M’CHIGEENG—Kenjgewin Teg has received formal notification that it meets the requirements for institutional eligibility from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). SSHRC is the federal research funding agency that promotes and supports research and training in the humanities and social sciences.
As one of nine Indigenous institutes in Ontario, this news represents another milestone in Kenjgewin Teg’s ongoing and future participation and contributions to Indigenous (Anishinabek) research opportunities. To date, Kenjgewin Teg has been a research partner in other SSHRC research projects led by partners Queen’s University and the University of Victoria. These research projects have focused on Indigenous languages.
Research and research partnerships led by an Indigenous post-secondary place of learning provide added assurance that Indigenous worldviews are not only included in research ethics and methods but uphold cultural principles and provide safe spaces for research to happen with Indigenous people and communities.
“Although I feel that Kenjgewin Teg is already doing different forms of research in its work with community and partners, we look forward to becoming part of the formal academic research community in advancing and supporting Indigenous/Anishinabek research within Ontario’s post-secondary sector,” shared Kenjgewin Teg president Beverley Roy. “While there is much work ahead and time needed to map out what future SSHRC research projects and partnerships may look like, one of my first priorities is to engage and listen to the research ideas of not only our Anishinabek communities but also to reach out to Mnidoo Mnising scholars who might be interested in creating research alliances as part of this exciting work.”
Kenjgewin Teg’s new organizational eligibility represents an important and tangible element in the shared accountability of granting agencies and institutions in support of research in Canada. As an institution with full eligibility status, Kenjgewin Teg will have access to all SSHRC programs open to post-secondary institutions.
