M’CHIGEENG FIRST NATION, ON – On June 11, 2024, four Kenjgewin Teg researchers presented brief summaries of their latest research project findings to members of the Mnidoo Mnising community at an event hosted at the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre in Little Current, ON. This research presentation event represented Kenjgewin Teg’s launch into its new strategic presence planned for the organization’s role in Indigenous/Anishinabek research.
All research presenters were Anishinaabe-kweok (Anishinabek women) and all have direct community ties to Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island); as well, all were current or former employees of Kenjgewin Teg. The research topics shared on June 11, 2024, touched on a series of interconnected research topics with findings that emphasized Anishinabemowin, the Ojibwe language, in their research:
- “Exploring Innovation within Anishinaabek Early Learning Contexts: Stories of Hope, Belonging, Meaning and Purpose” – by Dr. Melanie Manitowabi; member of Whitefish River First Nation
- “A Case Study of a Pilot Anishinabemowin (Ojibwe) Immersion School on Manitoulin Island” – by Dr. Stephanie Roy; member of M’Chigeeng First Nation
- “One Fluent Language Speaker’s Journey Supporting Indigenous Language Proficiency: The Pilot of Dbishgaadegak Anishinabemowin at Kenjgewin Teg” – By Dr. Rhonda Hopkins; member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory
- “Perspectives and Expressions of Anishinabek Nationhood and Education Sovereignty from Mnidoo Mnising” – by Dr. Beverley Roy; member of M’Chigeeng First Nation
Dr. Beverley Roy, President of Kenjgewin Teg began the day by sharing opening remarks outlining why research is important, and why Indigenous/Anishinabek research needs to be conducted by Indigenous/Anishinabek researchers and for Indigenous/Anishinabek communities in Ontario’s Indigenous postsecondary places of learning: “Anishinabek research matters – as it becomes another way to hear about our collective stories and our collective resilience…as researchers and community members, we look forward to amplifying community voices in supporting solutions to solve real and practical challenges within our communities. Research in colleges and universities is still immensely valuable, but what I’m advocating strongly for is our own Anishinabek research paradigm, or model, that can be led by Kenjgewin Teg and Indigenous/Anishinabek scholars”.
In 2023, Kenjgewin Teg was approved as an eligible organization to access and apply for Tri-Council research funding, which is a federal granting agency promoting and supporting research, research training, knowledge transfer and innovation within Canada. Additionally, Kenjgewin Teg signed an agreement with MITACS as part of laying the foundational groundwork for Kenjgewin Teg to expand its research work and presence as an accredited postsecondary place of learning supported by the Indigenous Institutes Act of 2017.
