Profile
|
Dr. Celeste Pedri-Spade is an Anishinabekwe from northwestern Ontario (Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation). She is a member of the Bear Clan and embraces a number of roles and responsibilities as a mother, wife, educator, and artist. She identifies as a “mark maker” whose work is grounded in her relationships with family, community, land, and spirituality. She received her PhD in Visual Anthropology at the University of Victoria and in 2022 became the inaugural Associate Provost of Indigenous Initiatives at McGill University where she is also a tenured faculty member in the department of anthropology. Previous to McGill she was an Associate Professor and Queen's National Scholar in Indigenous Studies at Queen's University (Canada) where she taught undergraduate and graduate courses on Indigenous art, Indigenous worldviews, Indigenous photography, Indigenous qualitative research, visual and material culture, and colonialism/decolonization. She has exhibited artwork in nationally and internationally. Her primary interest is the role of Indigenous art in decolonization, including processes of remembrance, resistance, and survivance.
|
Celeste with her partner Rob and sons Kiniw,
Wakinyan and Keeshig |
Education
2016 Doctorate of Philosophy (Visual Anthropology), University of Victoria, BC
2011 Master of Arts (Culture and Communication), Royal Roads University, Victoria, BC.
2005 Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing), Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON
2011 Master of Arts (Culture and Communication), Royal Roads University, Victoria, BC.
2005 Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing), Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON
Research Interests
- Anishinabe (Ojibwe) Material Culture and Performance
- Indigenous Photography, Colonization & Decolonization
- Anishinabe Place-Based Knowledge
- Visual Anthropology And Materiality
- Indigenous knowledge and education
- Anishinabemowin as Embodied Material Practice
- Contemporary Indigenous Art
- Historical Photographs & Indigenous Archives
- Indigenous (auto)ethnography
- Indigenous Art and Health
- Arts-based and Qualitative Research Methods
- Art and Indigenous Language Revitalization
- Public Ethnography
- Indigenous Worldviews and Epistemologies
- Ethnographic and Experimental Film & Photography
- Indigenous Photography, Colonization & Decolonization
- Anishinabe Place-Based Knowledge
- Visual Anthropology And Materiality
- Indigenous knowledge and education
- Anishinabemowin as Embodied Material Practice
- Contemporary Indigenous Art
- Historical Photographs & Indigenous Archives
- Indigenous (auto)ethnography
- Indigenous Art and Health
- Arts-based and Qualitative Research Methods
- Art and Indigenous Language Revitalization
- Public Ethnography
- Indigenous Worldviews and Epistemologies
- Ethnographic and Experimental Film & Photography
Selected Publications in Peer-Reviewed Journals
2022 Pedri-Spade, C. Material Kwe. Fashion Studies, Special Issue: Fashioning Resurgence, 1(1), 1-17.
2022 Shulist, S. & Pedri-Spade, C. Lingua Nullius. Indigenous Language Learning and Revitalization as Sites for Settler-Colonial Violence. The
Canadian Modern Language Review, 78(4), 271-288.
2022 Pedri-Spade, C. & Pitawanakwat, B. Indigenization in universities and its role in continuing settler-colonialism. Janus Unbound, 1(2), 12-35.
2019 Pedri-Spade, C. ’Preservation and the Denial of Life: Towards the Emancipation of Our Sacred Relatives in the Mus(mausol)eum.
Fwd: Museums Journal, 4, 95-102.
2017 Pedri-Spade, C. ’The day my photographs danced’: Materializing photographs of my Anishinabe ancestors. Visual ethnography, 6(1), 133-
172.
2017 Pedri-Spade, C. ‘But they were never just the master’s tools’: The Use of Photography in Decolonial Praxis. AlterNative: An International
Journal of Indigenous Peoples, 13(2), 1-8.
2017 Pedri-Spade, C. The Drum is My Document: Decolonizing Research Through Anishinabe Song and Drum.
International Review of Qualitative Research, 9(4), 385-406.
2016 Pedri-Spade, C. Four stories of an overtaxed indian. Indigenous Social Work Journal, 10, 85-100.
2016 Pedri-Spade, C. Our time to dance. First Peoples Child and Family Review, 11(2), 43-44.
2016 Pedri-Spade, C. Waasaabikizoo: Our pictures are good medicine. Decolonization, Indigeneity, Education and Society, 5(1), 45-70.
2014 Pedri- Spade, C. Nametoo: There is evidence that he/she is/was present, Decolonization, Indigeneity, Education and Society (Special Issue
on Indigenous Art, Aesthetics and Decolonial Struggle), 3(1), 75-100.
