Bridging Community to University

The Role of Partnerships & Programs for Indigenous Self-Determination

Elaine Alexie, MAUniversity of Alberta

Overview• Introduction & my role at U of A• Nature of Science, Research &

Indigenous Communities• Indigenous Science Education (ISE)• Partnerships & Collaborations at

UAlberta

Introduction / Role at U of A

• Teetl’it Gwich’in / NWT Raised• UAlberta North – Faculty of Native

Studies• Support for Northern Research• Innovative Knowledge Exchange• Responsible Research with Indigenous

Communities

“The Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta is a student centered, research-oriented

faculty that provides a common ground for all students to learn, research, explore and critically

examine the historical and contemporary experience of Native peoples and communities, and

their relationships with Canada and other countries”

“UAlberta North connects faculty, students, senior leadership, and provincial, national, and

international partners – so the whole of our northern work is greater than the sum of its parts, and so northern voices and northern knowledge find points of entry to shape and challenge our

thinking”

The Nature of Science

Indigenous Intellectual Critiques

Indigenous Science Education (ISE)

How can ISE work?

• Ethical Spaces for Dialogue of Indigenous/Non-Indigenous Relationship(s)

• Process Takes Time and Should Not Be Rushed

• Requires Full Involvement of Community

Partnerships & Collaborations

The Wahkohtowin Project

The Teetl’it Gwich’in Land Based Partnership Project

Conclusion• Indigenous Knowledge & Relationship building is

key for future• Build Communities Up & Provide Opportunities

for skills building / ethical research• Make room for Indigenous Students• Hire Indigenous People

Khai Cho - Thank You

ealexie@ualberta.ca