From: Cheryl Regehr, Vice-President & Provost
Date: June 24, 2022
Re: Appointment of Professor Dale Turner as Academic Advisor on Indigenous Research (PDAD&C #48)

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Dale Turner as Academic Advisor on Indigenous Research. 

Professor Dale Turner is a citizen of the Temagami First Nation in northern Ontario. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and Centre for Indigenous Studies in the Faculty of Arts & Science. His research interests include Indigenous politics, contemporary Indigenous intellectual culture, contemporary political theory, and the philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein.  

Professor Turner will consult with the academic divisions to provide leadership and guidance to colleagues conducting research in and with Indigenous communities. In this capacity, Professor Turner will work collaboratively with the Office of Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives on issues relating to Indigenous research and working with Indigenous communities, such as providing advice to faculty members and students interested in conducting collaborative research with Indigenous communities. Professor Turner will also assist in the development of best practice and guidance documents for research ethics submissions to ensure that they are respectful and inclusive of Indigenous communities. In doing so, Professor Turner will work closely with the U of T Elders’ Circle and our Indigenous community partners. 

In undertaking this initiative, Professor Turner will work closely with Shannon Simpson, Director of Indigenous Initiatives, and with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Professor Suzanne Stewart for taking on this inaugural role, and for all the care and thoughtful guidance she provided over the past three years.  

I am confident that Professor Turner’s expertise on Indigenous scholarship and research will be key to furthering the University of Toronto’s commitment to the calls to action laid out in Answering the Call: Wecheehetowin – the University’s response to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.  

Please join me in welcoming Professor Turner in this special advisory role.