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CANADA RESEARCH CHAIR  

In Indigenous Education & Governance (Tier 2) in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University

On September 1st, 2022, I became a Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Indigenous Education & Governance (Tier 2) at Simon Fraser University. My research programme aims support a strategic localized vision with BC Indigenous Nations to: (1) challenge relations of domination and colonial complexities to support rematriation processes to strengthen self-determination in Indigenous research governance and education; (2) create a local exemplar through the creation of an Indigenous research framework and strategic plan for the development of an BC First Nations Research Council (exact model to be determined) for BC First Nations control of research in the province; and (3) provide solid recommendations to the university for strategic planning in order to enhance the experiences, recruitment, and retention of Indigenous graduate students in the province by meaningfully including Indigenous methodologies in supervisory research practices. 

BC First Nations Women’s, 2SLGBTQQIA+ Self-Determination, Rematriation & Research Governance Summit

My first step to enact the CRC research programme was to host a transdisciplinary Summit with distinguished BC First Nations women, 2SLGBTQIA+ matriarchs, scholars, political leaders and mentees, which has now turned into an annual gathering. At the heart of the Summit is a commitment to strengthen B.C. First Nations research governance, matriarchal leadership & self-determination priorities. This year Summit is led by a Matriarchal Leadership Circle: Dr. Barb Wilson (Haida Nation), Dr. Dara Kelly (Stólō Nation), Dr. Emily Salmon (Cowichan Nation), Jennie Blankinship (Nlaka’pamux & Secwepemc Nations, SFU Ph.D. Student), and Naomi Narcisse (St'at'imc Nation, UBC Ph.D. Student). We are grateful for their leadership, time and wisdom.
 

On Thursday, October 17, 2024, the Summit will begin with a dinner followed by our first distinguished presentation by Q’um Q’um Xiiem, Dr. Jo-ann Archibald (Chancellor, University of the Fraser Valley) titled "Building Research Capacity for Indigenous Undergraduate and Graduate Students: Sharing Indigenous Methodologies and Capacity Building of Institutions." The evening will also feature a special showcase of BC First Nations graduate students.
 

On Friday, October 18, 2024, the Summit will feature a full day of presentations and relationship building opportunities with distinguished leaders and mentees at the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue at 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, B.C.

SUMMIT TRAILER

Photo Credit: Maxine Bulloch

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF THE SUMMIT?

The Summit is a transformative gathering that shares research exemplars and leadership practices to enhance B.C. First Nation research governance, funding, training and data sovereignty needs by:

  • Creating an alliance and strategy building opportunity with BC First Nations women and 2SLGBTQIA+ leaders and mentees representing diverse communities, sectors and transdisciplinary expertise. 

  •  Developing a BC First Nations Women’s, 2SLGBTQQIA+ Self-Determination, Rematriation & Research Governance Network

  •  Enacting reciprocity by providing integral intergenerational mentorship opportunities to support the educational and leadership aspirations of students and emerging professionals attending the Summit.

  • Catalyzing BC First Nations graduate student research training and leadership development.

  • Addressing research colonialism and transformation with Canada’s granting bodies.

  • Examining and critiquing arising policies, laws, and funding that support self-determination in research in B.C. & Canada.

  • Identifying actionable transformative strategies to address the tensions experienced in Indigenous research as we interface with colonially controlled government, public research institutions, funding bodies and industry.

  • Filming key moments from the Summit for research and knowledge mobilization purposes.

BC FIRST NATIONS WOMEN’S, 2SLGBTQQIA+ SELF-DETERMINATION, REMATRIATION & RESEARCH GOVERNANCE SUMMIT
BC FIRST NATIONS WOMEN’S, 2SLGBTQQIA+ SELF-DETERMINATION, REMATRIATION & RESEARCH GOVERNANCE SUMMIT
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