R E S E A R C H    O V E R V I E W 

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My primary research focuses are critical Indigenous studies, urban Indigenous identities, colonial and decolonization theories, Indigenous research and knowledge methodologies, and Indigeneity. My research program was initiated by my curiosity about identity formation and maintenance in relationships with those who are also influenced by tactics of settler-colonialism, where navigation and negotiation of spaces and places based on dominant measures are all too common. Moreover, this research project expands my research scholarship, based on my previous master’s research, Are You Native Enough? An Analysis of White Passability Among Indigenous Peoples in an Urban Context, which focuses on the exploration of the colonial interference imposed onto Indigenous identities through forced removal and assimilation and unearthing ways in which healing can create personal and cultural sovereignty. 

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DOCTORAL RESEARCH 

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Supervisor: David Newhouse
Working Title: The Resurgence of Urban Indigenous Identities & Contemporary Understandings of Community in Digital Spaces

Abstract:

In contemporary realities, digital spaces have undoubtedly influenced our ability to explore the world around us. Digital space is defined as, the virtual environments and online platforms that exist within the digital realm, such as the internet, social media, and mobile applications. These spaces can be used for a wide range of purposes, such as communication, commerce, entertainment, and information sharing. They allow individuals and organizations to connect, collaborate, and share information and resources in ways that were previously not possible. 

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Through digital spaces, particularly social media, there has been an increase in the exploration of personhood and one’s pursuit to explore the complexities of their identities (including intersectionality and relation to place). These efforts have led to the resurgence of one’s Indigenous identity or identities, which is undoubtedly a political act of decolonization, concrete actions in which peoples (and communities) are exercising their self-determination by reclaiming their voice.

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In this respect, this research will explore how digital spaces (social media) conceptualizes and impacts Indigenous identity formation, maintenance, and resurgence. Through a mixed-methods approach, different aspects will be analyzed to offer insights into how digital spaces can support communities to renew or reconstruct their Indigenous identities and understandings of community. Exploring and assessing the role of such digital spaces will offer an overview of the current practices in identity revitalization projects and new perspectives on how to best support Indigenous futures.

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OTHER CURRENT PROJECTS (ON HOLD DUE TO DOCTORAL RESEARCH)​

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My current research, Politics, Identity, & Relations in the Development of the Qalipu First Nation in Kataqmkuk (Newfoundland), is a twelve-month pilot project that will expand my research program based on my previous research, Are You Native Enough? An Analysis of White Passability Among Indigenous Peoples in an Urban Context, this new research study I am proposing will expand the concept of a cultural critique of dominant, modern relationships to "identity and authenticity" to include the 2017 decision under a federal government review of the founding list of the Qalipu First Nation of Southwestern Newfoundland. Moreover, to unearth the implications of the points-based criteria to authenticate what constitutes Indigeneity or "Indianness" under the Indian Act.  

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PAST PROJECTS ​

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My past research endeavours remind me that our research interests should not simply be about research topics but an interest in the way we do research. My past and current research rely heavily on the relationships he has built with Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. My major research paper (MRP) of my Master of Social Work degree, Are You Native Enough? An Analysis of White Passability Among Indigenous Peoples in an Urban Context focused on exploring the colonial interference imposed onto Indigenous identities through forced removal and assimilation and unearthing ways in which healing can create personal and cultural sovereignty. A review of the neoliberal ideologies and discourse was pertinent to unearth how Indigenous identities were formulated and maintained within an urban setting such as Toronto as a reference point of context. This research project was possible due to my research throughout the years of relationship building, mutual work efforts, and proven trust.

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My work as part of a research group led by Dr. Jeanette Schmind focused on contextualizing (imported) Western social work knowledges and local worldviews and needs. Moreover, how individualized social work perspectives, particularly those aimed at social control, have sometimes harmed local populations. The research examined contextualized education in South Africa and Canada/Turtle Island, two countries that have an explicit agenda regarding local responsiveness, based on interviews with more than 20 faculty from the two countries as well as national focus groups to examine the perspectives of faculty in applying contextualized social work education and illuminated classroom content and strategies.

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