Empowering Indigenous people who have neurodevelopmental disabilities and mental health concerns. Challenging the accepted history of Manitoulin Island’s massive fire in the 1700s. Exploring the cultural practice of Haudenosaunee men creating the Gustowah headdress. Leading a ribbon skirt making workshop for Indigenous women and Two Spirit people.

These are the research projects being funded this year through Brock University’s Indigenous Research Grants.

Offered by the Office of the Vice-President, Research with leadership from the Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement, the grant supports research or creative activities in any discipline and on any topic that relates to Indigenous Peoples.

“I’m pleased to see the diversity of topics being explored in this round of research projects,” says Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement Robyn Bourgeois. “I look forward to hearing more about how our esteemed colleagues will give voice to these important areas of interest.”

The recipients of this year’s Indigenous Research Grants are:

• Sheila Cote-Meek, Professor of Educational Studies and Director of Indigenous Educational Studies Programs: “Standing Strong with our Sisters”
• Joshua Manitowabi, Assistant Professor of History: “The Anishinaabe Story of the Great Fire of Manitoulin Island”
• Kendra Thomson, Associate Professor of Applied Disability Studies: “Expanding the Circle: Building a Network with Indigenous Peoples with Neurodevelopmental Differences”
• Sherri Vansickle, Assistant Professor of Educational Studies: “Exploring Haudenosaunee Masculinities”

Bourgeois says she anticipates the areas of study will strengthen Indigenous identity and improve lives in several important ways.

“A deeper understanding of Indigenous Peoples’ culture and history grounds us in knowing and celebrating who we are. Building networks to support those facing physical and mental health challenges is part of how we build community,” she says.

The projects, and the Indigenous Research Grant itself, support Brock University’s strategic priority of fostering a culture of inclusivity, accessibility, reconciliation and decolonization, says Acting Vice-President, Research Michelle McGinn.

“We’re honoured to support scholarly work that contributes to the creation of knowledge, understanding and partnerships as we pursue the path of reconciliation and decolonization,” she says.

Providing up to $7,500 in funding, the grants aims to help researchers advance smaller scale research programs and creative activities of up to two years in duration.

Research and creative activities led by, or in partnership with, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples are given priority, although research proposals involving Indigenous Peoples around the world are also welcome.

The program has supported a number of projects since its launch in 2021, including:

• Assistant Professor of Educational Studies Stanley “Bobby” Henry’s project related to the naming of Brock’s Reconciliation Ambearrister, Entiohahathé’te.
• Professor of Biology Liette Vasseur’s partnership with Plenty Canada to study Indigenous plants on Laura Secord trail.
• Brock Associate Professor of Geography and Tourism Studies and Earth Sciences Kevin Turner’s research documenting climate change impacts in Old Crow, Yukon.
• Associate Professor of Nursing Sheila O’Keefe-McCarthy’s work with Indigenous communities to better deliver heart-health information.
• Assistant Professors of Political Science Joanne Heritz and Liam Midzain-Gobin’s research that aims to amplify Indigenous voices amidst the housing crisis.
• Professor of Kinesiology Maureen Connolly’s work exploring the Indigenous roots of experiential education.
• Assistant Professor of Nursing Connie Schumacher’s community-focused research exploring Indigenous knowledge of wellness.

Indigenous Research Grant applications are accepted on a continuous basis. Faculty members wishing to apply should visit the Indigenous Research Grant page of the Research Services site (login required). For more information, contact Jasmine Little, Manager, Sponsored Research and Internal Programs in the Office of Research Services, at jlittle3@brocku.ca