Laurentian University has announced the appointments of Celeste Pedri-Spade as the first director of the Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute (Maamwizing), and David Fortin as the first Maamwizing assistant director.
The Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute was established in 2016, bringing together researchers pursuing work that embraces Indigenous worldviews, while promoting a de-colonizing approach to research and focusing on the needs and voices of Indigenous peoples and communities.
“Both Dr. Pedri-Spade and Dr. Fortin have the proven leadership abilities and track-records to ensure Maamwizing succeeds and prospers in its mandate to promote Indigenous perspectives in research and align Indigenous research initiatives with the needs of communities,” said Sheila Cote-Meek, associate vice-president, Indigenous Programs.
“I am both pleased and honoured to take on this important role,” said Pedri-Spade. “In the Anishinaabe language, maamwizing refers to people coming together. This is important because our language provides insight and helps guide our actions, so Maamwizing teaches us that Indigenous research is about people coming together in a good way for the well-being of Indigenous communities.”
Pedri-Spade is an Anishinabekwe from northwestern Ontario (Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation). She is a member of the Bear Clan and embraces various roles and responsibilities as a mother, educator and research-based multidisciplinary artist.
Her research and artwork are grounded in her relationships with family, community, and land. Pedri-Spade is an assistant professor within the School of Northern and Community Studies and a practicing artist who continues to exhibit her artwork in regional and national galleries in Canada and the USA.
Maamwizing’s new assistant director, Fortin, is a Métis architect and Assistant Professor in the McEwen School of Architecture. Fortin is currently researching prairie contributions to architectural thinking in Canada, and is a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s recently formed Indigenous Task Force working to foster and promote Indigenous design.
“I look forward to working with our researchers and partners to promote Indigenous research while developing new areas of expertise for our communities,” said Fortin. “Through Maamwizing, Laurentian continues to play a crucial role in Indigenous studies, and I am so pleased to be part of this exciting initiative.”
The Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute has established a broad mandate which also includes the creation of an academic environment that promotes research excellence, a contribution to the training of graduate students, and the development of new research expertise and enhancement of research productivity.
“When we announced the creation of the Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute, I said it will play a significant role in our commitment to enhancing Indigenous research capacity and activities,” said Rui Wang, Laurentian University’s vice-president of research.
“With today’s appointment of Dr. Pedri-Spade as director and Dr. Fortin as assistant director, I am more convinced than ever that Maamwizing will not only succeed in its mission, but also play a vital role for our researchers, our university, and most importantly, our community.”
