New scholarships, fellowships, and support programs for Indigenous-led research are in development thanks to a new partnership between the Indigenous Environmental Institute at Trent University and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC).  

Together, Trent and GLFC are looking to build research-related capacity and develop collaborative programs to support Indigenous Nations and Tribes across the Great Lakes in a way that is respectful of the Treaty and Inherent Rights and Interests of participating Nations and Tribes.  

"Indigenous-led research is paradigm shifting,” said Dr. Barbara Moktthewenkwe Wall, partnership co-lead, associate professor and director of the Indigenous Studies Ph.D. program within Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies at Trent University. “Through this collaboration, we will work to bring together Indigenous relationality and science with dominant science and create a deep and holistic understanding of Great Lakes ecosystems. Our work will honor and bring to the forefront Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing.” 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Trent and GLFC confirms each institution’s commitment to respectful, ethical collaboration of Indigenous and Western knowledge systems in a way that will be mutually beneficial for all involved. Establishing a graduate and Indigenous learner scholarship and support program—including developing elements such as fellowships, scholarships, and research support—will offer advanced training and experiences for Indigenous learners. Identifying Indigenous research priorities and opportunities to support Indigenous-led research on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border are key initiatives part of this agreement. 

“As a bi-national organization charged with facilitating cross-border cooperation in fisheries research and management, the Commission recognizes the essential contributions of Tribes and First Nations who have inherent rights to the region’s lands and waters,” said Ethan Baker, chair of the Commission and mayor of the City of Troy, Michigan. “This MOU strengthens the connection between Indigenous ways of knowing and Western science to ensure diverse perspectives, experiences, and visions for the future are openly shared among those working on to protect the Great Lakes.” 

Further, the MOU calls for the development of a new Community Partnership Funding Program, a community-based seed-grant program, to support co-production of Indigenous and non-Indigenous research projects, which will be done in collaboration with partners associated with the Indigenous Great Lakes Network.  

“This agreement is an important first step towards creating equitable space for supporting Indigenous research in the Great Lakes and sets the stage for future work to be done in a good way,” said Dr. Mary-Claire Buell, partnership co-lead and assistant professor in the Trent School of the Environment and Department of Forensic Science. “Facilitating connections between Indigenous Nations and those doing important work to care for our Great Lakes will enhance the Indigenous Great Lakes Network. The MOU will also create opportunities for Indigenous students to pursue research that is connected to the land and waters of the Great Lakes Basin, often allowing for students to conduct research with and for their home communities.” 

Learn more about the Indigenous Environmental Institute at Trent and other research institutes, centres, and groups.