Dr. Jessica Barudin

Biography

Jessica Barudin is an Assistant Professor in the School of Community and Regional Planning at the University of British Columbia. She is a member of the Kwakwaka’wakw and serves as an elected leader for the ‘Namgis Nation. Her academic work is framed by a values-driven, relationship-centered approach to community planning, emphasizing the importance of supporting community-led processes within Indigenous communities. Her research focuses on Indigenous community planning, including language revitalization and holistic approaches to wellness. Jessica earned her PhD in Individualized Studies from Concordia University, where her dissertation titled 'Braiding Knowledge Breath, Language, Movement' explored culturally-responsive, trauma-informed community wellness programs for Kwakwaka’wakw Nations women. Her innovative initiatives include co-creating the Nations Women's Yoga initiative, aimed at empowering diverse women and two-spirit individuals through culturally-rooted yoga training. Jessica is also a founding member of the Indigenous Yoga Collective, highlighting her commitment to fostering well-being among Indigenous yoga educators.

Research Interests