Indigenous Studies  

Current Research

The Métis Nation of BC / UBC Okanagan Research Relationship

The Métis Nation of BC / UBC Okanagan Research Relationship

INDIGENOUS STUDIES:

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Indigenous Studies Current Research >>

The Métis Nation of British Columbia and a research team at UBC Okanagan (Mike Evans PI)  have developed a long-term research partnership over the past number of years. The primary goal of this partnership has been to develop an understanding of the contemporary and historical presence of the Métis in British Columbia. This partnership has been shaped by an MNBC research agenda, which focuses on linking historical and community based research in ways that complement the work of the MNBC Citizenship Registry and other MNBC departments. Current research includes the development of the MNBC Historical Document Database, Harvester and Land-Use surveys, the creation of a MNBC DVD series, and an integrated Google Mapping initiative.

http://www.bcmetis.ca/main.php

http://www.bcmetis.ca/manage_metisplace_display.php

The Historical Document Database

The MNBC Historical Document Database provides access for the MNBC Citizenship to thousands of historical documents including photos, Hudson's Bay Company records, Church missionary records, and personal accounts through an online, searchable interface. The documents have been indexed according to their source, internal references such as subject or family name, and geographic locations. The database is linked with the MNBC Registry activity through their collection of primary historical documents from citizens themselves. These documents, alongside secondary materials and other primary historical documents are uploaded and downloaded by MNBC Staff and Citizens, creating a two way reciprocal flow of information. Documents are then spatialized using Google Maps in order to help demonstrate historical Métis presence in British Columbia.

http://www.bcmetis.ca/main.php

http://www.bcmetis.ca/manage_kt_display_indexed_geo.php

The BC Métis Harvester Survey and Mapping

Métis harvesters throughout British Columbia have been surveyed in order to better understand the scope and density of Métis harvesting practices. The data gained through community-based interviews with land users has been used to generate maps to visually demonstrate past and present harvesting activities. With the help of local Métis leadership, documentation of the extent of historical Métis harvesting activities is ongoing. Detailed information on various animal and plant species has also been documented and mapped. Harvesting practices linking multiple generations of families have also been surveyed and mapped, in order to understand how harvesting practices and traditional knowledge are passed on.

http://www.bcmetis.ca/main.php

http://www.bcmetis.ca/manage_display_harvest_area_age.php

Métis DVD project

MNBC and UBC have been working together on the creation of a participatory DVD series about the History and Culture of Métis in BC. This series provides an innovative interactive DVD that features a number of distinct strands about Métis history, culture, elder life histories, dance and harvesting.

 An integral part of the DVD is the extensive community involvement in all stages of the process. The DVD has been developed for use in high schools and communities across B.C.

Members of the Research Team:

Jon Corbett, Assistant Professor, Community, Culture, and Global Studies, UBC Okanagan (contact: jon.corbett@ubc.ca )

Erin Dolmage, MA Student, Community, Culture, and Global Studies, UBC Okanagan

Gary Ducommun, Director of Natural Resources, Métis Nation of British Columbia

Mike Evans, Associate Professor, Community, Culture, and Global Studies, UBC Okanagan (contact:  mike.evans@ubc.ca )

Steven Foster, Associate Professor, Critical and Creative Studies, UBC Okanagan (contact:  stephen.foster@ubc.ca )

Joan Gervais, MFA Student, Creative Studies, UBC Okanagan

Laurel Katernick, Director of Registry, Métis Nation Of British Columbia

Stephanie Krause, BA Student, Psychology and Computer Science, UBC Okanagan

Shelia Lewis, MA Student, Community, Culture, and Global Studies, UBC Okanagan

Ashley Love, MA Student, Psychology and Computer Science, UBC Okanagan

James Love, Research Associate, Community Culture and Global Studies, UBC Okanagan

Geoff Lovett, BSc Student, Psychology and Computer Science, UBC Okanagan

Raquel Mann, MA Student, Community, Culture, and Global Studies, UBC Okanagan

Zachary Romano, MA Student, Community, Culture, and Global Studies, UBC Okanagan

Dean Trumbley, Strategic Development Coordinator: Métis Nation of British Columbia

Kasondra White, MA Student, Community, Culture, and Global Studies, UBC Okanagan

University of British Columbia  Okanagan