| Project Title: Biskaabiiyang and Indigenous Political Resurgence |
Project Description:
Dr. Lee’s research program is designed to build a comprehensive knowledge base about the significance of Indigenous peoples’ inherent political systems in Canada. The research is framed by two key principles, namely, that Indigenouspeoples have their own systems of governance that exist regardless of whether they are recognized by the Canadian state, and that such systems can remain unreconciled with Canada and still maintain their legitimacy. Dr. Lee’s current research program focuses on understanding three core themes: 1. How First Nations are disengaging from (or refusing) Canada’sIndian Act forms of governance, 2. How First Nations are rebuilding their inherent governance systems from the inside, and3. How First Nations and the scholarly community can foster a better understanding of Indigenous peoples’ inherent governance systems within Canadian society’s broader collective mindset. The RA will play a valuable role in the above. Dr.Lee will work with the RA to ensure her/his/their workload is appropriate and not overwhelming, |
RA Position Duties and Resposibilities
(Include Interaction with Research Team Members, Supervisory Arrangements):
The RA will assist Dr. Lee in a number of qualitative research duties, including literature reviews, data analysis, and research project implementation with First Nation partners (contingent on research project funding). The RA will meet with Dr. Lee on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to discuss progress, access mentorship, and to plan next steps throughout the work period. Depending on RA's interest and available project funding, RA may be invited to travel to Dr. Lee's partner First Nations for research-related work, where relevant. |
| How Many Students Are Currently Under Your Supervision: Undergraduate:
1
Masters: 1
Doctoral: 3
|
| Animals Will Be Used In Research:
No
|
| Human Subjects Involved:
Yes
|
| Hazardous Materials, Equipment, or Processes Will Be Involved
in the Research:
No
|
Research Experience and Opportunites Offered RA:
A) Quality of the research experience: This RAship will be of exceptionally high quality for any student interested in doing research with First Nations communities in Canada. By working alongside Dr. Lee and his team of RAs, the RA may participate in the development of projects, research design and implementation, literature reviews, and publication development that underscore the importance of avoiding “smash and grab” research in Indigenous contexts. This position will offer the RA an opportunity to learn from not just Dr. Lee, but also Dr. Lee’s other RAs, most of whom are Indigenous graduate students. B) Examples of enhanced academic and career opportunities: The RA will receive training in a variety of qualitative research methods, including literature review, data analysis, and dissemination. But more than this, theRA will participate in projects that will expose her/him/them to the function of research within and with First Nations communities. |
Specific Skills / Knowledge / Experience Required
(Include Any Required Courses, Computer Programs, etc.):
Ideally, the RA will have taken courses that deal critically with Indigenous issues (in Canada, or internationally), gender and sexuality, colonialism and decolonization, Indian policy in Canada, and/or community-driven research methodologies.Moreover, experience using qualitative data analysis software would be an asset. Priority will be given to candidates with direct knowledge and experience of living within First Nation, Metis, or Inuit communities. |