Curriculum Vitae

Education

  • PhD, Sociology/Anthropology–Carleton University (2000-2005) 

Thesis: “Anthropological advocacy?:  Frank Speck and the mapping of Aboriginal territoriality in eastern Canada, 1900-1951.”

  • MA, Anthropology–Carleton University (1998-2000)

Thesis: “From Advocacy to Ethnology: Frank Speck and the Development of Early Anthropological Projects in Canada, 1912-1920.”

  • B.A. (Hons.), Anthropology and Indigenous Studies–Trent University (1994-1998)

Employment

a)             Academic employment

 Carleton University, Adjunct Research Professor School of Canadian Studies (2006-Present)

 Developed and implemented interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate courses in Canadian studies, Aboriginal issues, cultural anthropology, and qualitative research methodologies. Supervised graduate and under-graduate thesis on a variety of topics related to political economy, Indigenous issues, cultural anthropology and Canadian studies. Published a variety peer reviewed articles, chapters and academic book reviews in academic journals and university press publications.  Conducted fieldwork and participatory community-based research in various settings. This included working with Indigenous elders, training community researchers, collecting data and participating in community events.

b)         Private sector employment

  • Conference Board of Canada-Centre for the North, Senior Research Associate (2011-Present)

 Managed a $1 million per year multi-year research portfolio. This included developing specific terms of reference for multiple research projects, liaising with stakeholders and consultants, conducting research on multiple projects, providing research presentations to stakeholders, coaching team members on research issues and processes, peer-reviewing reports and publishing peer-reviewed reports and briefings on Aboriginal and Northern issues. Provided strategic direction on the development of research projects, and the advancement of a  multi-year participatory action program to disseminate research results. Also Chaired a bi-annual Executive Council on Corporate Aboriginal Relations. This included developing and delivering two-day intensive networking meetings for members based on various themes and issues related to corporate-Aboriginal relations.

  •  Pulla Consulting,  President and CEO (1998-2011)

Completed various consulting assignments for public, private and non-profit sector clients as an applied anthropologist. Research covered a broad range of complex social and cultural issues relating to Aboriginal peoples, government policies and private sector interests. Planned and implemented an international academic conference in a remote location in northern Ontario over a ten-year period. This entailed soliciting for presenters, contacting high-profile names for potential key-note, developing an event program, and overseeing the on-site events.

  •  Public History Inc , Senior Research Associate (2001-2006)

 Completed variety of research and evaluation reports for federal government and private sector clients. Deliverables covered a broad range of complex issues relating to Aboriginal peoples, federal government policies and private sector interests. Managed various small research teams of up to 4 people. This included briefing, training and coaching members on project requirements and quality controlling their project output. Led management and “brown-bag” lunch sessions to provide background and training to junior staff regarding various research portfolios. This included developing brief point of interest slides to highlight complex research issues and tasks associated with project based material.

Professional Honours

  • Carleton University Service Excellence Award Nominee, 2011

Current Research Interests

  • The broad and interdisciplinary areas of Indigenous rights and governance and their intersection with Corporate-Aboriginal Relations, Duty to Consult, and sustainable economic development initiatives;
  • The history of Indigenous-settler relations in the Commonwealth;
  • Northern Issues;
  • Applied, participatory and Indigenist research methods;
  • Connectivity issues in remote and rural communities, with an emphasis on innovative e-learning paradigms and frameworks; and
  • Metis political resurgence and representation in Canada;

Publications

Chapters in Edited Books           

  • “Regional Nationalism or National Mobilization?: A socio-political analysis of the history of the development of Métis political organization in Canada, 1815-2005.” The Métis in Canada. Chris Adams, Ed. University of Alberta Press (2013).

