Paving the way for Two-Spirit voices in academia and policy design

Learn more about the Doctor of Social Sciences program.  

Rocky James, a student in the Doctor of Social Sciences program at Royal Roads University, is bringing his expertise in policy design, combined with his living experience as a Two-Spirit person, to contribute to a burgeoning field of research.  

James is Coast Salish from the Penelakut Tribe, and lives on Penelakut Island. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous/Xwul’muxw/Hwul’muhw Studies, from Vancouver Island University, and his master's degree in the Studies in Policy and Practice program at the University of Victoria (program no longer available). He is the manager of Indigenous Community Partnerships in the Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement at Vancouver Island University, and the sole proprietor of Salish Social Policy Design and Practice. 

His dissertation, Applying Coast Salish oral histories and language in Indigenous science to maintain relational accountability with the land in a time of climate (in)justice and reconciliation, recently earned a SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship grant of $120,000.  

Research grounded in identity 

“Speaking from the heart, I have to acknowledge that this degree for me is really about making space for myself as a Two-Spirit person,” he says. “And that comes after 10 years of working as an Indigenous policy analyst for various communities and organizations.”  

“I am…a proud Two-Spirit person. I've been out since I was 16 years old, done a lot of advocacy work for Two-Spirit and queer people,” he shares. “[I’m] trying to do my best to make as much academic space as I can through this degree as a Two-Spirit person.”  

James’ research will focus specifically on policies related to Indigenous language revitalization and climate (in)justice.  At the same time, his research is evolving as he melds family, community, career, and academic responsibilities into one cohesive study on policy.  

Transforming grief into purpose 

After the recent death of his mother in June 2025, James explains that he’s been asked to “start filling her shoes” – a difficult task as his mother, Elder Dr. Florence James, was a deeply respected Knowledge Holder and Wisdom Keeper, a Hul’q’umi’num language expert and teacher, a devout educator on culture and ecology, a powerful advocate for early childhood education, a holistic healer, and a loving family member, friend, and mentor to many. 

“This [doctorate] gives me the opportunity to transform my grief into something that could be very powerful for myself, my family and my community as well,” says James.  

Part of that transformation process includes a review of his mother’s testimony in the Tl'uqtinus (or Cowichan Nation Alliance) Case – a landmark ruling in 2025 in favour of The Cowichan Nation Alliance (including Cowichan Tribes, Stz’uminus First Nation, Penelakut Tribe, and Halalt First Nation), recognizing Aboriginal title to roughly 1,846 acres of their traditional village land and surrounding areas at Tl'uqtinus on the south shore of Lulu Island in Richmond. 

“The legal representation for the Cowichan Alliance said there were two Elders’ testimonies that clinched the case,” explains James. “My mom's testimony was one of them. It's taken 10 months since my mother died to have the courage to start to read her testimony. I'm glad that I waited because she mentions me extensively in the early part of her testimony.”  

Guided by family and connection

James found himself at Royal Roads after being encouraged by a relative, Dr. Tasha Brooks (who is now the first Research Chair in Indigenous Economic Systems and Development at RRU), during a course they were teaching together at VIU.  

“Seeing my cousin working on her PhD and teaching Indigenous Studies and helping communities in different ways inspired me to go back to school,” says James.  

“I just firmly believe that my purpose in life is to be a queer Indigenous policy analyst and to make more room for other queer Indigenous people who want their master's and PhD in policy or administration or public sector management,” James concludes. “Just to open that door for other Two-Spirit people.”