Lavell-Harvard, Dawn

This thesis explores connection with creation/nature in Curve Lake First Nation, including the components of how this connection manifests and community concerns about and priorities for this connection. Influenced by existing psychological theories and frameworks about how humans connect with the natural world, this research implements novel Indigenist methodologies that are responsive to community interests and desires. Seven knowledge contributors (participants) participated in three research sharing circles to explore the research topic. The research revealed unique concerns and priorities in the community about connection with creation, such as the impacts of treaties and the need for the reclamation of critical natural sites. This thesis also reports on critical aspects of connection with creation through the elements of the Medicine Wheel, as well as the Anishinaabe concept of mino bimaadiziwin. Results are presented in thematic analyses and informed the preliminary steps in creating a connection with creation scale for the community.

Author Keywords: Anishinaabe, Indigenist methodologies, Indigenous methods, Medicine Wheel, Nature connection, Nature relatedness

Indigenous children and youth have been exposed to educational institutions and curricula that are detrimental to their identity and cultural journey. This thesis explores the importance of educational institutions and curriculums complementing the needs of Indigenous students during their time in compulsory and post-secondary education. Five self-identifying Indigenous students attending Trent University share their educational experiences using sharing circles. Following this, the findings are analyzed, and recommendations for educational policies are discussed.

Author Keywords: Colonization, Indigenization, Indigenous education, Indigenous identity

This thesis provides a comprehensive overview of the extractive industry operating out of the Alberta tar sands region to determine how environmental violence is enacted against Indigenous women, girls, and queer or Two-Spirit peoples in the Lubicon Lake Cree Nation and beyond. Through an analysis of existing literature in the field, a case study on the Lubicon Lake Nation and a policy analysis of the Calls for Justice from the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, this thesis draws links between industrialization, capitalism, the heteropatriarchy, and colonialism. Finally, this thesis offers a pathway to resurgence, through the subversion of colonial gender and sexual norms, and collective action to reclaim Indigenous territory as an alternative to state-sponsored solutions and policies.

Author Keywords: Colonial heteropatriarchy, Environmental violence, Land Back, Lubicon Lake, Tar sands, Violence against Indigenous women