 Peer Reviewed Scholarly Articles

Encyclopedia Contributions

Creative Writing

Book reviews in scholarly journals 

  • 2009. Visions of the Heart: Introduction to Aboriginal issues in Canada. 3rd Edition.  Oxford University Press.
  • 2006. With good intentions : Euro-Canadian and Aboriginal relations in colonial Canada,  Celia Haig-Brown and David A. Nock eds., Anthropologica.
  • 2003. “Michael Angel, Preserving the Sacred: Historical Perspectives of the Ojibwa Midewiwin,” Manitoba History Journal, 46: 203-206 (2003)

 Editorial Responsibilities

  • Senior Editor, Alternate Routes Graduate Journal, Carleton University – 1998-2006

Papers Presented

a)             to learned societies

  • November 2008:  American Ethnohistory Society Annual Meeting—Anthropological Practice and the Indian Land Question in Early Twentieth Century Canada: Thinking Outside the Grid: Land Claims, Frank Speck and the Mapping of  Aboriginal Geographic Knowledge in Canada during the Early 20th Century.
  • June 2005: Annual Canadian Indigenous and Natives Association Conference: Enweying: The Way We Speak Together, Trent University – Anthropological Advocacy? Frank Speck and the mapping of Aboriginal territoriality in eastern Canada, 1900-1950.

b)             to other academic bodies

  • January 2000: Underhill History Colloquium, Carleton University – Frank Speck and the Moisie River Incident: The Devolution of Innu Fishing rights in Quebec, 1867-1912.
  • January 1999: State University of New York at Potsdam, January 1999 – The Historicity of Early Anthropology in Canada.
  • September 1998: 3rd Annual Wanapitei Aboriginal History and Politics Colloquium, 1998: Oral Testimony in Judicial Decisions and Historical Research .

Other Important Forms of Scholarly Productivity

  • Program Director, International Wanapitei Aboriginal History and Politics Colloquium.
    • 2007—Sharing the Resources? Examining, exploring and discussing the changing dynamics of Aboriginal use practices, past, present and future.
    • 2006–Moving Forward to Bridge the “Great Divide”?: Building meaningful and lasting relations between Aboriginal peoples, Government Policy Makers and Academics.
    • 2005–Aboriginal Issues, Experiences and Interpretations, 1995-2005:  A Decade of Change?
    • 2004–Collaborations: Cross Cultural Co-operations and Alliances, Past, Present and Future: Examining, Exploring and Re-assessing gender, social and political relationships and issues between Aboriginal peoples and some of the Others.
    • 2003–Litigation, Negotiation or Confrontation: The Settlement of Aboriginal Claims past, present and future.
    • 2001–Oral History, Storytelling and Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge.
  • May 2012: Iqaluit, Nunavut: Strategic Research Synthesis, Centre for the North Roundtable Meeting.
  • April 2012, Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation-Meeting with Chief Edward (Steven) Miller to discuss on-reserve housing issues.
  • November 2011, Rama First Nation, Ontario–Facilitated Council on Corporate Aboriginal Relations – Entrepreneurship and Corporate-Aboriginal Partnerships.
  • December 2011, Prince Albert Saskatchewan–Meeting with Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief to discuss Centre for the North membership.
  • October 2011, Edmonton Alberta, Canada’s North Beyond 2011–Attended Centre for the North roundtable meeting.
  • May 2011, Osooyoos First Nation, British Columbia– Facilitated Council on Corporate Aboriginal Relations – Implementation and Corporate-Aboriginal Partnerships.
  • June 30, 2010, Algonquin College, Ottawa – Presentation of final evaluation report.
  • December 2008, Listiguj Quebec – Community Consultation Meeting for Gaspe’gawa’gi Mi’kmaq Culture and Heritage Website Project.
  • January 2008, Toronto Ontario – “National Community Briefing: Type 2 Diabetes and High-Risk Ethnic Youth in Canada.” Daylong workshop hosted by the Canadian Ethnocultural Council.
  • October 2007, Ottawa Ontario –  “Intergenerational Issues and Italian Canadians, the Molise Perspective.” Workshop hosted by the Associazione Moliasni e Campani.
  • June-October, 2007, Gaspe’gawa’gi Quebec – anthropological field research.
  • March 2007: Presentation to the Mi’Gmawei Mawiomi Secretariat: Beyond Nomad-isms” Developing a culturally relevant representation of Mi’kmaq governance and traditional land use practices.
  • June 2006: Ottawa, Ontario – public lecture at Public History Inc. on emerging trends in Métis issues in Canada.
  • February 2006: Edmonton, Alberta – briefed Department of Justices’ senior Aboriginal Counsel on Métis issues in Canada.
  • September 2005: Biennial Conference of the National Congress of Italian Canadians (NCIC), Montreal – presented results based on program evaluation I prepared of the NCIC’s 2004 report: Italian Canadians Together in Canada.
  • April 2005: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – briefed Department of Justice team members on the research findings associated with the three reports I prepared for Morin v. R.
  • August 2004: Gatineau, Quebec – briefed Department of Indian Affairs officials and Department of Justice Counsel on findings of report I prepared for Buffalo River Dene v. R.
  • July 2004: Ottawa, Ontario – public lecture at Public History Inc. regarding Aboriginal claims research and anthropological archives.
  • July 2003: Ottawa, Ontario – briefed Department of National Defense counsel and team members of Department of Indian Affairs, Litigation Management and Resolution Branch on findings associated with three reports I prepared on Aboriginal traditional land use practices and the Primrose Lake Air Weapons Range in northwestern Saskatchewan.