2022 Shulist, S. & Pedri-Spade, C. Lingua Nullius. Indigenous Language Learning and Revitalization as Sites for Settler-Colonial Violence. The
Canadian Modern Language Review, 78(4), 271-288.
2022 Pedri-Spade, C. & Pitawanakwat, B. Indigenization in universities and its role in continuing settler-colonialism. Janus Unbound, 1(2), 12-35.
2019 Pedri-Spade, C. ’Preservation and the Denial of Life: Towards the Emancipation of Our Sacred Relatives in the Mus(mausol)eum.
Fwd: Museums Journal, 4, 95-102.
2017 Pedri-Spade, C. ’The day my photographs danced’: Materializing photographs of my Anishinabe ancestors. Visual ethnography, 6(1), 133-
172.
2017 Pedri-Spade, C. ‘But they were never just the master’s tools’: The Use of Photography in Decolonial Praxis. AlterNative: An International
Journal of Indigenous Peoples, 13(2), 1-8.
2017 Pedri-Spade, C. The Drum is My Document: Decolonizing Research Through Anishinabe Song and Drum.
International Review of Qualitative Research, 9(4), 385-406.
2016 Pedri-Spade, C. Four stories of an overtaxed indian. Indigenous Social Work Journal, 10, 85-100.
2016 Pedri-Spade, C. Our time to dance. First Peoples Child and Family Review, 11(2), 43-44.
2016 Pedri-Spade, C. Waasaabikizoo: Our pictures are good medicine. Decolonization, Indigeneity, Education and Society, 5(1), 45-70.
2014 Pedri- Spade, C. Nametoo: There is evidence that he/she is/was present, Decolonization, Indigeneity, Education and Society (Special Issue
on Indigenous Art, Aesthetics and Decolonial Struggle), 3(1), 75-100.
Book Chapters
forthcoming Pedri-Spade. C. The Teaching is in the Making: A Relational and Embodied Experience of Anishinaabe Photographs. In Routledge Companion to Decolonizing Art History.
2020 Pedri-Spade, C. Centring the Lived Struggle of Indigenous Women in the Academy: A Performance Autoethnography. In S. Cote-Meek and T. Moeke-Pickering (Eds.), Indigenizing the Canadian Academy: Critical Reflections.
2019 Pedri-Spade, C. Caring for past/present/future through Anishinabe photography on the land. In M. Hankard (Ed.), The 'Clean Place:' Honouring the Indigenous spiritual roots of turtle island.
2020 Pedri-Spade, C. Centring the Lived Struggle of Indigenous Women in the Academy: A Performance Autoethnography. In S. Cote-Meek and T. Moeke-Pickering (Eds.), Indigenizing the Canadian Academy: Critical Reflections.
2019 Pedri-Spade, C. Caring for past/present/future through Anishinabe photography on the land. In M. Hankard (Ed.), The 'Clean Place:' Honouring the Indigenous spiritual roots of turtle island.
Exhibition and Photography Catalogues/Books
2020 A Geography of Grief & Love, McEwen School of Architecture, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.
2016 The Teaching is in the Making exhibition catalogue. 2016. Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
2016 Waasaabikizoo: A Gathering of Ojibwe Photographs. Community-based catalogue.
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
2016 The Teaching is in the Making exhibition catalogue. 2016. Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
2016 Waasaabikizoo: A Gathering of Ojibwe Photographs. Community-based catalogue.
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Book Reviews
2020. Pedri-Spade, C. Review of Nicole Strathman's Through a Native Lens: American Indian Photography. In the Canadian Journal of Native Studies,
(40)1, 173-176.
2018 Pedri-Spade, C. Review of Marcia Anderson's A Bag Worth A Pony: The Art of the Ojibwe Bandolier Bag. In Transmotion (4)(1), 153-155.
(40)1, 173-176.
2018 Pedri-Spade, C. Review of Marcia Anderson's A Bag Worth A Pony: The Art of the Ojibwe Bandolier Bag. In Transmotion (4)(1), 153-155.
Selected Presentations
2018 Pedri-Spade, C. 'We are makers!': Towards a method of 'making' in Anishinabe research. Maamwizing 2018: Pursuing Indigenous research in a
good way conference. Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON
2018 Pedri-Spade, C. Indigenous Language Immersion in Ontario. Chiefs of Ontario Annual Education Assembly. Toronto, ON.
2017 Pedri-Spade. C. The Day My Photographs Danced: On Materializing Photographs of My Anishinabe Ancestors. Native American Art Studies
Association Biennial Conference, Tulsa, OK.
