An increase in the involvement of Indigenous women in field research in Northern regions is inspiring a new generation of female scholars, according to researchers in the area. Nicole Redvers, an associate professor at Western University and a member of the Deninu Kue First Nation in the N.W.T., noted a significant rise in female Indigenous students pursuing master’s and doctoral programs in recent years.
While specific data on Indigenous women engaged in field research in the North is not readily available, Statistics Canada reported a growth in the number of Indigenous women entering post-secondary education in Canada between 2016 and 2021. Redvers emphasized the need for a centralized university in the North to facilitate tracking of such information across all territories.
Several factors are driving this trend, including increased geopolitical interest in the Arctic, new funding opportunities, and the heightened visibility of female Indigenous researchers. Redvers highlighted the importance of representation, stating that seeing oneself reflected in research spaces is crucial for aspiring researchers.
Ashley Ens, a PhD student and member of the Nihtat Gwich’in in the N.W.T., emphasized the traditional knowledge and community involvement of Indigenous women researchers, reshaping academic environments to support women balancing academic pursuits with familial and community responsibilities. Ens called for greater institutional support, such as sustained funding for community-led projects and enhanced assistance for northern students attending southern universities.
By centering their work on traditional knowledge and community collaboration, northern researchers are fostering trust within Indigenous communities. Laurie-Ann Lines, a senior researcher at the Institute for Circumpolar Health Research, highlighted the significant contributions of elders and community members to Indigenous research methodologies, paving the way for a more inclusive and community-driven research landscape in the North. Lines emphasized the transformative shift occurring in research practices, where research is increasingly conducted with and by Indigenous communities.