The importance of indigenous research methodology

Elder Alma Poitras speaking about her research with her daughter Evelyn assisting at the computer

A crowd gathered for the second annual Indigenous Research event, hosted by the Faculty of Education’s Research & Graduate Programs office and First Nations University, Thursday, September 26, as part of the University of Regina’s Indigenous Research Showcase Week. Elder and Master’s student Alma Poitrois shared about her research, taking the audience through several layers of circles, offering a deeper understanding of her Indigenous worldview and a natural curriculum.

Following a break of bannock and tea, a panel moderated by Dr. Kathleen O’Reilly discussed “What is an indigenous research methodology? and Why is it important?” To begin the panel discussion, Dr. Angelina Weenie offered naskwahamākēwin, accompanying the women with song, to honour their courage and process. Dr. Angelina Weenie, Dr. Anna-Leah King, Mary Sasakamoose, and Ida Swan shared their thoughts about indigenous research methodology and its importance from their own experiences and research.  The panel discussion highlighted the importance of ceremony as part of the research,  of language, of engaging with the heart, of mother, of story, and of song and drum.

Standing room only at the 2nd Annual Indigenous Research Event
Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Programs, Dr. Twyla Salm
Elder Alma Poitras
Dr. Kathleen O’Reilly moderated the panel
Dr. Angelina Weenie
PhD candidate, Mary Sasakamoose
PhD candidate, Ida Swan
Dr. Anna-Leah King
Tania Gates, Research & Graduate Program Facilitator, at the book display
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