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, Two-Spirit, Rematriation & Research Governance Summit
The annual BC First Nations Women’s, Two-Spirit, Rematriation & Research Governance Summit brings together BC First Nations Matriarchs, Two-Spirit leaders, scholars, community members, and mentees. At the heart of the Summit is a commitment to strengthen B.C. First Nations research governance, matriarchal leadership & self-determination priorities.
The 2026 Summit takes place October 19–20, 2026, beginning with our Keynote Dinner on October 19, followed by a full day of presentations, relationship building, and collective learning on October 20.
SUMMIT LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
The 2026 Summit is guided by our Summit Leadership Circle: Dr. Tracy Underwood, Dr. Wenona Hall, Joanne Hugh - Xwiyalemot, Ne’omot | Sherylynn Crispin, Dr. Melanie Nelson, Dr. Jessie King, Naomi Narcisse, and Samantha Beynon. We are grateful for their leadership, time, and wisdom.
NEW FOR 2026
This year, the Summit will feature Rematriation Pods, matriarchal-led collaborations that support Nation-, organization-, and member-led priorities to restore and strengthen matriarchal practices in everyday life through research, leadership, mentorship, knowledge sharing, and collective action. Our Rematriation Pod and Territorial Leaders are featured in the posters alongside this page.
Based on feedback from our Network Leadership Circle, we are also introducing a Trading Table. Folx are encouraged to bring traditional foods and/or handmade goods to find a good trade!
keynote dinner & REGISTRATION
Our October 19 Keynote Dinner will feature Dr. Dorothy Cucw-la7 Christian (Secwepemc/Syilx), who will share an oral sneak peek of her new book, Fourth World Cinema: Story Sovereignty & Indigenous Knowledges, along with a Matriarchal Reflection.
Registration opens in early September. Dinner seating is limited, please register as soon as possible to get a seat!
We look forward to seeing you, growing our circle, and continuing to uplift one another with more matriarchal magic this year!
If you have any questions or need assistance with registration, please feel free to email: rematriation_summit@sfu.ca.
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:
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Creating an alliance and strategy building opportunity with BC First Nations women and 2SLGBTQIA+ leaders and mentees representing diverse communities, sectors and transdisciplinary expertise.
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Developing a BC First Nations Women’s, 2SLGBTQQIA+ Self-Determination, Rematriation & Research Governance Network
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Enacting reciprocity by providing integral intergenerational mentorship opportunities to support the educational and leadership aspirations of students and emerging professionals attending the Summit.
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Catalyzing BC First Nations graduate student research training and leadership development.
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Addressing research colonialism and transformation with Canada’s granting bodies.
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Examining and critiquing arising policies, laws, and funding that support self-determination in research in B.C. & Canada.
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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.
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Filming key moments from the Summit for research and knowledge mobilization purposes.