2017 Pedri-Spade, C. & Naponse, D. The Use of Indigenous Film and Photographs in the Classroom, Ontario Women’s History Network, Laurentian
University, Sudbury, ON.
2017 Pedri-Spade, C. Anishinabe art and decolonization. International Indigenous Research Exchange, Intercultural University of the State of
Mexico, San Felipe del Progresso, Mexico
2017 Pedri-Spade, C. Indigenous Research Methods. Panel Presentation. Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre, Laurentian University, Sudbury,
ON.
2017 Pedri-Spade, C. Locating Anishinabe Feminism as Art Praxis. Crossroads: Indigenous Art and Native Feminisms | CAA Annual Conference,
Museum of Arts and Design, New York, NY.
2017 Pedri-Spade, C. Exploring My Anishinabe Feminism through Art. Event to Honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON.
2017 Pedri-Spade, C. On Making Anishinabemowin Happen. Anishinaabewin8 Conference (Ojibwe Cultural Foundation), Sudbury, ON.
2016 Pedri-Spade, C. Centring the Lived Struggles of Indigenous Women in the Academy. Maamwizing Conference. Laurentian University,
Sudbury, ON.
2016 Pedri-Spade, C. Artist Talk for the Teaching is in the Making Exhibition. Sudbury Art Gallery, Sudbury, ON.
2016 Pedri-Spade, C. Keynote Address. KTEI/FNSSP Conference. Sudbury, ON.
2016 Pedri-Spade, C. Artist Talk for The Teaching is in the Making Exhibition. Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, ON.
2016 Pedri-Spade, C. The Teaching is in the Making. Indigenous Research Roundtable. Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON.
2015 Pedri-Spade, C. Anishinabeg Photography as Decolonial Praxis. American Anthropological Association Annual Conference. Denver, Colorado.
2015 Pedri-Spade, C. & Adler, H. STATUS: A multilayered performance. Laurentian University Indigenous Education Week. Laurentian University,
Sudbury, ON.
2013 Pedri, Celeste. Relationships and Responsibility in the Academy. Third Annual Indigenous Graduate
Student Research Symposium. University of Victoria, Victoria, BC.
2012 Pedri, Celeste. Four Stories of an Overtaxed Indian. Department of Anthropology Colloquium Series. University
of Victoria, Victoria, BC.
2012 Pedri, Celeste. Performing my Ojibwe Spirituality through the Art of Traditional Beading. Centre for Studies in
Religion in Society, Victoria, BC.
2011 Pedri, Celeste. “Gna-Giigadowin: Exploring our Way of Life Through Anishinabe Song and Drum.
International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry.” Urbana-Champaign, Illinois.
good way conference. Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON
2018 Pedri-Spade, C. Indigenous Language Immersion in Ontario. Chiefs of Ontario Annual Education Assembly. Toronto, ON.
2017 Pedri-Spade. C. The Day My Photographs Danced: On Materializing Photographs of My Anishinabe Ancestors. Native American Art Studies
Association Biennial Conference, Tulsa, OK.
2017 Pedri-Spade, C. & Naponse, D. The Use of Indigenous Film and Photographs in the Classroom, Ontario Women’s History Network, Laurentian
University, Sudbury, ON.
2017 Pedri-Spade, C. Anishinabe art and decolonization. International Indigenous Research Exchange, Intercultural University of the State of
Mexico, San Felipe del Progresso, Mexico
2017 Pedri-Spade, C. Indigenous Research Methods. Panel Presentation. Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre, Laurentian University, Sudbury,
ON.
2017 Pedri-Spade, C. Locating Anishinabe Feminism as Art Praxis. Crossroads: Indigenous Art and Native Feminisms | CAA Annual Conference,
Museum of Arts and Design, New York, NY.
2017 Pedri-Spade, C. Exploring My Anishinabe Feminism through Art. Event to Honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON.
2017 Pedri-Spade, C. On Making Anishinabemowin Happen. Anishinaabewin8 Conference (Ojibwe Cultural Foundation), Sudbury, ON.
2016 Pedri-Spade, C. Centring the Lived Struggles of Indigenous Women in the Academy. Maamwizing Conference. Laurentian University,
Sudbury, ON.
2016 Pedri-Spade, C. Artist Talk for the Teaching is in the Making Exhibition. Sudbury Art Gallery, Sudbury, ON.
2016 Pedri-Spade, C. Keynote Address. KTEI/FNSSP Conference. Sudbury, ON.
2016 Pedri-Spade, C. Artist Talk for The Teaching is in the Making Exhibition. Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, ON.
2016 Pedri-Spade, C. The Teaching is in the Making. Indigenous Research Roundtable. Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON.
