SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

SDG 16

Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies.

TRU fosters ethical leadership, civic engagement and respect for human rights through programs that build transparent and accountable institutions. Through purposeful collaboration, communication and partnerships, TRU advances its mission and strategic priorities while enhancing understanding of the university’s role and impact within the region and beyond.

From policy-focused research and expert advice to inclusive public forums and responsible space use, TRU supports peaceful, just and inclusive societies by empowering dialogue, advancing evidence-based governance and strengthening democratic participation at local, regional and national levels.

Learn more about SDG 16

Thompson Rivers University

Ranked 201–300

For SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (Top third worldwide)

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Discover how TRU advanced this Sustainable Development Goal in 2024/25

University Governance Measures

Elected Representation

Thompson Rivers University operates under a tricameral governance model with three key bodies: the Board of Governors, the Senate, and the Planning Council for Open Learning. Both the board and senate feature elected members from students, faculty, administrative staff and alumni. Current membership information is publicly available through each governing body's website.

TRUSU

The Thompson Rivers University Students' Union (TRUSU) advocates for students, provides services, organizes events, and administers grants that enhance student life on campus and beyond.

Community Engagement and Participation

TRU invites community members to contribute through participation on the TRU Foundation Board of Directors, the TRU Community Trust and various search committees, such as the Presidential Search Committee.

Engaging with TRU

TRU welcomes opportunities to collaborate with organizations and individuals who share our commitment to learning, innovation and community engagement. Working together, we can strengthen connections, expand opportunities and create meaningful impact across the university and throughout the communities we serve.

To support this work, TRU:

Engages with government, industry, and community partners to advance shared goals.
Coordinates meetings, campus visits, and partnership events that foster dialogue and collaboration.
Highlights TRU’s achievements, priorities, and impact through strategic communication and storytelling.
Develops collaborations that align with TRU’s values and strategic objectives.
Encourages alumni and community members to contribute their expertise through participation on university committees and working groups.

Williams Lake First Nation Partnership Agreement

TRU’s partnership agreement with Williams Lake First Nation reflects a shared commitment to developing innovative programs for the St̓éxelcemc people, rooted in their ways of knowing, values, and philosophy. The agreement supports collaborative growth in trades, training, and academic pathways, with a focus on increasing Indigenous student success and expanding culturally relevant services such as mental-health support, language revitalization, and financial awards.

Knucwetwécw Agreement

The Knucwetwécw Agreement establishes a formal partnership between Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and TRU, creating an ongoing framework for collaboration on education, research, language revitalization and community priorities. The agreement includes joint monitoring, regular leadership meetings and shared commitments to Indigenous-led priorities and culturally safe practices.

Skeetchestn Indian Band Affiliation Agreement

TRU and the Skeetchestn Indian Band signed a formal affiliation agreement that establishes ongoing collaboration on education, training and community priorities. The agreement includes commitments to regular dialogue, Indigenous representation in university governance, and the co-development of programs and supports that reflect community needs and Secwépemc ways of knowing.

City of Kamloops Memorandum of Understanding

TRU’s memorandum of understanding with the City of Kamloops outlines a shared commitment to collaboration in areas such as educational programming, community-based research, and sustainable development. The agreement supports joint efforts in planning, infrastructure, and recreational initiatives, while fostering coordinated approaches to emergency management, engagement, and a strong TRU presence in downtown Kamloops.

SD 73 and TRU continue partnership to enhance lifelong learning for students

TRU and School District 73 (SD 73) have renewed their commitment to work together to enhance learning opportunities for students of all ages.

Qelmúcw Affairs Committee

The Qelmúcw Affairs Committee provides a formal mechanism for engagement between TRU and Indigenous communities, with representation from Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society, Métis organizations, School District 73, and Indigenous student representatives. The committee advises Senate on Indigenous education priorities, student success and alignment with Indigenous community interests.

Policies

Bribery and Corruption Policies

TRU upholds a strong commitment to openness and transparency, guided by institution-wide policies and procedures that help prevent and address unethical conduct.

Fraud Risk Management

TRU expects members of the university community to act honestly, with integrity, and in a manner that safeguards the university’s resources and reputation. The policy outlines responsibilities for reporting suspected fraud and establishes requirements for confidentiality, investigations and reporting.

