Indigenous research showcased at university

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author: kristian ferguson | news editor


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The University of Regina, in conjuction with its three federated colleges, is hosting the Indigenous Research Showcase which, as described by the university website, is a “celebration of diversity and innovation in a move towards Indigenization on campus.” 

Running from Sept. 23 until Sept. 28, Dr. David Malloy, Vice President Research said that the showcase is necessary for the health of the institution. 

“Its purposes are twofold. One is to highlight the Indigenous research we currently do, and secondly to raise awareness of Indigenous research in general for Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers.” 

“Its really to let people know that Indigenous research is a different method or format of research.” 

Indigenous research is not just research performed by Indigenous people, it is also its own distinct method of research. 

“There are different research values involved and there is different research responsibilities when one is doing research in Indigenous communities,” said Dr. Malloy. 

“A clear difference in Indigenous research in a First Nations community is that there is a clear obligation of the researcher to relate how their research is going back into the community and how it is going to help make the community better.” 

Dr. Malloy discussed how Indigenous research was looking to get away from a lot of older, colonial, methods of research. 

“A researcher can’t just go to some place, gather their research, and then never come back. If the subjects of the research never hear from that researcher again, it doesn’t help them. Indigenous researchers hold an obligation to give back and improve the community as a function of their research,” said Dr. Malloy. “Its very reciprocal.” 

While not a very regular occurrence he said he was happy about the progress the Indigenous Research Showcase has made since it was last held. 

“The last time this showcase happened was about two years ago and it was only for one day. Its great that we have extended it to a week.” 

The purpose of the showcase is important in multiple ways and Dr. Malloy was eager to show how Indigenous research is a growing field and one that researchers should pay more attention to. 

“The way it started was a way for the university to provide workshops on how to do Indigenous research. It was also to help engage, particularly, non-Indigenous researchers in how to do this type of research and be aware of the protocols and how to ensure they are showing respect to these communities.” 

“We wanted our researchers to be aware of these things and avoid doing what researchers have always classically done, which was show up, take, and never give back. It really was an educational program on how to do Indigenous research but now we are at a point where we can show off our Indigenous research.” 

Dr. Malloy highlighted how Indigenous research was furthering efforts toward reconcilliation on campus both academically and institutionally. 

“What this is all about is raising issues and awareness of what those issues are in Indigenous communities. Its also making us better scholars and how to better understand Indigenous communities in more comprehensive and culturally sensitive ways,” said Dr. Malloy. 

“As a university, I feel this is exactly what we should be doing to show that our university is committed to indigenous education at large. This is a very concrete example of that.” 

Events of note included “It’s ALL Indigenous land: Decolonizing, and transitioning beyond extreme energy” presented by Dr. Emily Eaton, “Researching, Writing, and Publishing in the Era of Decolonization and Indigenous Resurgence” presented by Wendy Whitebear and Karen Clark in association with UR Press, and “Dude, where’s my statue? History, Identity and the Politics of Commemoration in Post TRC Canada” presented by Dr. James Daschuk. 

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