2015 Pedri-Spade, C. Anishinabeg Photography as Decolonial Praxis. American Anthropological Association Annual Conference. Denver, Colorado.
2015 Pedri-Spade, C. & Adler, H. STATUS: A multilayered performance. Laurentian University Indigenous Education Week. Laurentian University,
Sudbury, ON.
2013 Pedri, Celeste. Relationships and Responsibility in the Academy. Third Annual Indigenous Graduate
Student Research Symposium. University of Victoria, Victoria, BC.
2012 Pedri, Celeste. Four Stories of an Overtaxed Indian. Department of Anthropology Colloquium Series. University
of Victoria, Victoria, BC.
2012 Pedri, Celeste. Performing my Ojibwe Spirituality through the Art of Traditional Beading. Centre for Studies in
Religion in Society, Victoria, BC.
2011 Pedri, Celeste. “Gna-Giigadowin: Exploring our Way of Life Through Anishinabe Song and Drum.
International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry.” Urbana-Champaign, Illinois.
Major Art Exhibitions (7+ Pieces)
March 2022 to July 2022 Dress to Redress American Museum & Gardens Bath, UK
2020 (Online) Material Kwe Indigenous Fashion Arts Toronto, Ontario
May 2017 to August 2017 Kweok Ojibwe Cultural Foundation M’Chigeeng
October 2016 to January 2017 The Teaching is in the Making Sudbury Art Gallery Sudbury, ON
June 2016 to September 2016 The Teaching is in the Making Thunder Bay Art Gallery Thunder Bay, ON
2020 (Online) Material Kwe Indigenous Fashion Arts Toronto, Ontario
May 2017 to August 2017 Kweok Ojibwe Cultural Foundation M’Chigeeng
October 2016 to January 2017 The Teaching is in the Making Sudbury Art Gallery Sudbury, ON
June 2016 to September 2016 The Teaching is in the Making Thunder Bay Art Gallery Thunder Bay, ON
Ethnographic Films
2015 Nind assekadan (c) Celeste Pedri-Spade. Directed by Celeste Pedri. Produced by Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation and Bimose Tribal Council. Nind assekadan provides Anishinabeg insight into the relationship between Anishianbeg language revitalization and traditional land-based practices. It functions as an educational resource for those wishing to learn Anishinabemowin and for individuals wishing to reclaim the practice of brain tanning hide. It is presented in Anishinabemowin with English subtitles. Filmed on location, Upsala, Ontario, Canada, 2015. Accessible at
2011 Gna-Giigadowin, Our Way of Life Through Anishinabe Song & Drum © Celeste Pedri. An Ethnographic Film produced and directed by Celeste Pedri. Filmed on location, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, 2011. Accessible in hard copy DVD or at http://innovative-learning.publicethnography.net/projects/gna-giidadowin-exploring-our-way-life-through-anashinabe-song-and-drum-celeste-pedri
Other Artistic & Curatorial Work
- "Generations of Perseverance" (photo transfers on metal). The North Now: 2014 Northern Ontario Juried Exhibition. Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, Ontario, CA. 2014. ***This work received a juror's award***
- "Robert", "Aunty Julie", "Keeshig" (3 pieces, all photo transfers on metal). Bury My Art At Wounded Knee Exhibit. Pacific Northwest College of Art, Portland, Oregon, USA. 2013
"Self-Portrait" (1 piece, pseudo-photograph). Nigi Mikan | I Found It! Indigenous Women's Identity Art Exhibit. National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. 2013
- Curator. “See Us, Hear Us” Photovoice Exhibit, Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, 2010. A Collection of photographic works completed with members of Long Lake # 58 First Nation and Ginoogaming First Nation community members which explored themes social and health related issues within each of the communities.
- "Robert", "Aunty Julie", "Keeshig" (3 pieces, all photo transfers on metal). Bury My Art At Wounded Knee Exhibit. Pacific Northwest College of Art, Portland, Oregon, USA. 2013
"Self-Portrait" (1 piece, pseudo-photograph). Nigi Mikan | I Found It! Indigenous Women's Identity Art Exhibit. National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. 2013
- Curator. “See Us, Hear Us” Photovoice Exhibit, Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, 2010. A Collection of photographic works completed with members of Long Lake # 58 First Nation and Ginoogaming First Nation community members which explored themes social and health related issues within each of the communities.
Artwork Published in Anthologies
Pedri-Spade, C. (2014). Photography : Evoking Keeshig, Evoking Julie, Evoking Robert & Ogichidaakwewaag. In Grassroots Anthology (Vol 2, pp. 54-56). Canada: Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre.