Public Interest Disclosure

TRU is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct and promoting a culture of honesty, transparency and accountability. The policy provides a process for reporting serious wrongdoing and protects employees and contractors who make disclosures or participate in investigations in good faith.

Whistleblower

TRU encourages members of the university community to report suspected wrongdoing in good faith. The policy protects individuals from retaliation and interference when making a disclosure and supports the reporting and investigation of unethical, improper or unlawful conduct.

Conflict of Interest

TRU requires employees to avoid actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest and to disclose situations where personal interests may conflict with university responsibilities. The policy helps ensure decisions are made with integrity and in the best interests of the university.

Internal Audit

Internal Audit provides independent and objective assurance and advisory services that support effective governance, risk management and internal controls. Through a systematic and disciplined approach, Internal Audit helps the university identify risks, strengthen accountability and improve operational effectiveness.

Supplier Code of Conduct

TRU is committed to sourcing in an ethical, legally compliant and socially responsible manner. The code requires suppliers to comply with applicable laws and prohibits bribery, corruption and anti-competitive practices, including offering anything of value to government officials or university representatives to obtain an improper advantage.

Governance and Accountability

Academic Freedom

At TRU, academic freedom is protected and practised every day, guided by academia's principles and ethics, which are given concrete form in agreements between TRU and its faculty.

Financial Transparency

TRU publishes annual financial data to uphold governance standards and fiscal responsibility, ensuring accountability to the community and stakeholders.

Provide expert advice to the government

Local

City of Kamloops engagement groups

TRU contributes to municipal planning and sustainability through active participation in City of Kamloops engagement groups. Kaleena Carriere, Advancement Officer, and Catriona Leger, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Arts, serve on the Arts and Culture Engagement Group; Karolyn Hendra, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education and Social Work, contributes to the Early Learning and Child Care Engagement Group; James Gordon, Sustainability Director, serves on the Active Transportation Engagement Group; and Warren Asuchak, AVP of Campus Infrastructure, Sustainability and Ancillary Services, participates in the Development Cost Charge Engagement Group.

Kamloops Air Quality Roundtable

The TRU Sustainability Office is a member of the Kamloops Air Quality Roundtable, an initiative led by the Fraser Basin Council that promotes education and public awareness around air quality and climate change.

Regional

Grasslands Conversation Council (GCC) of British Columbia

TRU faculty members Dr. Tom Dickinson and Dr. Wendy Gardner provide expert leadership to the GCC, which collaborates with all levels of government to share evidence-based practices for sustainable land management across British Columbia.

First Nations Health Authority

TRU faculty member Dr. Sheila Blackstock serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the First Nations Health Authority, providing governance and leadership to advance First Nations health priorities and health-system transformation in British Columbia.

Population Health and Aging Rural Research Centre

The Population Health and Aging Rural Research Centre works with rural community leaders, health-care providers, people with lived experience and policymakers to develop research and solutions that improve health equity, healthy aging and dementia care for rural older adults.

Tourism, Reconciliation and Indigenous-Led Conservation in British Columbian Protected Areas Knowledge Hub

TRU faculty members Dr. Courtney Mason and Jason Waub-Addick Johnston lead a Knowledge Hub that works with Indigenous communities to support Indigenous-led conservation, tourism development and land stewardship in protected areas across British Columbia.

British Columbia Technical and Research Committee on Reclamation

Dr. Lauchlan Fraser and Dr. Wendy Gardner are committee members on the BC TRCR identifies reclamation research priorities, exchanges technical expertise and supports evidence-based approaches to mine reclamation and environmental protection in British Columbia.

BC Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research

Dr. Rod McCormick serves as Principal Investigator of the BC Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research, a provincial research network that advances Indigenous health priorities through collaboration with Indigenous communities, researchers and health system partners.

National

Wildfire science presentation to House of Commons

Dr. Mike Flannigan, BC Innovation research chair in predictive services, emergency management and fire science at TRU, was invited to speak at the House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development. He shared expert insights on the Jasper National Park fires and emphasized the need for multi-pronged fire management strategies.

Canada Wildfire

TRU is a member of Canada Wildfire, a national collaboration focused on wildfire resilience and management, with Dr. Mike Flannigan serving as Science Director.

