About Me
Credentials
Assistant Professor in Indigenous Studies,
Métis Scholar, Community-Based
Researcher, PhD.
Experience
My research program focuses on historical, contemporary, and future-looking issues related to urban Indigenous and Métis identities. I employ a methodologically innovative and effective approach that emphasizes community-based research, ensuring responsiveness to the needs of Urban Indigenous and Métis peoples. In my historical research, I explore the impact of colonial policies on Métis familial identities. My contemporary and future-focused research is community-led, addressing the priorities identified by the community at the intersection of holistic wellbeing, community belonging, and Indigenous identity. I am also actively involved in youth-led research, aiming to connect urban Indigenous youth with local Elders, support programs, and foster a sense of community among them. My commitment to Indigenous self-determination and decolonial research is reflected in my interdisciplinary approach. I integrate historical investigation, Indigenous Research Methodologies, and collaboration with Indigenous communities and organizations.
In my current role as an assistant professor in Indigenous Studies, my work centres on solving complex problems through engaging contemporary Métis and other urban Indigenous communities in British Columbia, Canada.
I truly believe that research about Indigenous Peoples must include them every step of the way and strive to build community capacity at every possible opportunity.
Where it started
Here is where you would usually find a list of my qualifications, my degrees: a BA from University of Saskatchewan, an MA and PhD in Interdisciplinary studies from University of British Columbia (Okanagan).
But for those from Métis and other Indigenous communities you may be looking for more pertinent information, like where am I from and who are my relations.
My Story
I was born and raised in Saskatchewan, first in Ponteix, near the historic Métis settlement of Lac Pelletier. My great-grandmother Julia Fayant played an instrumental role in my own Mom’s life. She was raised by her grandmother, a Métis woman who came to the road allowance by way of Willow Bunch, Fort Qu’Appelle, and the Red River area in Manitoba. Our family connects to other branches of Métis relations across the Métis Nation Homeland including the Fagnants, Desjarlais, Whitfords, Pelletiers, Cardinals, LaPlantes, and Gagnons. I am also a member of the Kelowna Métis Association and a citizen of Métis Nation British Columbia.
I am committed to the continuation and resilience of Métis culture so am active in learning and practicing the michif language, sash looming, tufting, and beadwork so that I can pass these practices down to my own daughters.
Notable Research
Read my recent publication in the International Journal of Critical Indigenous Studies:
Hegemonic Discourses of Métis Identity in British Columbia, Canada
Check out the article that was runner up for the BC Studies Best Paper Prize:
Making Métis Places in British Columbia: The Edge of the Métis National Homeland
Dive deep into my doctoral dissertation:
Stories of Contemporary Métis Identity in British Columbia
Teaching
I strive for a transformative learning experience in both my graduate student mentorship and undergraduate classes. I am excited to be supervising Indigenous graduate students working on research that is important for their own communities including: Nanâtawihowin (Healing & Finding Place) Through Indigenized Economic Development, bringing traditional practices into urban spaces for Indigenous youth, and developing land-based healing programs for Indigenous Peoples post-incarceration.