Community-Focused Text Outputs (Reports, Essays, News Articles)
Pedri-Spade, C. (2020, October 20). Removing Sir John A. Macdonald isn't 'cancel culture'- it's a sign of a cultural renaissance. Globe and Mail. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-removing-sir-john-a-macdonald-isnt-cancel-culture-its-a-sign-of/
Pedri-Spade, C. (2020, December 23). Latimer's ancestry claims undermined the important work of Indigenous creatives. Globe and Mail. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/article-michelle-latimers-ancestry-claims-undermined-the-important-work-of/
Pedri-Spade, C. (2019). Trauma-Informed Approached to FN Education in Ontario. Research report produced for the Chiefs of Ontario Education Directorate. pp. 56
Pedri-Spade, C. (2017). Indigenous Linguistic Standards. Research report produced for the Chiefs of Ontario Education Directorate. pp. 35
Pedri-Spade, C. Sy, C. & Lee, D. (2016). “Anishinaabe and Metis Territory?”: An Ice breaker.
Retrieved from: https://zoongde.com/2016/11/09/nishmetisterritory/
Current and Previous Research (Funded)
Project Title : Beehdahban : Exploring Who We Are and Where We Are From Through Anishinabeg Photography
2012-2016
Granting Agency: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
Grant Type: Joseph Bombardier Doctoral Research
Details : This research constitutes my PhD (Visual Anthropology). This research focused on the collection and creative experience of 84 historical family photographs taken by Anishinabeg for Anishinabeg from around 1905-1969. It explores the role of Anishinabeg photography in decolonial praxis and provides key theoretical and methodological insights into Indigenous photography
Project Title : The Teaching is in the Making (Art Exhibition) June – September 2016, Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, ON; October 26 to January 2017, Sudbury Art Gallery, Sudbury, ON.
2015-2017
Funding Agency: Ontario Arts Council
Details : This is a major exhibition of 21 artworks that I completed as part of my dissertation work. I am carrying out this exhibition through an artist collaboration with Leanna Marshall.
Project Title : Nind Assekadan (I tan a hide)
2014-2016
Funders: Bimose Tribal Council (Education Unit) and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation
Details : This is an applied ethnographic film project that provides Anishinabeg insight into the relationship between Anishianbeg language revitalization and traditional land-based practices. It functions as an educational resource for those wishing to learn Anishinabemowin and for individuals wishing to reclaim the practice of brain tanning hide. It is presented in Anishinabemowin with English subtitles.
Project Title: Performing Ojibwe spirituality through the art of traditional beading
2012-2013
Funding Agency: Centre for Studies in Religion and Society, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
Details: Engaged in an art/research project with the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society (University of Victoria) through a one-time $4,000 grant as a practicing artist/researcher. This research acknowledged and actualized my traditional role as an Anishinabekwe regalia maker. The project explored Anishinabe beadwork as a spiritual performance. Specifically, it looked at the relationship between the traditional art and individual understandings of spirituality, traditional teachings and how this relationship intersects with indigenous conceptions of care and healing.
2012-2016
Granting Agency: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
Grant Type: Joseph Bombardier Doctoral Research
Details : This research constitutes my PhD (Visual Anthropology). This research focused on the collection and creative experience of 84 historical family photographs taken by Anishinabeg for Anishinabeg from around 1905-1969. It explores the role of Anishinabeg photography in decolonial praxis and provides key theoretical and methodological insights into Indigenous photography
Project Title : The Teaching is in the Making (Art Exhibition) June – September 2016, Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, ON; October 26 to January 2017, Sudbury Art Gallery, Sudbury, ON.
2015-2017
Funding Agency: Ontario Arts Council
Details : This is a major exhibition of 21 artworks that I completed as part of my dissertation work. I am carrying out this exhibition through an artist collaboration with Leanna Marshall.
Project Title : Nind Assekadan (I tan a hide)
2014-2016
Funders: Bimose Tribal Council (Education Unit) and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation
Details : This is an applied ethnographic film project that provides Anishinabeg insight into the relationship between Anishianbeg language revitalization and traditional land-based practices. It functions as an educational resource for those wishing to learn Anishinabemowin and for individuals wishing to reclaim the practice of brain tanning hide. It is presented in Anishinabemowin with English subtitles.
Project Title: Performing Ojibwe spirituality through the art of traditional beading
2012-2013
Funding Agency: Centre for Studies in Religion and Society, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
Details: Engaged in an art/research project with the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society (University of Victoria) through a one-time $4,000 grant as a practicing artist/researcher. This research acknowledged and actualized my traditional role as an Anishinabekwe regalia maker. The project explored Anishinabe beadwork as a spiritual performance. Specifically, it looked at the relationship between the traditional art and individual understandings of spirituality, traditional teachings and how this relationship intersects with indigenous conceptions of care and healing.