Food Security & Canada-Sri Lanka Relations

TRU faculty member Dr. Robert Hanlon leads an international partnership with the University of Colombo that brings together researchers, government advisors and civil society organizations to examine food security challenges in Canada and South Asia and develop research, data and policy recommendations aligned with Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Canada and the Asia Pacific Policy Project (CAPPP)

TRU's Canada and the Asia-Pacific Policy Project (CAPPP) is an interdisciplinary research collaboration that connects researchers and partners across Canada and the Asia-Pacific region to advance policy research, knowledge mobilization and dialogue on issues including security, development, trade and international relations.

Courtney Mason elected to Royal Society of Canada

Dr. Courtney Mason was elected to the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists, contributing expertise on sustainable communities, conservation and land-use management.

Rod McCormick elected to Royal Society of Canada

Dr. Rod McCormick was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in recognition of his contributions to Indigenous health, mental health, suicide prevention and community wellness. As a global expert in Indigenous health, he regularly provides advice to Indigenous communities, provincial and national governments, and international organizations.

CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health Institute Advisory Board

Dr. Rod McCormick serves as Chair of a CIHR Institute Advisory Board, contributing expert advice to Canada's federal health research system on issues related to Indigenous health, mental health and community wellness.

House of Commons Standing Committee of Science and Research

Dr. Shannon Wagner, TRU Vice President Research, appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research as part of its study on the distribution of federal government funding among Canada’s post-secondary institutions.

Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry

Dr. Mike Flannigan contributed wildfire science expertise to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry.

House of Commons Standing Committee on Health

Dr. Ravi Srivastava appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health as part of its study on the impact of immigration policy on healthcare and barriers to integrating internationally trained professionals.

Policy and lawmakers outreach and education

WRCC Building Foundational Knowledge Gathering

TRU hosted the Wildfire Resilience Consortium of Canada's Building Foundational Knowledge Gathering, bringing together wildfire researchers, fire agencies, Indigenous partners and community organizations from across Canada to share knowledge and strengthen collaboration on wildfire resilience, policy and practice.

British Columbia Protected Areas Research Forum

TRU hosted the British Columbia Protected Areas Research Forum, bringing together researchers, advocates, park managers, students and community members to share knowledge and discuss research and management approaches for parks and protected areas across British Columbia.

GCC Exploring BC’s Grasslands: Mini Conference

Hosted at TRU in collaboration with TRU’s Wildlife Club, Botany Club, Eco-Club and Kamloops Naturalist Club, the Mini Conference brought together researchers, conservation organizations and community members to share knowledge on grassland conservation.

Climate, Tourism, and Recreation Conference

TRU hosted the Climate, Tourism and Recreation Conference, bringing together researchers, government representatives, industry professionals and community organizations to discuss the impacts of climate change on tourism and recreation and explore strategies for adaptation and resilience.

Human Security in Southeast Asia Conference

In partnership with the University of Victoria's Centre for Asia-Pacific Initiatives, TRU's Canada and the Asia-Pacific Policy Project (CAPPP) co-hosted the Human Security in Southeast Asia Conference, bringing together researchers, policymakers and community partners to discuss challenges related to health, climate, development, labour and human security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Building Resilience: Canada’s Engagement with the Indo-Pacific on Non-Traditional Security Threats

TRU's Canada and Asia Pacific Policy Project (CAPPP) hosted an international conference that brought together scholars, policymakers, practitioners and students to discuss climate change, human security, disaster governance, cybersecurity and other emerging challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

5th Indo-Pacific Strategy Forum

TRU co-hosted the 5th Indo-Pacific Strategy Forum with the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy, bringing together policymakers, diplomats, industry leaders and academics to discuss Canada's Indo-Pacific strategy, trade diversification and regional security challenges.

Mobilizing Aging in Place Knowledge Summit

Dr. Wendy Hulko led the Mobilizing Aging in Place Knowledge Summit, bringing together researchers, older adults and community partners to share findings from aging-in-place research and discuss opportunities and challenges related to supporting independence and well-being in later life.

Livable Cities, Collaborative Communities (LCCC)

The LCCC initiative is an ongoing TRU-led collaboration involving faculty, students, government, industry, and Indigenous and community organizations. Through conferences, workshops, roundtables and collaborative research activities, the initiative supports knowledge sharing and the development of best practices related to sustainability, climate action and community resilience.

