In the Northern region, there is a notable increase in the presence of Indigenous women engaging in field research, serving as a source of inspiration for emerging female scholars. Nicole Redvers, an associate professor at Western University and a member of the Deninu Kue First Nation in the N.W.T., highlighted a recent surge in female Indigenous students pursuing advanced degrees such as master’s and PhD programs. This trend aligns with Statistics Canada data indicating a rise in Indigenous women enrolling in post-secondary education and attaining bachelor’s degrees or higher between 2016 and 2021.
Redvers emphasized the importance of establishing a centralized university in the North to facilitate tracking the involvement of Indigenous women in field research across all territories. She attributed the growing trend to various factors, including increasing geopolitical interest in the Arctic, new funding opportunities, and heightened visibility of female Indigenous researchers, which was previously a significant challenge.
The push for change is underscored by ongoing efforts towards reconciliation through academia. Ashley Ens, a PhD student from the Nihtat Gwich’in in the N.W.T., emphasized the evolving role of Indigenous women as knowledge holders, advocating for the recognition of Indigenous methodologies, community knowledge, and oral histories. Female Indigenous researchers are reshaping academic environments to accommodate women’s academic pursuits while honoring their familial and community responsibilities.
While progress has been made in addressing systemic barriers affecting Indigenous students and researchers as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, Redvers stressed that sustained change is primarily driven by Indigenous communities advocating for transformation. By grounding their work in traditional knowledge and involving community members, northern researchers are fostering trust within communities and reshaping research practices.
Laurie-Ann Lines, a senior researcher at the Institute for Circumpolar Health Research in Yellowknife, highlighted the increasing presence of Indigenous female graduate and post-doctorate students, attributing this shift to collaboration with elders and community members in research endeavors. Lines, a member of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, shared her journey in academia and emphasized the importance of Indigenous research methodologies in shaping research practices in the North.
The evolution of research in the North reflects a collaborative approach where research is no longer just about Indigenous communities but is conducted with and by them, ultimately benefiting them directly.
