Indigenous Studies - UWO

05/01/2026

So proud of you Erik!

Dr. Erik Mandawe, a Cree physician from Treaty 6 territory and a member of our IPAC family, is the 2026 recipient of the RDoC Puddester Award for Resident Wellness.

Erik is in his final year of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Dalhousie University. Through his work with the Keknu’tmasiek Ta’n Tel Welo’ltimk program, he has helped create space where Indigenous learners can come together, connect, and feel a sense of belonging. Spaces where culture is present, where relationships matter, and where learners don’t have to leave parts of themselves behind to succeed.

That same approach carries into his work with the National Circle on Indigenous Medical Education, where he contributes to advancing cultural safety, anti-racism, and stronger support for learners across systems.

We are proud to celebrate you, Erik.

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Le Dr Erik Mandawe, médecin cri du territoire visé par le Traité no 6 et membre de la famille de l’AMIC, est le lauréat 2026 du prix Puddester du RDoC pour le mieux-être des résidents.

Erik est en dernière année de formation en chirurgie plastique et reconstructive à l’Université Dalhousie. Par son travail avec le programme Keknu’tmasiek Ta’n Tel Welo’ltimk, il a contribué à créer des espaces où les apprenants autochtones peuvent se rassembler, se connecter et ressentir un réel sentiment d’appartenance. Des espaces où la culture est présente, où les relations comptent, et où les apprenants n’ont pas à laisser une partie d’eux-mêmes derrière pour réussir.

Cette même approche se reflète dans son travail avec le Cercle national sur la formation médicale autochtone, où il contribue à faire avancer la sécurisation culturelle, la lutte contre le racisme et le soutien aux apprenants à travers les systèmes.

Nous sommes fiers de te célébrer, Erik.

Dalhousie Medical School Resident Doctors of Canada NCIME

04/27/2026

Indigenous Research Connections | Upcoming Speaker Event

Join us for 'Indigenous Feminist Research: The Story of Miyo Nipiy and the case of Connolly v. Woolrich and Johnson (1867)' with Dr. Renée E. Mazinegiizhigoo-kwe Bédard (Okikendawdt/Dokis First Nation).

🗓 Thursday, May 7
🕘 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
📍 Wampum Learning Lodge
🎟 Free | All are welcome

🌱 About the talk:
Indigenous Feminist research works to reveal the stories that colonization seeks to refrain, rewrite, make invisible or forget.

Connolly v. Woolrich and Johnson (1867) is a landmark Quebec Superior Court decision affirming the validity of Indigenous customary marriage. The case upheld Nehiyaw (Cree) marriage (wîkihtowin) between William Connolly and Miyo Nipiy (Good Water) from 1803.

Unsettled by this case and others that affirm Indigenous customary marriage and other rights, the government made amendments to the Indian Act (1876) to ban Indigenous customs, thus ensuring customs would not be practiced or fought for.

Using an Indigenous feminist approach, this presentation tells the story of Miyo Nipiy and her role in shaping the foundations of early Canadian legal history – a journey of Indigenous women, Indigenous rights, culture, and customary marriage laws.

The Indigenous Research Connections speaker series is co‑sponsored by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives and Western Research.

04/08/2026

Course offerings for this summer, 2026!

Landmarks: Spatial Storytelling, Land, Art, Place & Community

Indigenous Sexualities

Spots still available, please reach out if you have any questions or concerns!

07/21/2025

Please [email protected] if you're interested.

05/27/2025

🌟 Join us for an important PhD Public Lecture & Open Defense! 🌟

The Department of Geography and Environment is proud to present Vanessa Ambtman-Smith's groundbreaking research on “Traditional Healing Spaces at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): Sites of Indigenous environmental repossession, cultural reclamation and healing”

📅 Thursday, June 5, 2025
🕙 Public Lecture: 10:00 - 11:00 am
Location: Social Sciences Centre, 5th floor, NEST rm. 5220
🕐 Open Defense: 11:00 - 1:00 pm
🌐 Join online: https://westernuniversity.zoom.us/j/93073229853

This vital research examines how Traditional Healing spaces in hospitals can serve as sites of environmental repossession, advancing Indigenous health and supporting reconciliation. Through a case study at CAMH's Ceremony Room and tele-mental health initiatives, this work demonstrates the transformative potential of integrating Indigenous knowledge systems within healthcare institutions.

