- M.S. in Environmental Science, Alaska Pacific University, Alaska.
- B.S. in Environmental Science, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
I am an Anishinaabe from Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation) and grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. I came to Alaska in 2017 as a master’s student with the Fisheries, Aquatic Science and Technology Laboratory at Alaska Pacific University. I served as Program Coordinator for the Alaska Indigenous Research Program, a Native American Research Center for Health capacity building program, as administered in partnership with APU and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. I am excited to join APU as the Indigenous Engagement Coordinator with the Navigating the New Arctic Community Office team.
As an Indigenous woman who studies science, I am a traveler between scientific and Indigenous ways of knowing and aim to utilize a Two-Eyed Seeing approach to community-centered research and collaboration. I have a broad background in environmental and fisheries science, with specific training in qualitative human-environment research methods, including expertise in tribal partnerships, community-based research and engagement. As an Indigenous scholar, I have interest in decolonizing education, science and academia to be inclusive and relevant to Indigenous methodologies, culture, language and way of being. My research interests include; 1) reconceptualization of environmental policy/management processes and higher education through the lens of an Indigenous research paradigm by centering & honoring place-based values and epistemologies , 2) utilizing an interdisciplinary or pluralistic approach for knowledge co-production, and 3) recognizing the importance of reciprocal collaboration with Indigenous communities to comprise an expert system and provide insight into all forms of decision-making.
I enjoy working with interdisciplinary teams, and aim to strengthen research relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous university scientists, tribal organizations, research collaborators, students, youth, Elders, and Alaska Native communities. My own cultural values as an Anishinaabekwe continually invigorate my motivation for Land-based protection and sustainability for the next seven generations, and reinforce my passion in serving Indigenous communities throughout my career. I am a traditional women’s jingle dress dancers, hand drummer and enjoy being out on the Land.
Currently funded projects:
Research Lead with the Chugach Regional Resources Commission, Alaska Fish and Wildlife Fund, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation: Nanwalek Fishery Enhancement Project & Strategic Planning Initiative (2021-2022)
