Research in Saskatchewan

I've always sought ways to merge my interests (travel, photography, critical multicultural education and local history). When I wasn't studying or working as a higher education administrator, I was performing or creating art. In 2018, I put down the camera to pursue a doctorate full-time in Global Inclusion and Social Development which ultimately led to a graduate assistantship working with indigenous tribes in Massachusetts. For 2 years I traveled the state photographing young native artists from the Wampanoags, Nipmuc and urban native tribes who use art to support wellness and identity formation. I would like to expand the scope of this project to include First Nations Peoples and Metis artists in Canada.

My research focus is to study the implications of using local history to strengthen cultural and community responsiveness in K-12 education. I think Canada has made great progress in reparative work with its indigenous populations as a result of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and I plan to investigate the successes and challenges of education-related TRC tasks in elementary schools, high schools and teacher education programs. This 60 Minutes episode provides a glimpse into the scope of my research focus on unearthing histories hidden in plain sight.

I received a grant to do research in Canada for the academic year 2023/2024 which supports living expenses abroad. Additional funds raised would help upgrade equipment (laptop and photography and other audio/recording devices) needed to bridge the indigenous tribes in New England with the ones in the prairie lands of Canada and ongoing expenses while abroad.

If you believe in this important work, please consider donating and being a part of this learning community working to counter the memory laws used to control which histories are deemed important enough for classroom learning in the Americas. I currently work with teachers in the United States (Illinois and Massachusetts) and soon Saskatchewan Canada, to make sure all students learn of the contributions and experiences of BIPOC groups that have contributed so much to the building of these nations.