International Political Science Association World Congress

Dr. Robert Hanlon presented two research papers, including one co-authored with Gurinder Purewal, at the 2025 International Political Science Association World Congress and chaired a session on U.S.-China relations and the Indo-Pacific, contributing to international policy discussions on security and global governance.

Taiwan Thinktank

Dr. Robert Hanlon participated in a delegation of Canadian scholars to Taiwan Thinktank, where he contributed to a roundtable discussion on Taiwan-Canada relations.

Science Meets Parliament BC

Three TRU faculty members participated in the inaugural Science Meets Parliament BC program, meeting one-on-one with Members of the Legislative Assembly to strengthen connections between British Columbia’s scientific and political communities

Canadian Centre for Elder Law

The Canadian Centre for Elder Law (CCEL), housed at TRU Faculty of Law, develops research, educational resources and legal guidance on issues affecting older adults, including elder abuse, capacity, decision-making and access to justice. Its work supports governments, legal professionals and community organizations working in aging and elder law.

The Value of Lakes Around the Secwépemc Territory

This open education resource by TRU professor Peter Tsigaris and graduate students applies a recognized valuation method to assess lakes in the Kamloops region. By integrating Indigenous perspectives and ecosystem service values, the book provides policymakers with a clear framework for evaluating natural assets, supporting equitable resource planning and informing negotiations aligned with UNDRIP Article 28.

In the Shadow of the Hills: Socioeconomic Struggles in Kamloops

This open education resource, authored by TRU professor Peter Tsigaris and students, critically examines Kamloops’ socioeconomic challenges. Each chapter explores a community-relevant issue, such as housing, healthcare and transit. The book offers insights that foster public dialogue and expand access to local research.

A Study of the Value of Kamloops Parks

This open educational resource, authored by TRU professor Peter Tsigaris and students, evaluates the ecosystem services and economic value of parks across Kamloops, providing evidence to support municipal planning and public understanding of natural capital.

Participation in government research

Microplastics in Compost with City of Kamloops

TRU researchers partnered with the City of Kamloops to investigate the presence of microplastics in municipal compost and evaluate potential approaches for reducing contamination. The collaborative research supports evidence-based decision-making related to waste management, environmental sustainability and municipal operations.

Community and Cultural Mapping Research Group

TRU's Community and Cultural Mapping Research Group works with municipalities, community organizations and government partners to support community planning and policy development through cultural mapping and community-engaged research.

A Cultural Mapping of the FireSmart Program

TRU’s Community and Cultural Mapping Research Group is collaborating with community and academic partners including the City of Kamloops to study community awareness and engagement with FireSmart principles.

Kamloops Cultural Strategic Plan

As part of the Kamloops Cultural Strategic Plan, TRU researchers led community-based cultural mapping to document intangible cultural assets through story maps and interviews. This 10-year cultural vision for Kamloops, shaped through research and collaboration with TRU, has earned the 2025 Creative City Impact Award in Cultural Planning at the Creative City Network of Canada Summit.

Researcher-in-Residence Initiative

Through the Researcher-in-Residence Initiative, TRU researchers work directly with the City of Kamloops to provide research, evidence and community-engaged planning approaches that inform municipal policy development, cultural planning, climate governance and other civic priorities.

Centre for Wildfire Research, Education, Training and Innovation

TRU's Centre for Wildfire Research, Education, Training and Innovation works with the BC Wildfire Service, Indigenous partners and policymakers across Western Canada to advance wildfire research, training and education that supports wildfire management and community resilience.

Indigenous land use and tourism policy research

Dr. Courtney Mason, professor and Canada research chair in Rural Livelihoods and Sustainable Communities at TRU, leads research on the viability of tourism and protected areas as strategies for Indigenous land development. His findings inform policy on rural and Indigenous land use development, management, and governance.

Vulnerability to Viability Global Partnership

TRU faculty member Dr. Bala Nikku is a co-investigator with the Vulnerability to Viability Global Partnership, an international research network that collaborates with communities, governments, NGOs and universities across Africa and Asia to gather and compare data on the resilience and sustainability of small-scale fisheries.

Wildlife Research

Dr. Karl Larsen has led research on threatened species supported by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, generating evidence to inform land-use planning, habitat management and conservation strategies in British Columbia.