Previous Research (Not Funded)
2013 Four Stories of an Overtaxed Indian
- This is a performance text drawing together the tradition of Anishinabe storysharing, Indigenous (performance) autoethnography and poetic narrative. Using personal, excavated memories, specifically those related to shopping with a “Status card”, this research fosters critical thought and dialogue around issues related to Canada’s Indian Act with respect to the inventorying of Status First Nation individuals, public misconceptions and reactions to tax exemption provisions entrenched in Treaty Rights, and the treatment of Status Indians.
2010 Gna-Giigadowin: Exploring our Way of Life Through Anishinabe Song and Drum (Royal Roads University)
- Conducted over a year-long period, involving a group of ten Ojibwe traditional singers.
- Collaborative Research Model which blended performance ethnography with traditional, indigenous ways of
knowing
2010 (PRINCIPAL RESEARCHER) Circle Re-Worked: Our Story of Knowledge Revitalization (Royal Roads University,
WSAANEC Adult Education Centre, Saanich B.C).
- Conducted four (4) weeks of field work involving language apprentices and senior educators in order to
produce a written document that revealed the successes and challenges of the WSAANEC language
revitalization program.
- Drew from performance narratives and traditional sharing circles in order to decolonize the research process
- This is a performance text drawing together the tradition of Anishinabe storysharing, Indigenous (performance) autoethnography and poetic narrative. Using personal, excavated memories, specifically those related to shopping with a “Status card”, this research fosters critical thought and dialogue around issues related to Canada’s Indian Act with respect to the inventorying of Status First Nation individuals, public misconceptions and reactions to tax exemption provisions entrenched in Treaty Rights, and the treatment of Status Indians.
2010 Gna-Giigadowin: Exploring our Way of Life Through Anishinabe Song and Drum (Royal Roads University)
- Conducted over a year-long period, involving a group of ten Ojibwe traditional singers.
- Collaborative Research Model which blended performance ethnography with traditional, indigenous ways of
knowing
2010 (PRINCIPAL RESEARCHER) Circle Re-Worked: Our Story of Knowledge Revitalization (Royal Roads University,
WSAANEC Adult Education Centre, Saanich B.C).
- Conducted four (4) weeks of field work involving language apprentices and senior educators in order to
produce a written document that revealed the successes and challenges of the WSAANEC language
revitalization program.
- Drew from performance narratives and traditional sharing circles in order to decolonize the research process
Funded Research in a Professional Context
2011 (PRINICAL RESEARCHER/Facilitator) SEE US, HEAR US initiative (Dilico Children’s Foundation, Thunder Bay, ON)
- $65,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. A four month project that blends principles of photovoice and traditional Anishinabek methods of sharing, involving 30 youth in Ginoogaming and Long Lake #58 First Nations. The aim of the project is to empower communities through the creativity of their youth to communicate key issues and potentials to internal and external stakeholders; thus, inciting community action.
2009 (PRINCIPAL RESEARCHER) Wenewi Bimaadiziwin Project (Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, Thunder Bay, ON)
- $80,000 grant from the Local Health Integration Network for the development of a culturally relevant and sensitive health education projfect aimed at reducing the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes in the Northern Superior First Nations. Lead this project through to completion, which involved the collaboration of First Nation members in six (6) communities. Wenewi Bimaadiziwin (Looking After Life) blended traditional storytelling, factual information, imagery, and song in order to produce research findings and practical resources grounded in culturally sensitive and traditional ways of sharing information.
- $65,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. A four month project that blends principles of photovoice and traditional Anishinabek methods of sharing, involving 30 youth in Ginoogaming and Long Lake #58 First Nations. The aim of the project is to empower communities through the creativity of their youth to communicate key issues and potentials to internal and external stakeholders; thus, inciting community action.
2009 (PRINCIPAL RESEARCHER) Wenewi Bimaadiziwin Project (Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, Thunder Bay, ON)
- $80,000 grant from the Local Health Integration Network for the development of a culturally relevant and sensitive health education projfect aimed at reducing the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes in the Northern Superior First Nations. Lead this project through to completion, which involved the collaboration of First Nation members in six (6) communities. Wenewi Bimaadiziwin (Looking After Life) blended traditional storytelling, factual information, imagery, and song in order to produce research findings and practical resources grounded in culturally sensitive and traditional ways of sharing information.
