Indigenous leaders and Grenfell faculty meet to share knowledge, ideas

Indigenous leaders from the west coast of Newfoundland joined Grenfell faculty members earlier this month to discuss ways of working together and sharing knowledge.

The event, held at the Centre for Research and Innovation, was hosted by Grenfell Campus's Offices of Indigenous Affairs and Engagement and the Memorial University Office of the Vice-President Research (VPR) at Memorial University.

"Grenfell Campus is honoured that Indigenous leaders took the time to come together with our researchers to connect and discuss opportunities for collaboration for research and teaching and learning," said Jennifer Buxton, co-ordinator of engagement, Grenfell Office of Engagement.

Catharyn Andersen, vice-president (Indigenous), Dr. Ian Sutherland, vice-president (Grenfell Campus), Dr. Paul Banahene Adjei, associate vice-president (Indigenous Research) and Dr. Ken Carter, director, Research and Engagement, attended the event.

Following an opening prayer from Chief Brendan Mitchell, Qalipu First Nations Band, participants took part in a number of fun, networking activities that helped researchers and leaders get to know each other better while learning about expertise and opportunities for collaboration.

"Our communities understand their research needs best, and research decisions and ideas should emanate from them," said Kristen Pittman, manager, Indigenous Affairs. "Through the collaboration between Indigenous community leaders and researchers at our engagement event, we prioritized the voice and wisdom of the community, ensuring research aligns with their vision and values."