{"id":87474,"date":"2023-08-25T15:19:17","date_gmt":"2023-08-25T19:19:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/?p=87474"},"modified":"2023-08-25T15:19:17","modified_gmt":"2023-08-25T19:19:17","slug":"indigenous-research-student-experiences-shared-at-community-event","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/2023\/08\/indigenous-research-student-experiences-shared-at-community-event\/","title":{"rendered":"Indigenous research, student experiences shared at community event"},"content":{"rendered":"

Community relationship building, truth-telling and mentorship were among key themes discussed at an event highlighting Brock University research led by Indigenous and Indigenous-ally scholars.<\/p>\n

More than 100 Ontario-based participants, predominantly from the Niagara region, Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Simcoe-Muskoka, joined in person and online for \u201cHealing Circles of Engagement, Weaving Relationships in Research<\/a>,\u201d a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Scientifique Caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Hosted by the Department of Nursing Research Committee, the event saw students, researchers, Indigenous community members and representatives from health agencies come together on Wednesday, Aug. 23 to explore how Indigenous ways of knowing and understanding are being embedded into Brock research.<\/p>\n

Brock researchers shared information in a panel on Indigenous health demographics, co-creation of research questions that reflect the priorities and worldviews of Indigenous Peoples, and the importance of revitalizing language and culture for community well-being.<\/p>\n

A second panel included Brock students and faculty members who spoke about the learnings that can take place in reciprocal mentor and mentee dynamics and how they serve to fill gaps that Indigenous students experience while enrolled in the academy.<\/p>\n

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From left, Brock Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement Robyn Bourgeois moderates the \u201cIndigenous Methodologies and Protocols\u201d discussion as Assistant Professor of Nursing Vanessa Silva e Silva answers an audience member question, and Assistant Professor of Nursing Connie Schumacher, Associate Professor of Nursing Sheila O\u2019Keefe-McCarthy and PhD student and Lecturer for Women\u2019s and Gender Studies and Sociology Lyn Trudeau listen.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cThe main purpose of this CIHR Caf\u00e9 was to gather everyone together and create a space for dialogue and building good relationships,\u201d says Sheila O\u2019Keefe-McCarthy, Associate Professor of Nursing and Nursing Research Committee Chair.<\/p>\n

Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Institute of Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Health and Brock\u2019s Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, the day was grounded in traditional teachings from Elder Garry Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, who provided a traditional welcome and opening remarks.<\/p>\n

Honouring the importance of moving forward with a good mind and spirit, participants also joined Innu Elder Dave Labb\u00e9 for a Sacred Fire ceremony.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe formal and informal conversations that took place through the day became more integral and intentional as each person shared their knowledge and experiences,\u201d says O\u2019Keefe-McCarthy.<\/p>\n

Participating as both a panellist and poster presenter, PhD student Michelle Bomberry<\/a> won the event\u2019s graduate student award for her showcased work, \u201c\u0118dwadewa\u0301y\u0119sta Ohw\u0119ja\u0301deh: We Learn from the Earth.\u201d The qualitative arts-based research study uses a traditional Indigenous conceptual framework to explore how children and parents value a decolonized education structure.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing able to be mentored as a Research Assistant and preparing for this event, helped me to hone my skills in doing research,\u201d says Bomberry. \u201cThis Indigenous caf\u00e9 was a great opportunity to highlight the work being done at Six Nations to revitalize culture and language.\u201d<\/p>\n

Closing the event, Brock Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement Robyn Bourgeois provided feedback and gratitude for the knowledge sharing that took place before offering a song for safe travels.<\/p>\n

All participants who registered will be sent an email inviting them to evaluate the Caf\u00e9 and make recommendations for future opportunities.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe feedback we have received so far has been very positive and informative,\u201d says Connie Schumacher, Assistant Professor of Nursing and Nursing Research Committee Co-chair. \u201cI am so thankful participants felt comfortable contributing to the discussions and supporting each other. We have started a conversation, our hope is that this is a new beginning of mentorship, partnerships and reciprocity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\t