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University of Toronto Indigenous Research Network (PDAD&C #42)

From: Professor Suzanne Stewart, Academic Advisor on Indigenous Research
Date:  February 19, 2020
Re: University of Toronto Indigenous Research Network (PDAD&C #42)            

As part of the University of Toronto’s commitment and response to the Calls to Action of the Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report, and the Wecheehetowin–Answering the Call–the Final Report of the Steering Committee for the University of Toronto response to the TRC of Canada, the University of Toronto has created a new position: the Academic Advisor on Indigenous Research (AAIR).  I am honoured to be the first University of Toronto AAIR focusing this work in improving and increasing capacity and support for Indigenous research at the University.

The AAIR supports an institution-wide strategy to advance administration of Indigenous research including:

  • Creating an Indigenous Research Network
  • An internal Indigenous research funding stream based on Indigenous worldviews, principles, and community needs, and
  • Indigenous research and ethics best practice and guidance documents . 

Indigenous academic community participation is at the heart of the development and implementation of these programs, policies, and supports that are aimed at efficiently and meaningfully meeting the needs of Indigenous individuals and groups on campus. Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, and youth are also important to in include in all processes.

I would like to invite all U of T faculty members and research staff interested in or currently working with Indigenous communities in Canada or elsewhere to join this conversation and contribute to the design of these initiatives, over the coming months.

We have assembled, a small team of Traditional Knowledge Keepers, Community Research Assistants, and students. Please expect direct and community communications and invitations to consultations and other events throughout the coming months. If you have questions, please contact me or Cathy Fournier, Special Projects Officer supporting this work at cathy.fournier@utoronto.ca

Mahsi cho/Miigwetch/Marsi/Nai:wen/Thank you