All are welcome!

This research offers crucial insights into Indigenous self-determination, cultural reclamation, and the resilience of Indigenous knowledge systems.

Supervisor: Dr. Chantelle Richmond

05/08/2025

05/01/2025

Dr. Christy R. Bressette has been reappointed as Western’s Vice-Provost & Associate Vice-President (Indigenous Initiatives) for a second five-year term.

Since her initial appointment on March 1, 2021, she has been a transformative leader, championing Indigenous education and reconciliation.

Dr. Christy R. Bressette, whose Anishinaabe name is Neeta-Noo-Kee Kwe (Hard-Working Woman), is a proud member of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation.

Born into the Turtle Clan, who hold responsibilities for education, Dr. Bressette points to a long line of strong Anishinabek women in her family who forged a path forward where everyone learns about and upholds their responsibilities to each other and the Earth.

“Gifted with the experiences I’ve encountered as an Indigenous student, parent, teacher, community member, leader, and scholar, I will continue to support the institution in its mandate to advance reconciliation with Indigenous communities,” said Dr. Bressette.

Dr. Bressette’s ongoing support to elevate Indigenous perspectives and knowledges has helped to inform numerous transformative initiatives, including the ongoing development of the Wampum Learning Lodge; the expansion of Indigenous student supports, scholarships, and mentorship programs; and the advancement of Indigenous-led teaching and research across Western’s faculties.

👉 Learn more about her reappointment and vision for her next term:
https://indigenous.uwo.ca/AboutUs/media_comms/ChristyR_Bressette_reappointed.html

02/03/2025

🌟 Upcoming Workshop: Re-Storying Education with Carolyn Roberts🌟
Join Carolyn Roberts, a powerful voice in supporting Indigenous resurgence through education, for an inspiring workshop on how we can create space for Indigenous voices in today's education system. 📚✨

🗓 Date: Friday, February 28
🕚 Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
📍 Location: Wampum Learning Lodge

In this session, Carolyn will explore how to dismantle colonial narratives and integrate Indigenous knowledge into our teaching practices. This workshop will empower educators to foster deeper connections to the land, its people, and the true shared history of this place now known as Canada. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from her best-selling book, Re-Storying Education: Decolonizing Your Practice Using a Critical Lens.

📅 Registration required. Space is limited.
👉 Further details and registration here: https://wampumlearninglodge.uwo.ca/programs_and_events/restorying__reimagining_education.html

01/21/2025

Congratulations!

National Indigenous Scholarship recipient and first-year Indigenous studies student Sara Boston is working to bridge cultural gaps and support cultural reclamation through education and advocacy.

As a teenager, Sara became increasingly aware of her family’s disconnection with their Anishinaabe culture. Initially intending to study engineering at Western, she made a last-minute switch to Indigenous studies.

“I decided it’s the best fit for me. Indigenous studies courses are helping me understand my own culture better because I didn’t grow up with it.”

From Batchewana First Nation near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Sara is one of five Indigenous students who received the National Indigenous Scholarship, a $50,000 award.

Read her story here: https://news.westernu.ca/2025/01/sara-boston-national-indigenous-scholarship/

12/13/2024

Congratulations 🥳

Paula Cornelius-Hedgepeth has been appointed as the new Director, Indigenous Engagement & Wampum Learning Lodge at Western University! This new leadership position will also oversee the Indigenous Student Centre at Western University (ISC) moving forward.

Cornelius-Hedgepeth, a proud member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames, brings 10 years of experience in Indigenous education and over 15 years of experience as an Indigenous entrepreneur.

Her proven dedication to fostering inclusive leadership, building meaningful relationships, and supporting Indigenous learners will continue to make a lasting impact on our community as she moves into this new position.

"I am honoured to embrace this new role and build upon the strong foundation we’ve established. My goal is to cultivate an inclusive environment where Indigenous students feel supported and empowered to achieve their dreams, and where our communities recognize the university as a welcoming place for them,” said Cornelius-Hedgepeth.

👉 Learn more about Paula’s appointment and her vision for the future: https://indigenous.uwo.ca/AboutUs/media_comms/paula_corneliushedgepeth.html