Professional Research Publications

    • A case study analysis of housing issues in the Canadian North, with an emphasis on the inter-related issues of availability and affordability. 
    • A case study analysis of the environmental and socio-economic impacts of major developments in the Canadian North, with an emphasis on the Diamond mining industry in the Northwest Territories.
  • Community Connections: An evaluation of Aboriginal Student Retention and Community Involvement at Algonquin College, Algonquin College (2010)
    • An examination of national policy trends in Aboriginal post-secondary recruitment and retention; community-based research and evaluation of social policy issues related to Aboriginal post-secondary recruitment and retention.
  • Ethnohistorical study of Pabineau First Nation’s traditional use and occupancy of the Upsalquitch and Caribou Lakes regions in Restigouche and Northumberland Counties, New Brunswick. Pabineau First Nation (2009-2010)
    • An ethnohistorical examination of the environmental impacts on the PFN’s traditional use and occupancy of their territory and the social policy issues associated with Crown’s duty to consult; evaluation of PFN’s traditional use study and  a corporate archaeological impact assessment.
    • Community-based research and analysis associated with the design and development of a heritage-based website for Aboriginal youth; research and analysis of national heritage policy initiatives.
  • Individual Assessment Program Reporting, Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada (2008-2009)
    • Detailed research and analysis based on departmental policy frameworks; briefing senior departmental representatives on research results and policy issues.
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution Reporting, Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada (2008)
    • Detailed research and analysis based on departmental policy frameworks; briefing senior departmental representatives on research results and policy issues.
  • Common Experience Payment Reporting, Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada (2008)
    • Detailed research and analysis based on departmental policy frameworks; briefing senior departmental representatives on research results and policy issues.
  • Evaluation Report of the Canadian Ethnocultural Council’s Strategic Engagement of High-Risk Youth in Ethnocultural Communities on Diabetes Awareness (2007-2008)
    • Community-based research and evaluation of national heath trends in the multicultural communities across Canada; detailed research on federal and provincial health policies and initiatives.
  • Ta’n telitip’taqa’gw: Mi’gmaq Territoriality in Gaspe’gewa’gi, Mi’Gmawei Mawiomei Secretariat (2007-2008)
    • Anthropological research and community consultations to assist the planning of comprehensive land claim; briefing senior representatives on the impact of government policies associated with Aboriginal land use and occupancy.
  • Evaluation Report of National Congress of Italian Canadians’ Hepatitis C Prevention Program (2007)
    • Evaluation of national heath trends in the multicultural communities across Canada; detailed research on federal and provincial health policies and initiatives.
  • Expert report, Analysis of Historic and Contemporary Aboriginal Organizations in Canada, 1867-2006, Public History Inc (2006)
    • Detailed research and analysis examining the application of federal government policies related to Metis rights and title in support of legal action; briefing senior representatives about the historical representation of sovereignty and effective control and their impact on departmental policies.
  • Critical analysis of expert report, R v. Gordon, Public History Inc (2006)
    • Detailed research and analysis examining the application of federal government policies related to Metis rights and title; briefing senior representatives about the historical representation of sovereignty and effective control and their impact on departmental policies.
  • The Indian Act as a Determinant of Community Well-Being, Public History Inc  (2006)
    • Detailed research and analysis examining the application of federal government policies related to Aboriginal business initiatives; briefing senior representatives about the historical representation of Indian Act and its impact on departmental policies related to Aboriginal business initiatives.
