Third annual Indigenous Research Day showcases research initiatives and community collaborations focused on Indigenous knowledge and issues

The McMaster Indigenous Research Institute hosted its third annual Indigenous Research Day on Nov. 13, 2024. The event gathered Indigenous researchers, students, faculty and community members to showcase Indigenous scholarship, research, methodologies and unique knowledge-sharing approaches.

Held at CIBC Hall, the event aimed to centre Indigenous voices and foster academic relationships. The event featured speakers, panelists and facilitators of Indigenous heritage representing diverse fields of study and traditional knowledge.

The event featured speakers, panelists and facilitators of Indigenous heritage representing diverse fields of study and traditional knowledge.

Elder Dixie Doxtator spoke at the beginning of the event, inviting participants into a space of respect and reflection, reminding attendees of the deep spiritual connection between the land, people and Indigenous ancestors.

She acknowledged the wisdom of those who came before and called upon the strength and guidance of the Creator, the Four Directions and the natural world - core elements in many Indigenous spiritual traditions. The Creator represents a higher power or source of life, while the Four Directions symbolize the cardinal directions, each associated with specific teachings, elements and cycles of life.

Savage Bear, director of MIRI and assistant professor in the department of Indigenous Studies, delivered a welcome address and opening with greetings in multiple Indigenous languages. The address honoured the legacies of influential Indigenous figures such as Justice Murray Sinclair and Dawn Martin-Hill of McMaster University, celebrating their contributions to Indigenous health and community partnerships.

Bear emphasized the importance of fostering respectful and ethical research with Indigenous Peoples, with an eye on future generations of Indigenous scholars.

Panel discussions began with three students from the first cohort of the new Indigenous Studies master's program, starting with Kendal Garlow's work on fostering tradition, identity and access to Haudenosaunee food options. This presentation explored how traditional food systems preserve culture and promote wellness within Indigenous communities.

Panel discussions began with three students from the first cohort of the new Indigenous Studies master's program, starting with Kendal Garlow's work on fostering tradition, identity and access to Haudenosaunee food options.

Kelsey Chan followed with a discussion on the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, which aims to uphold Indigenous rights and sovereignty in British Columbia. Her presentation highlighted the critical role that legal frameworks like DRIPA play in supporting Indigenous self-determination and advancing justice.

Tia Kennedy presented on the community-based model for revitalizing Doodem (clan) governance on Walpole Island First Nation (Bkejwanong), emphasizing the importance of restoring traditional governance structures to empower communities and strengthen cultural ties.

Research presentations delved into Indigenous governance, climate action and language revitalization, centering around the theme of restoring sovereignty to Indigenous peoples. They highlighted knowledge and decision-making processes that have historically been taken away and displayed the implications of this with mediums such as virtual reality.

Research presentations delved into Indigenous governance, climate action and language revitalization, centering around the theme of restoring sovereignty to Indigenous peoples.

The third annual Indigenous Research Day united diverse voices to share insights, research and cultural practices, fostering dialogue and collaboration across disciplines.

The program invites students to engage with Indigenous knowledge and address contemporary Indigenous issues

The Indigenous Studies Department at McMaster University launched its MA in Indigenous Studies program this year, welcoming its first cohort of students in September 2024. The new program allows students to engage deeply with Indigenous education, knowledge, histories and contemporary issues through both academic study and community-based research.

The program offers two distinct tracks: a 12-month major research project and a 16-month community-based research project. All students complete three core courses—Indigenous Studies Research Methods (INDIGIST 702), Theories in Critical Indigenous Studies (INDIGST 701), and Indigenous Studies Experiential Learning (INDIGIST 704)—along with three elective courses of their choice.

In an email statement to the Silhouette, Renae Watchman, chair of the Indigenous studies graduate committee, stated that students participate in a year-long, non-credit professional development course. Those in the major research project stream must write a paper 7,500 to 8,000 words long, while the community-based research project requires a final paper of 10,000 to 12,500 words.

Kelsey Chan, a member of the first cohort who chose the major research project, shared her enthusiasm in an interview with The Silhouette: "It's the best decision I could have made." Chan, of Indigenous and Chinese descent, is of the Eagle Clan of the House of Chief Wigvitba-Wákas. After completing her undergraduate studies in political science and Indigenous studies at McMaster, she felt this program was a perfect fit.

Chan’s research explores the long-term impacts of colonial legislation, particularly the Indian Act, on Indigenous sovereignty. “The Indian Act restricted Indigenous people's rights to governance, culture, and language,” said Chan. "Reclaiming Indigenous sovereignty is key to self-determination and healing.” Her work is deeply personal, as both her grandparents are residential school survivors and her mother attended an Indian Day School.

Chan explained how the program allows her to focus on her passion for governance and policy. "There are very few opportunities to pursue a master's degree in Indigenous studies in Canada... It was difficult to find both the opportunity and the faculty who understand your position and your identity," said Chan.

There are very few opportunities to pursue a master's degree in Indigenous studies in Canada. It was difficult to find both the opportunity and the faculty who understand your position and your identity.

Kelsy Chan, Master's Student
MPR Indigenous Studies

Kendall Garlow, another student in the program, is completing the community-based research route. A member of the Mohawk Nation and Wolf Clan from Six Nations of the Grand River, Garlow focuses on Indigenous food sovereignty, working with Six Nations Health Services. Her research engages closely with her community in discussions about preserving traditional food practices. "We’re making menu changes in long-term care homes to increase Haudenosaunee food availability," said Garlow, noting collaborations with local vendors, hunters, and gatherers.

The program challenges students to rethink conventional frameworks and integrate Indigenous worldviews. Garlow emphasized how this has shaped her own studies. "It pushes you to think critically about what you've learned and encourages you to question and challenge those ideas," said Garlow. This approach allows students to move beyond Eurocentric methodologies and focus on addressing the specific needs of their communities.

"We kept getting stuck trying to define Haudenosaunee food... We realized we needed to step back and figure out what works for our community. We're asking people, 'What is Haudenosaunee food to you?' 'What does that look like?'" said, Garlow.

Garlow and Chan highlighted the program’s supportive environment and staff and faculty who Garlow noted as being incredibly responsive, providing assistance with professional development and future planning. “Everyone asks, "What do you need?"... it feels like I'm able to do the things that I want to do," said Garlow. Chan expressed a similar sentiment, “The faculty listens to us and is forward-thinking about our needs, offering resources like CV workshops and PhD guidance," said Chan.

It feels like I'm able to do the things that I want to do.

Kendal Garlow, Master's Student 
CRB Indigenous Studies

The program welcomes non-Indigenous students, fostering opportunities for cross-cultural learning and understanding. "No one can help us better than ourselves, but non-Indigenous voices are important too. There's value in both perspectives," said Garlow.

No one can help us better than ourselves, but non-Indigenous voices are important too.

Kendal Garlow, Master's Student 
CRB Indigenous Studies

Chan expressed her excitement for the upcoming year: "They’ve already built such an incredible program," said Chan. Applications for the 2025 intake are now open, and the program is expected to grow, providing a foundation for future scholars to enrich Indigenous studies and promote community-based learning.