What Does Your Research Focus On?
My areas of research include Canadian, comparative, and Indigenous politics. More specifically, I enjoy focusing on Indigenous/Canadian relations, Indigenous/provincial relations, settler/Indigenous relations in former British colonies that utilize the Westminster structure of governance, elections and voting, voting behaviour, political parties, constitutionalism, as well as Indigenous governance and relations.
Currently, my two areas of research focus is relating to Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg Nation and community history and contemporary existence, as well as whether or not Indigenous people participating in Canada’s federal electoral process can bring change and reconciliation.
How (or Why) Did You Become Interested in that Line of Research?
In the Summer of 2002 I was working as a summer student for the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI), which is a political territorial organization that my community, Pamitaashkodeyong – Hiawatha First Nation, is a member of. I had just finished Grade 12 and had little interest in politics, governance, or how it related to Indigenous peoples and Canada/Indigenous relations. Through my position at AIAI, I began to ask questions and was curious about law and politics – leading me to pursue a degree in Political Science.
While doing my undergrad degree, I began to notice a need for not only individuals who could teach on Indigenous/Canadian relations and Indigenous politics but also that there was especially a need for Indigenous individuals who could teach such subject matter at the post-secondary level and in political science. In relation to Indigenous participation in Canadian electoral politics, my interest came out of personal experience and involvement between 2005 to 2018.
What’s the Most Interesting (or Underappreciated) Aspect of Your Research that Most People Won’t Know About?
I would say that it is underappreciated how complex Indigenous politics, governance, economic, and societal structures are and that it’s very much a component of political science research that needs to be fully explored and allow for more inclusivity of Indigenous peoples.
Why Did You Choose UTSC?
I was happy to become a part of the UTSC community because of the opportunity to not only work with some great individuals in the field of Political Science but also because it is situated on the traditional territory of the nation in which my community is situated: the Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg.
Joining UTSC allows me to continue work and collaboration within my nation, the communities and individuals who belong to it, further assist with being a bridge between the University and the nation whose territory it is built upon, and to be closer to my family and ancestors.
What Are You Reading/Watching Right Now?
I am currently reviewing a couple of readings: Mississagua Portraits by Donald Smith; The History of the Ojibway Nation by George Copway; A History of the Arab Peoples by Albert Hourani; and Australia’s Natural Disasters by Richard Whitaker.
I am also currently catching up on the following shows: White Lotus, Home Economics and Ru Paul’s Drag Race.