Dialogue focuses on the importance of Indigenous research and engagement

Recently, more than 70 people – including Queen’s scholars, students and community members – attended an event in Robert Sutherland Hall intended to celebrate Indigenous research on campus, and talk about steps forward for this diverse and engaged group of scholars, as well as ways to enhance collaboration and support activities. The initiative was a collaboration between the Office of Indigenous Initiatives and the Office of the Vice-Principal (Research).

The event featured short research presentations from 10 professors from various faculties, and during lunch, all participants engaged in discussions around of variety of topics, including the definition of “Indigenous research,” along with the importance of physical space, relationship building, and the decolonization of the university and academic research.

“Our hope is that the discussions inspired what Queen’s can look like into the future – recognizing the importance of collaborative Indigenous research,” said Kanonhsyonne Janice Hill, Associate Vice-Principal (Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation).  “The event provided an opportunity to hear about current Indigenous research and discuss how to create a path forward.”

Both the Queen’s University Strategic Research Plan (2018-2023) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission task force final report Yakwanastahentéha Aankenjigemi Extending the Rafters declare Queen’s commitment to research with Indigenous cultures in the broadest context, including expanding research opportunities both within the university and in community settings.  A venue for networking and dialogue is an important aspect of raising awareness of Indigenous research, recognizing the unique challenges of conducting research with and by Indigenous communities, and for maintaining relationships with one another.

We encourage anyone with thoughts on Indigenous research at Queen’s to send comments to Janice Hill, Associate Vice-Principal(Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation).

Research presenters:    

  • Nathan Brinklow (Languages, Literatures and Cultures) – Territory Acknowledgement and Thanksgiving Address
  • Karen Lawford (Gender Studies)
  • Dylan Robinson (Faculty of Arts and Science)
  • Peggy DeJong (Medicine)
  • Isabelle St-Amand (Languages, Literatures and Cultures)
  • Mark Green (Civil Engineering)
  • Lindsay Morcom (Faculty of Education)
  • Nicolas Lamp (Faculty of Law)
  • Liz Brule (Gender Studies)
  • Janet Jull (School of Rehabilitation Therapy)

Note: This story was originally written in the Queen's Gazette.