A surge in female Indigenous researchers in the North is sparking a wave of inspiration among scholars, according to academics. Nicole Redvers, an associate professor at Western University and a member of the Deninu Kue First Nation in the N.W.T., noted a significant rise in female Indigenous students pursuing advanced degrees in recent years.
While Statistics Canada reports a growing number of Indigenous women enrolling in post-secondary education in Canada, specific data on Indigenous women engaged in field research in the North is limited. Redvers advocates for a centralized university in the North to facilitate tracking such information across all territories.
Various factors such as heightened geopolitical interest in the Arctic, new funding opportunities, and the increased visibility of female Indigenous researchers have contributed to this trend. Redvers emphasized the importance of representation in research spaces, stating that seeing oneself reflected in these environments is crucial for aspiring researchers.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action have highlighted education and funding disparities, prompting academic institutions to address systemic barriers impacting Indigenous students and researchers. Redvers stressed that the impetus for change stems from Indigenous communities advocating for transformation rather than mere institutional compliance.
Ashley Ens, a PhD student from the Nihtat Gwich’in in the N.W.T., emphasized the traditional knowledge held by Indigenous women and their growing influence in academia. She highlighted the shift towards recognizing Indigenous methodologies, community knowledge, and responsibilities within academic circles.
By integrating traditional knowledge and involving community members in their research, northern Indigenous researchers are fostering trust within their communities, Redvers explained. Laurie-Ann Lines, a senior researcher at the Institute for Circumpolar Health Research, commended the increasing representation of Indigenous women in graduate and post-doctorate programs, attributing this progress to collaborative efforts with elders and community members to promote Indigenous research methodologies.
Lines, a member of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, underscored the evolving nature of research in the North, where projects now prioritize collaboration with and empowerment of Indigenous communities. This paradigm shift signifies a move towards research conducted in partnership with Indigenous peoples for the benefit of all involved.
