McMaster University: Indigenous Research Day highlights important work being done at McMaster

“Wherever you go, there you are, on native land” – Savage Bear, director of the McMaster Indigenous Research Institute (MIRI)

From using digital storytelling for intergenerational learning, to creating ethical spaces of engagement in child welfare, to giving future physicians the tools to provide culturally competent care, the first annual Indigenous Research Day at McMaster highlighted the varied, compelling and important work being done at McMaster in the field of Indigenous Studies.

The day-long event, which was co-hosted by the McMaster Indigenous Research Institute (MIRI), the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge, the Indigenous Studies Department, Indigenous Student Services, the FEAST Centre for Indigenous STBBI Research and University Advancement, featured presentations from researchers and knowledge keepers.

Savage Bear, the director of the McMaster Indigenous Research Institute (MIRI), says that, in addition to MIRI’s primary goal of amplifying the voices of Indigenous researchers, it’s important to create a space for sharing and collaboration.

“When we asked our faculty to tell us, ‘What is Indigenous research?’ it provoked these amazing conversations,” says Bear. “And so why not share that with everyone?”

“And who knows what fruit might come with this cross pollination? So, it’s very exciting to have something like this.”

Below are some photos and highlights from the event.

Savage Bear speaking into a microphone. There are people seated in front of her listening to her speak.

Bear emceed the event, which took place inside Alumni Memorial Hall and featured 13 presentations from Indigenous researchers, knowledge keepers and non-Indigenous allies.

“I would like people to know that Indigenous research doesn’t just tell what we’ve done in the past. It incorporates that essence, but also looks ahead to the future,” says Bear. (Photo by Elizabeth DiEmanuele/McMaster University).

Bernice Downey, Jennifer Walker and Lori Davis Hill seated at a table with microphones in front of them. Downey

Bernice Downey, Jennifer Walker and Lori Davis Hill shared how those at the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge (IHLL) are working to address barriers Indigenous health researchers face in their work. Walker says she likes to think of the university as the soil in which the roots of research can take hold, and that they are working to make that soil rich and fertile.




Freeman, Coleman and Debicki shared their exploration of the continued relevance of the oldest known treaty between Europeans and Indigenous North Americans, while McMullin shared her findings in the mythology of Six Nations as loyalists.

Gabel and Nychuk shared how they are using digital storytelling to explore intergenerational understandings of Metis identity. Ljubicic presented some of the StraightUpNorth (SUN) research team’s findings into enhancing societal and ecological well-being in the Canadian North. (Photo by Christian Braun/McMaster University).


Rick Monture, the recipient of McMaster’s 2021 Indigenous Scholar-in-Community fellowship, reflected on how, as a McMaster student, he witnessed the Oka Crisis force a “cataclysmic change” in the conversations around Indigenous Studies at McMaster University.


Pamela Hubbard standing and drawing on a large white piece of paper that has text and graphics on it. On top of the white paper there is text that reads, ‘Indigenous Research Day 2022.’



“For me, as someone new to Mac, this has really helped me in terms of the context of Indigenous Studies, and Indigenous education and Indigenous research at Mac, and to see that it goes back a long way before the creation of the Indigenous Studies program,” says Robert Innes, the chair of McMaster’s newly created Indigenous Studies department. (Photo by Elizabeth DiEmanuele/McMaster University).



Bear says the MIRI team will continue to amplify the voice of Indigenous researchers and hopes to build on the momentum of the newly-created Indigenous Studies department to attract Indigenous graduate students in all areas of study to McMaster.