Teaching & Admin
ASSOCIATE PROVOST OF INDIGENOUS INITIATIVES & ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
McGill University, Montreal, Quebec 2022-present
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR & QUEEN'S NATIONAL SCHOLAR IN INDIGENOUS STUDIES
School of Global and Development Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario 2020-2022
DIRECTOR
Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario 2017-2020
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR 2018-2020
School of Indigenous Relations, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario
Anthropology, Faculty of Arts, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON
- Courses taught: Indigenous Research Methodologies, Indigenous Photography and Decolonization, Anthropology of the Arts, The Decolonial Struggle, Anthropological Research Design, Qualitative Methods in Anthropological Research, Visual Ethnography and Living with Things
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR 2015-2018
Anthropology, Faculty of Arts, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON
- Courses taught: Indigenous Photography and Decolonization, Anthropology of the Arts, The Decolonial Struggle, Anthropological Research Design, Qualitative Methods in Anthropological Research, Visual Ethnography and Living with Things
ASSOCIATE FACULTY 2011- 2012
School of Communication and Culture, Royal Roads University, Victoria, BC
• Co-instructed first year course in the Masters of Arts in Intercultural and International Communication program:
Year 1 class: Research Methodologies
McGill University, Montreal, Quebec 2022-present
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR & QUEEN'S NATIONAL SCHOLAR IN INDIGENOUS STUDIES
School of Global and Development Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario 2020-2022
DIRECTOR
Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario 2017-2020
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR 2018-2020
School of Indigenous Relations, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario
Anthropology, Faculty of Arts, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON
- Courses taught: Indigenous Research Methodologies, Indigenous Photography and Decolonization, Anthropology of the Arts, The Decolonial Struggle, Anthropological Research Design, Qualitative Methods in Anthropological Research, Visual Ethnography and Living with Things
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR 2015-2018
Anthropology, Faculty of Arts, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON
- Courses taught: Indigenous Photography and Decolonization, Anthropology of the Arts, The Decolonial Struggle, Anthropological Research Design, Qualitative Methods in Anthropological Research, Visual Ethnography and Living with Things
ASSOCIATE FACULTY 2011- 2012
School of Communication and Culture, Royal Roads University, Victoria, BC
• Co-instructed first year course in the Masters of Arts in Intercultural and International Communication program:
Year 1 class: Research Methodologies
Awards & Recognitions
(2022) Principal's Teaching & Learning Award (Indigenous Education), Queen's University, Kingston, ON
(2017) Ontario Association of Art Galleries Exhibition of the Year Award Finalist (Thematic exhibit under $20,000) with the Thunder Bay Art Gallery
(2017) CASCA's Outstanding Graduating PhD Student of 2016-17, Canadian Anthropology Society
(2015) Juror’s Award, The North Now, Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, ON
(2012-2015) SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship
(2013) John Michael Brownutt Scholarship for Community Leadership, University of Victoria
(2013) University of Victoria President's Research Scholarship
(2012) John Michael Brownutt Scholarship for Community Leadership, University of Victoria
(2012) University of Victoria Dean's Award for Indigenous Graduate Student
(2012) University of Victoria President's Research Scholarship
(2012) Chi-Chuang and Yien-Ying Hsieh Award for Art and Spirituality, Centre for Studies in Religion and Society, University of Victoria
(2012) Rama Award for Academic Excellence in Graduate Studies
(2011) Lorna Malcolmson Award for Outstanding Multimodal Thesis
(2011) Governor General Gold Medal Nominee, School of Culture and Communication (Royal Roads University)
(2017) Ontario Association of Art Galleries Exhibition of the Year Award Finalist (Thematic exhibit under $20,000) with the Thunder Bay Art Gallery
(2017) CASCA's Outstanding Graduating PhD Student of 2016-17, Canadian Anthropology Society
(2015) Juror’s Award, The North Now, Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, ON
(2012-2015) SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship
(2013) John Michael Brownutt Scholarship for Community Leadership, University of Victoria
(2013) University of Victoria President's Research Scholarship
(2012) John Michael Brownutt Scholarship for Community Leadership, University of Victoria
(2012) University of Victoria Dean's Award for Indigenous Graduate Student
(2012) University of Victoria President's Research Scholarship
(2012) Chi-Chuang and Yien-Ying Hsieh Award for Art and Spirituality, Centre for Studies in Religion and Society, University of Victoria
(2012) Rama Award for Academic Excellence in Graduate Studies
(2011) Lorna Malcolmson Award for Outstanding Multimodal Thesis
(2011) Governor General Gold Medal Nominee, School of Culture and Communication (Royal Roads University)
Research Grants
2014, Bimose Tribal Council & Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation, Grant to produce a 20 min ethnographic film that both documents and provides instruction on how to brain tan leather in Anishinabemowin, $6,000
2012, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (Joseph-Armand Bombardier) Doctoral Grant (3-year term), to complete dissertation work entitled Beedahban: Exploring Who We Are and Where We Are From in Nezaatiikong First Nation, $105,000
2010, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Grant to conduct an 8-month community-based project that blended the photovoice methodology with Anishinabe cultural teachings and ways of knowing to explore visual health narratives among elementary and secondary students living in Ginoogaming and Longlac #58 First Nations, $80,000.
