In the Shadow of the Hills: Socio-Economic Struggles in Kamloops

Impact Summary

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  • The average price of ___-related textbook in Canada typically ranges from $__ to $__ depending on format (print or ebook) and publisher – we are using a modest estimate of $100/ high quality textbook, featuring accessibility and engaging components such as videos, graphics, and interactive H5P activity components.
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Impact Story

Written by Aiko Uehara

Book and Author Introduction

“Open books, like In the Shadow of the Hills, broaden access to knowledge, empowering individuals and communities with research and insights that can inspire meaningful change.” ーAlaa Awad

Dr. Peter Tsigaris, a professor specializing in economic and environmental economics at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), has dedicated 31 years to fostering educational excellence. In the Spring and Winter semesters of 2024, he spearheaded the creation of In the Shadow of the Hills: Socio-Economic Struggles in Kamloops, a collaborative book project co-authored with his ECON 4980: Capstone students—Alaa Awad, Colin Forbes, Patrick Izett, Kris Kadaleevanam, Garima Mehta, Samreena Noor, Olivia Simms, and Ashley Thomson. Dr. Tsigaris views his students as collaborative authors, and together, they explored the socio-economic landscape of Kamloops, integrating both modern challenges and historical context.

The project originated from Dr. Tsigaris’ innovative idea of creating a book as part of his course. Initially surprised by the concept, students contributed individual chapters focusing on various socio-economic issues, including homelessness, unemployment, healthcare costs, and the waiting time for medical procedures. The book also delves into the cultural heritage and history of the Secwépemc/Shuswap region, examining the complex relationship between Indigenous and settler communities and the environmental and cultural significance of the land.

Collaboration with TRU Open Press

The partnership with the TRU Open Press played a crucial role in the success of the book. Dr. Tsigaris described working with the TRU Open Press team as a supportive experience. The team provided invaluable assistance in areas such as copyediting, creating tables, and inserting images, ensuring the final product met high academic and professional standards. Dr. Tsigaris noted that whenever help was needed, the TRU Open Press team responded promptly, demonstrating their dedication to supporting both faculty and students.

Benefits and Advantages for Students – Open Education Pedagogy in Action!

“This project wasn’t just about writing a book; it was about growing as a student and discovering my passion for tackling real-world challenges through economics.” ーKris Kadaleevanam

The collaboration with Dr. Tsigaris provided students with experiential learning that enriched their academic journey and enhanced their future employment prospects. Through the book project, students were tasked with conducting surveys, gathering data from public sources, and analyzing socio-economic trends in the Kamloops area. Additionally, regular meetings with Dr. Tsigaris allowed students to discuss their research, receive constructive feedback, and improve the quality of their individual chapters. This process offered them valuable insights into the practical application of their academic knowledge and strengthened their research, writing, and analytical skills.

“Contributing to an open book was a rewarding experience—it made me realize how accessible knowledge can drive real change.” ー Kris Kadaleevanam

One of the co-authors, Alaa Awad, mentioned that the project provided an opportunity to apply their research skills to explore the important issue of educational inequality in Kamloops and collaborate on something that could benefit the community and influence local decisions. For Kris Kadaleevanam, the project not only deepened their understanding of the issue but also taught them the research process, from examining socio-economic challenges in Kamloops to developing meaningful insights. Both Kris and Garima Mehta highlighted how linking real-world data and examples with theoretical concepts helped them better understand the research and appreciate its potential impact.

Credibility and Validation of the Book

The credibility of In the Shadow of the Hills is reinforced by endorsements from respected community leaders. Former Kamloops mayors, Mel Rothenburger and Terry Lake, contributed forewords to the book, underscoring its significance and relevance. These contributions lend authority to the work and highlight its importance as a socio-economic study of the Kamloops region.

Future Prospects and Expanding Impact

Looking to the future, Dr. Tsigaris is planning a second edition of the book that will cover additional socio-economic issues. In addition, he continues to expand his academic influence through his role as the chief editor of Future Earth, an open-access student journal. Dr. Tsigaris remains committed to collaborating with the TRU Open Press to produce high-quality, open educational resources, ensuring the long-term impact and accessibility of scholarly work for both students and the broader community.