Migrant Care Worker Precarity Project

Dr. Jennifer Shaw co-leads the Migrant Care Worker Precarity Project, which examines Canada’s migrant care worker programs and generates research on how immigration and labour policy affects care workers.

BC Human Rights Education Project

Dr. Jennifer Shaw led the BC Human Rights Education Project, funded by the BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner, which examined human rights education across British Columbia and produced a report to inform provincial educational planning.

Cultural Mapping Lived/Living Experiences of the Toxic Drug Overdose Crisis in BC’s Small Cities

TRU researchers work with health-sector and community partners to document lived experiences of the toxic drug overdose crisis through cultural mapping and community-engaged research. The project generates evidence on community impacts, health risks and service needs to support policy, planning and coordinated responses to the crisis.

Northern Rubber Boa

TRU researchers are conducting British Columbia’s first in-depth study of the Northern Rubber Boa, generating data on the distribution, behaviour and ecology of one of the province’s least understood snake species.

BCLC Kamloops Economic Report 2025

Dr. Peter Tsigaris conducted an economic and social impact assessment for the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. The research evaluated the economic, employment and social impacts of BCLC operations in Kamloops.

Forest encroachment drivers and dynamics in Churn Creek Protected Area

Led by Dr. Jill Harvey in partnership with the British Columbia Ministry of Forests, this research examined forest encroachment in Churn Creek Protected Area to evaluate the benefits of reintroducing low-severity, high-frequency fire.

Time-after-fire regeneration of woodland caribou habitat in Ulkatcho Territory

Led by Dr. Jill Harvey in partnership with the British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Parks, this research examines lichen and forest regeneration following wildfire in Ulkatcho Territory.

AI for Salmon Monitoring

TRU data science students are developing an AI-powered fish counting tool to support salmon monitoring in the Deadman Watershed. Working with the Skeetchestn Natural Resource Corporation and the Secwépemc Fisheries Commission, the project aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of salmon population monitoring and fisheries management.

Bighorn Mountain Sheep Research

TRU graduate student Larisa Murdoch is working with the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Wild Sheep Society of BC and Skeetchestn Indian Band to investigate declining bighorn sheep populations near Kamloops through habitat assessment, movement tracking and field monitoring.

Neutral Platform to Discuss Issues

TRU supports open public discourse by making university space available to internal and external groups beyond core operations. Upholding academic freedom and respectful engagement, TRU provides a neutral platform for dialogue on complex issues across political and community perspectives.

Responsible Use of University Space

TRU’s Responsible Use of University Space policy ensures that campus spaces are managed to support core operations while allowing respectful, inclusive access for secondary uses.

Academic Freedom

At TRU, academic freedom is protected and practised every day, guided by academia's principles and ethics, which are given concrete form in agreements between TRU and its faculty.

Institutional Neutrality

During a conversation with students, TRU affirmed its practice of neutrality on global political issues. Recognizing the diversity of viewpoints within its community, the university focuses on fostering respectful dialogue and providing support for those affected by global events.

Kamloops Candidates Debate

An all-candidates forum on environmental issues was held at TRU, providing a neutral venue for candidates and members of the public to engage in open and respectful dialogue.

TRUSU NDP Event – Aman Singh

TRUSU’s NDP Club hosted Aman Singh, former MLA for Richmond-Queensborough and BCNDP leadership candidate, providing the TRU community with an opportunity to engage with an elected provincial representative and discuss public affairs and political leadership.

Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed’s Talk on Partition

Internationally recognized political scientist and historian Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed delivered a public lecture examining the causes, impacts and enduring legacy of the 1947 Partition.

Leadership and community: A conversation with Rachel Notley and Joe Ceci

TRU hosted a free public discussion with former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and MLA Joe Ceci on leadership, community engagement and positive social change.

A History and Discussion on Gaza

Hosted by TRU’s Human Rights and Social Justice Club, this free public forum brought together legal and academic experts to provide historical context, legal perspectives and informed dialogue on Gaza. The event featured presentations from lawyer and former provincial court judge Bill Sundhu and TRU professor Dr. Rick McCutcheon.

Nepalese Community Candle-light Vigil

TRU provided space for the TRUSU Nepali Society and local community members to host a peaceful candlelight vigil in support of the people of Nepal.