1. Never Say Die: Historical Origins of Northern Schools and the Canadian State in Aklavik, Northwest Territories
This project examines the historical development of schools, health care, governance, and economic change in Aklavik, Northwest Territories, during the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Working in partnership with the Department of Culture and Heritage of the Gwich’in Tribal Council, the research investigates how missionaries, traders, health officials, and government administrators contributed to the expansion of the Canadian state in the western Arctic, and how Dinjii Zhuh (Gwich’in), Inuvialuit, and Inupiaq families responded to these changes through their own leadership, decision-making, and land-based practices. The project combines archival research, oral history, and community-engaged methodologies to document the historical experiences of northern Indigenous peoples and the institutions that shaped daily life in the Mackenzie Delta. Research activities include archival analysis, community interviews, place-based historical research, and the development of accessible knowledge-sharing materials for community and public audiences. A key component of the project is training highly qualified personnel in Indigenous and northern research methods, archival research, oral history, and knowledge mobilization. The findings will contribute to academic scholarship on Indigenous history, colonialism, and northern governance while also supporting community education, cultural programming, heritage stewardship, and public understanding of Indigenous–state relations in northern Canada. The project forms part of a broader effort to develop a comprehensive community history of Aklavik and to strengthen access to historical knowledge in the western Arctic.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: My research specializes in Indigenous and northern history, with particular expertise in the history of the Mackenzie Delta and western Arctic regions of the Northwest Territories. Through archival research, oral history, and community-engaged methodologies, I investigate the historical experiences of Gwich'in, Inuvialuit, and other northern Indigenous peoples. My work examines themes including education, health care, governance, economic development, and Indigenous-state relations. I work closely with Indigenous organizations to identify, document, and interpret historical records that support cultural preservation, community education, archival stewardship, and evidence-based decision-making.
Student roles:
The student will play an active role in supporting a community-engaged historical research project focused on the history of Aklavik and the Mackenzie Delta region of the Northwest Territories. Working under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Heritage of the Gwich’in Tribal Council, the student will assist with archival research, document analysis, transcription, literature reviews, and the organization of historical data and research materials.
Specific responsibilities will include identifying and reviewing archival records related to education, health care, governance, and economic development; preparing research summaries and annotated bibliographies; assisting with the transcription and organization of oral history materials; and contributing to the interpretation of historical sources. The student will also support knowledge mobilization activities by helping prepare presentations, reports, educational resources, and other materials designed for community and public audiences.
Depending on project timelines and student availability, the position may include participation in field-based research activities in the Northwest Territories. This could involve attending community meetings, assisting with interviews and community engagement activities, participating in place-based historical research, and supporting relationship-building with project partners.
Throughout the internship, the student will receive mentorship and training in archival research methods, Indigenous and community-engaged research methodologies, oral history practices, ethical research protocols, knowledge mobilization, and collaborative partnership development. The student will gain valuable experience working with Indigenous organizations, community partners, and historical source materials while contributing to a project that supports cultural heritage preservation, community education, and public understanding of Indigenous histories in northern Canada.
The position is designed to provide meaningful research experience while helping the student develop professional skills applicable to academic, heritage, public policy, and community-based careers.
Skills required:
The ideal student will have a background in History, Indigenous Studies, Anthropology, Political Science, Northern Studies, or a related field. Strong written communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills are essential. Experience with archival research, oral history, qualitative methods, or community-engaged research is an asset but not required. The student should have an interest in Indigenous histories, northern Canada, cultural heritage, and reconciliation. Through the project, the student will receive training in archival research, Indigenous research methodologies, ethical community engagement, knowledge mobilization, and collaborative research with Indigenous partners.