  • Evaluation Report of the National Congress of Italian Canadians’ Social Cohesion Project, National Congress of Italian Canadians (2005)
    • Evaluation of national trends in heritage initiatives within the Italian Canadian communities ; detailed research on federal and provincial heritage policies and initiatives.
  • Morin v. the Queen: Sovereignty and Effective Control, Public History Inc (2005)
    • Detailed research and analysis examining the application of federal government policies related to Metis rights and title; briefing senior representatives about the historical representation of sovereignty and effective control and their impact on departmental policies
  • Morin v. the Queen: Natural Resources Transfer Agreement, Public History Inc (2005)
    • Detailed research and analysis examining the application of federal government policies related to Metis rights and title; briefing senior representatives about the historical representation of sovereignty and effective control and their impact on departmental policies.
  • Morin v. the Queen: Database Assessment, Public History Inc (2005)
    • Detailed research and analysis examining the application of federal government policies related to Metis rights and title; briefing senior representatives about the historical representation of sovereignty and effective control and their impact on departmental policies.
  • OPG: Whitesands and Red Rock First Nations, Public History Inc (2005)
    • Detailed research and analysis examining the application of federal government policies related to Aboriginal rights and title; briefing senior representatives about the historical representation of Aboriginal rights and title and their impact on departmental policies.
  • Venne v. Canada, Public History Inc (2004)
    • Detailed research and analysis examining the application of federal government policies related to Aboriginal rights and title; briefing senior representatives about the historical representation of Aboriginal rights and title and their impact on departmental policies.
  • Sundown and Fiddler v. the Queen, Vol. 2 Public History Inc (2004)
    • Detailed research and analysis examining the application of federal government policies related to Aboriginal rights and title; briefing senior representatives about the historical representation of Aboriginal rights and title and their impact on departmental policies.
  • Buffalo River Dene: Historical Report, Public History Inc (2004)
    • Detailed research and analysis examining the application of federal government policies related to Aboriginal rights and title; briefing senior representatives about the historical representation of Aboriginal rights and title and their impact on departmental policies.
  • Sundown and Fiddler v. the Queen, Vol. 1, Public History Inc (2003)
    • Detailed research and analysis examining the application of federal government policies related to Aboriginal rights and title; briefing senior representatives about the historical representation of Aboriginal rights and title and their impact on departmental policies.
  • Bear and Watson v. the Queen: Undertakings, Public History Inc (2003)
    • Detailed research and analysis examining the application of federal government policies related to Aboriginal rights and title; briefing senior representatives about the historical representation of Aboriginal rights and title and their impact on departmental policies.
  • Bear and Watson v. the Queen: Historical Report, Public History Inc (2002)
    • Detailed research and analysis examining the application of federal government policies related to Aboriginal rights and title; briefing senior representatives about the historical representation of Aboriginal rights and title and their impact on departmental policies.
  • Evaluation of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch National Survey. Kishk Anaquot Health Research (1999)
    • Detailed research and analysis examining the application of federal government policies related to Aboriginal health.
  • Handbook for New Canadians: Accessing Social Services and Programming. Peterborough Race Relations Committee (1997)
    • Detailed research in support of the publication of a comprehensive community service guide for New Canadians.

