Margaretta James

Margaretta James is a Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation Elder, MA student in the University of British Columbia's Institute for Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Social Justice (GRSJ), and Visiting Scholar in Residence at UBC's St. John’s College. Her research focuses on transpacific Indigenous-Asian encounters, particularly the migratory histories of Asian peoples to Yuquot (Friendly Cove) and their impacts on Mowachaht/Muchalaht communities. A mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother of Filipino and Stl’atl’imx heritage, Elder James’ work bridges her blended cultural upbringing with her academic pursuits. She collaborates with Professors JP Catungal (GRSJ) and Henry Yu (History) on her thesis, which documents historical and contemporary connections between Indigenous and Asian communities on the West Coast. Her community roles include involvement in Yuquot’s revitalization efforts, including the Annual Yuquot Spirit Summerfest. Elder James emphasizes the spiritual significance of Yuquot and the Nuu-chah-nulth principle of 'isaak' (respect with open heart and mind), guiding her research and community engagement.