In push to transform, scholar finds universities place too heavy a burden on Indigenous women – Dalhousie University

May 15, 2024

The release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Final Report in 2015 sparked a flurry of activity at universities across the country as they sought to tackle the document’s calls to action.

While a step in the right direction, Indigenous scholar Dr. Candace Brunette-Debassige says this rush to ramp up inclusion efforts has also come at a cost to the Indigenous women so often tasked with leading such work.

“There are lots of stories of struggle,” said Dr. Brunette-Debassige during a recent talk and workshop at Dal hosted by the Provost and President’s Offices as part of the university’s preparatory work related to the hiring of an inaugural vice-provost Indigenous relations.

Director of Indigenous Community Relations Catherine Martin and Elder-in-Residence Ann LaBillois welcomed Dr. Brunette-Debassige, Mushkego Cree of Petabeck First Nation in Treaty 9 with mixed Cree and French lineage, to Dalhousie and Mi’kmaq territory with a welcome song.

Read More: https://www.dal.ca/news/2024/05/15/candace-brunette-debassige-indigenous-women.html