Academic Responsibilities

a)             Graduate courses taught

  • Canadian Studies 5102: Graduate Seminar in Indigenous Politics and Resurgence in Canada, Carleton University (Winter 2012/2013)

An interdisciplinary graduate seminar exploring selected themes in Indigenous politics, experience, and philosophy since the 1960s. We explore contemporary relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples, and the Canadian state, with an attention to their historic roots and current challenges.  This includes detailed discussions on programming, policies and case studies related to Aboriginal education, land claims, and self-government, as well as community and economic development. We also pay particular attention to the various representation of key issues related to Aboriginal rights and title in Canada and their relevance to international initiatives such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the concept of Indigeneity.

b)             Undergraduate courses taught

  • Anthropology 2610A: Studies in Anthropology and Indigenous Peoples in North America, Carleton University (Winter 2011)

This course examines the interpretation and analysis of various forms of encounters between indigenous peoples and colonizing powers. Topics include patterns and practices of contact, cultural syncretism, conquest, domination, relations of ruling, cultural hegemony, resistance and non-compliance.

  • Indigenous Studies 2010: Indigenous Peoples and Encounters with Colonial National Building Projects in Canada (Fall 2010)

Examination of a range of issues related to particular indigenous communities and regions of North America. Topics include political, socio-economic, and cultural transformations, Aboriginal title and rights, collaborative research, and other topics relevant to indigenous communities and indigenous – non-indigenous relations.

  • Anthropology 3800A: Studies in Applied and Participatory Anthropology. Carleton University (Winter 2009 and 2010)

This course examines the history, significant approaches, and key topics of applied anthropology and participatory research. It covers participatory and non-participatory anthropological research applied to social problems within activities of intervention, which may include policy processes, development projects, evaluation exercises, impact assessments, and advocacy work.

  • Canadian Studies 2010: Introduction to Aboriginal-Canadian Relations, 1763-1982, Carleton University Fall 2006, 2008 and 2009)

This course is an interdisciplinary introduction to the foundational relationship between Aboriginal Peoples and the state from 1763 to 1982. We will cover a broad range of topics including: historical treaties, Métis history, Inuit and Northern issues, Indian status, residential schools, colonial policy and constitutional participation. This is the foundational course to understanding contemporary Aboriginal issues. Each week there will be a three-hour interactive lecture

  • Anthropology 3600A: Studies in Anthropology and Indigenous Peoples, Carleton University (Fall 2008 and 2010)

This course examines the interpretation and analysis of various forms of encounters between indigenous peoples and colonizing powers. Topics include patterns and practices of contact, cultural syncretism, conquest, domination, relations of ruling, cultural hegemony, resistance and non-compliance.”

  • Anthropology 3610A: Studies in Indigenous Peoples of North America: Current Issues in Anthropological Research, Carleton University (Winter 2007)

Examination of a range of issues related to particular indigenous communities and regions of North America. Topics include political, socio-economic, and cultural transformations, Aboriginal title and rights, collaborative research, and other topics relevant to indigenous communities and indigenous – non-indigenous relations.

c)               Guest Lectures

  • August 2010: Native Studies 403, Department of Native Studies, University of Alberta, Edmonton–Understanding Aboriginal and title rights: applied anthropology and research methods.
  • December 2006:  Canadian Studies 3104, Carleton University–Aboriginal People and the Knowledge Economy
  • August 2006: Native Studies 403, Department of Native Studies, University of Alberta, Edmonton –Understanding Aboriginal and title rights: applied anthropology and research methods.
  • February 2006: Department of First Nations Studies, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George – Conflict and Collaborations: Aboriginal Territoriality, Anthropology and Jurisdictional Disputes Over Aboriginal Resource and Land Use in Eastern Canada.
  • Interdisciplinary Studies 1001, Carleton University: Introduction to Human Rights, Carleton University, Fall/Winter 2001-2005 (teaching assistant).
  • Sociology 1002: Introduction to Sociology, Carleton University, Fall/Winter 2000 (teaching assistant).

d)         Supervision

  • 2012: Co-Supervisor, Masters Thesis–Joanne Poole, Department of Anthropology, Carleton University: Stable Relationships: Human-horse engagement and the construction of identity in rural Quebec
  • 2012: Co-Supervisor, Masters Thesis–Katie MacLeod, Department of Anthropology, Carleton University: The Historic Metis in Eastern Canada: Imagined Communities?
  • 2012: Co-Supervisor, Masters Thesis –Kanatase Horn, School of Canadian Studies, Carleton University: Beyond the Indian Act?: An Indigenous Perspective on Tom Flanagan’s Proposal for Restoring Aboriginal Property Rights.
  • 2011: Co-Supervisor, Honours Research Paper –Meaghan Smith, Department of Anthropology, Carleton University, Comprehensive Land Claims and Duty to Consult in Canada.

c)              Theses examined for other departments at Carleton University

  • 2009/2010: Second Reader , Major Research Paper– Miranda Cobb, Graduate Studies, Institute of Political Science, Carleton University: Meaningful Consultation: Nation-to-Nation or Domination & Assimilation?