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As part of the ongoing IRSI Speaker Series, we were delighted to present Debra Sparrow, Musqueam weaver, artist and educator. Like her woven patterns, Debra’s talk, “Weaving our History: Education through a Musqueam Lens”, was complex, creative, and delivered straight from her heart. She explored a wide array of topics—from the power in traditional artforms to the weight of words; the need for a collaborative approach to education and the importance of knowing ones heritage. Visit our blog to

As part of an ongoing effort to create transformational change in the way UBC and other institutions engage in Indigenous collaborations, IRSI is working with a variety of partners to develop an Indigenous Research Framework. This Framework will have three pillars, specific to Indigenous research: Principles of Engagement, Ethics, and guidelines for the collection and management of Indigenous data, information and records. To co-create this Framework, IRSI has convened a number of gatherings

The construction of eight tiny homes is now underway in Bella Bella, the home community of the Heiltsuk Nation. The building project—part of an ongoing collaboration between the Heiltsuk, UBC’s Faculty of Forestry, School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, FPInnovations, and Builders Without Borders—was initiated in 2017, when the Heiltsuk Tribal Council approached UBC for research support to address an urgent housing crisis. IRSI facilitated a Memorandum of Understanding for the

Thanks to all who participated in Research Day on October 3 rd, 2019. Approximately 65 people attended the full-day event, with another seven joining us for the afternoon discussion about Indigenous data via livestream. Despite some technical difficulties, the day was productive and engaging, with lots of lively conversation and great connections made. Musqueam Elder Debra Sparrow provided a beautiful and heartfelt welcome. Next, participants were introduced to the IRSI team. After a short break

In an effort to better serve Indigenous communities interested in engaging in research collaborations, as well as Indigenous scholars and students on its two campuses, UBC welcomes two new Indigenous Community Liaisons. At UBCV, we are delighted to have Adina Williams (left, above) join the team at IRSI. Adina is from the Squamish Nation, and also descends from the ‘Namgis (Kwakwaka’wakw) peoples from Alert Bay, BC. She grew up in Xwemelch’stn (Capilano Reserve) in what is now more commonly