the role holds personal significance for me. My passion for social work began in high school, when my Indigenous social worker inspired me with her kindness and taught me to find hope even in the darkest of times—a lesson I carry with me and strive to pass on. Please feel welcome to reach out to me anytime!

FUN FACTS

  1. My name comes from the pop singer Kylie Minogue.
  2. One of my favourite songs of all time is Mykonos by the Fleet Foxes.
  3. I once had to outrun a flying bat.

Logan West

My name is Logan West, and I am Haida and Kwakwakka’wakw from the We Wai Kai Nation.

I am excited to join this role and meet new people, as well as continue to engage with the growing community of šxʷta:təχʷəm.

FUN FACTS

  1. I am majoring in Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Social Justice.
  2. I enjoy playing games and trying new places to eat!

Myah Lothian

Hello! My name is Myah, I am Stó:lō First Nations and mixed ancestry. I am entering my fourth year in Faculty of Arts studying Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Social Justice.

I am looking forward to returning as an advisor in šxʷta:təχʷəm this year and meeting new people! I am looking forward to a great year!

FUN FACTS

  1. I come from a small but close family, who I love very much.
  2. In my spare time, I enjoy watching movies and TV shows, going on walks, and art!

Niigonii White-Eye

Boozhoo! My name is Niigonii White-Eye (he/him), and I’m Anishinaabe from Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. I’m in the Faculty of Arts at UBC, majoring in Human Geography.

This is my second time being in this role, and I’m excited to keep building on the foundation of community we’ve created within šxʷta:təχʷəm. I do my best to walk in a good way and stay grounded in the values and knowledge shared with me. I’m always open to exchanging knowledge, stories, and laughs. I’m very much looking forward to the year ahead and everything we’ll create together.

FUN FACTS

  1. I love watching and playing all kinds of sports.
  2. I’m a Land Guardian for my community.
  3. I’m really into yoyos.

Penny J. Guillion

Tansi, my name is Penny J. I was born and raised in my woodland Cree community of Wabasca, Bigstone Cree Nation in Northern Alberta. I am in my last year of the Film Production program with a minor in Indigenous Studies.

I am so excited to be returning to the advisor role to continue supporting our community through different cultural events!

FUN FACTS

  1. I make ribbon skirts.
  2. I like paddle boarding.
  3. I’ve had a documentary featured in film festivals in a handful of countries.

Page updated: August 28, 2025