2012, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (Joseph-Armand Bombardier) Doctoral Grant (3-year term), to complete dissertation work entitled Beedahban: Exploring Who We Are and Where We Are From in Nezaatiikong First Nation, $105,000
2010, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Grant to conduct an 8-month community-based project that blended the photovoice methodology with Anishinabe cultural teachings and ways of knowing to explore visual health narratives among elementary and secondary students living in Ginoogaming and Longlac #58 First Nations, $80,000.
Service to the University, Profession and Community
Unit Level:
2016/2017 Committee: Anthropology Curriculum Development
2016/2017 Committee: Anthropology Program Communication
2015/2016 Committee : School of Northern and Community Studies Director Selection.
2015/2016 Committee: School of Northern and Community Studies Master’s Program Committee .
2015/2016 Committee : Anthropology Curriculum Development
2014/2015: Committee : School of Northern Development, Celebration of the Arts (Adhoc)
2014/2015: Committee: School of Northern Development Communications
2014/2015: Committee: Anthropology Curriculum Review
Faculty Level:
2015/2016 Committee: Maamwazing Indigeneity in the Academy Conference
2015/ 2016 Steering Committee : Laurentian Indigenous Research Institute Development
2015/ 2016 : Adhoc Committee : Interdisciplinary Course on Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women
University Level:
2017-2020 Inaugural Director, Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute, Laurentian University of Sudbury
2016/2017 LUNEC Member (Indigenous Faculty member outside of an Indigenous program)
Community:
• Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation (2010-2014)
Secured funding for, and managed an annual 16-week cultural-arts based program called “Sewing Spirits”(funded through the Ontario Arts Council, Aboriginal Artists in Education Program). This program brought together community elders, artists (beaders, regalia makers, etc.), and community adults and youth to facilitate the sharing/teaching of our traditional, cultural arts. During the project, 20 members produced various works, including traditional regalia, small crafts, etc.). This program served to bring Lac Des Milles Lacs members into a supportive, safe place where they could reconnect with their artistic cultural heritage.
Walking With Our Sisters (2014-2015)
Committee Member
Worked with several local Anishinabekwe to bring the Walking With Our Sisters exhibition to the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, ON in a culturally sensitive and respectful way.
2016/2017 Committee: Anthropology Curriculum Development
2016/2017 Committee: Anthropology Program Communication
2015/2016 Committee : School of Northern and Community Studies Director Selection.
2015/2016 Committee: School of Northern and Community Studies Master’s Program Committee .
2015/2016 Committee : Anthropology Curriculum Development
2014/2015: Committee : School of Northern Development, Celebration of the Arts (Adhoc)
2014/2015: Committee: School of Northern Development Communications
2014/2015: Committee: Anthropology Curriculum Review
Faculty Level:
2015/2016 Committee: Maamwazing Indigeneity in the Academy Conference
2015/ 2016 Steering Committee : Laurentian Indigenous Research Institute Development
2015/ 2016 : Adhoc Committee : Interdisciplinary Course on Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women
University Level:
2017-2020 Inaugural Director, Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute, Laurentian University of Sudbury
2016/2017 LUNEC Member (Indigenous Faculty member outside of an Indigenous program)
Community:
• Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation (2010-2014)
Secured funding for, and managed an annual 16-week cultural-arts based program called “Sewing Spirits”(funded through the Ontario Arts Council, Aboriginal Artists in Education Program). This program brought together community elders, artists (beaders, regalia makers, etc.), and community adults and youth to facilitate the sharing/teaching of our traditional, cultural arts. During the project, 20 members produced various works, including traditional regalia, small crafts, etc.). This program served to bring Lac Des Milles Lacs members into a supportive, safe place where they could reconnect with their artistic cultural heritage.
Walking With Our Sisters (2014-2015)
Committee Member
Worked with several local Anishinabekwe to bring the Walking With Our Sisters exhibition to the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, ON in a culturally sensitive and respectful way.