A teaching approach
committed to
transformative learning
My philosophy
Investigative Approach
Central to my pedagogical
practice is a commitment to
Indigenous philosophies of
learning and decolonial praxis
based on an investigation into
the impact of settler
colonialism on local cultures,
contexts, and ecologies.
Connect and Grow
I aim to connect to each student
individually and encourage them
to develop a growth-mindset
through self-evaluation and reflection.
Complex Conversations
Centering decolonizing and
anti-racist pedagogies,
I strive to create a space
for inquiry and discussion that is
respectful, accessible, inclusive
and culturally-safe.
Previously Taught Courses
- Indigenous Studies 100: Introduction to Decolonization
- Indigenous Studies 204: Métis Peoples and Perspectives
- Indigenous Studies 205: Indigenous Identities
- Indigenous Studies 295H: Special Topics Course
- Indigenous Studies 303: Indigenous Studies Theory and Methods
- Indigenous Studies 308: Indigenous Cultural, Heritage, and Intellectual Property
- Indigenous Studies 401: Research Applications
- Indigenous Studies 404: Indigenous Peoples, United Nations and Global Issues
Mentorship
I wouldn’t be where I am without the mentorship I received as a
graduate student. As a graduate student supervisor I am committed
to supporting students through research mentorship, training
opportunities, grant applications, and directed studies courses. My
goal is always to support student’s research ideas while also
connecting them to existing research projects.
Current students I am supervising include:
Sandra Fox (PhD) in the Indigenous Knowledges theme, whose research focuses on Indigenous health.
Denica Bleau (PhD) in the Indigenous Knowledges theme, whose research focuses on developing land-based healing programs for Indigenous Peoples post-incarceration.
Dante Carter (MA) in the Indigenous Knowledges theme, whose research focuses on Nanâtawihowin (Healing & Finding Place) Through Indigenized Economic Development, co-supervised with Dr. Onyx Sloan-Morgan.
Previous students I’ve supervised include:
Keyara Brody (MSc) in Rehabilitation Sciences, whose research focuses on bringing traditional practices into urban spaces for Indigenous youth, co-supervised with Dr. Skye Barbic.
Hanna Paul (MA), whose research focuses on Métis women’s Moontime Teachings using a Métis visiting methodology, co-supervised with Dr. Fiona McDonald (2021-2023)
Avery Shtykalo‘s undergraduate research on the Kokum Scarf as Symbol of Reconciliation (2023), recently published here.
And Renoir Gauvin’s undergraduate research in partnership with the Central Okanagan Food Bank which focused on equitable food bank access for Indigenous people. (2021)
Learn more about UBC Okanagan’s Interdisciplinary Graduate
Program including the Community Engagement, Social Change,
and Equity (CESCE) Theme and the new Indigenous Knowledges theme: iʔ sqilxʷ aʔ cmiy̓ t smypnwíɬnsəlx