S05E05: Research as Ceremony, Academic Kinship, and the Relationships That Shape Knowledge with Dr. Shawn Wilson

Overview In this episode, Gladys sits down with Dr. Shawn Wilson, author of Research Is Ceremony, to reflect on the ongoing evolution of Indigenous research, evaluation, and relational ways of knowing. Moving between humor, storytelling, and deep reflection, Shawn revisits the origins of Research Is Ceremony and shares how writing to his children and future generations transformed not only the style of his work, but the accountability and intention behind it.   Together, they explore Indigenous research and evaluation as relational, living, and deeply contextual practices grounded in respect, reciprocity, and care for community. Shawn reflects on the importance of recognizing research and evaluation as interconnected processes rooted in pattern recognition, relationship-building, and collective wellbeing. The conversation moves through stories of Indigenous evaluation in community settings, mentorship and “academic kinship,” and the role of intergenerational relationships in sustaining Indigenous scholarship.   Throughout the episode, he reminds listeners that Indigenous research is not simply defined by the identity of the researcher, but by an intentional commitment to honoring relationships as the fundamental nature of the universe.   Dr Shawn Wilson (he/him) BSc (U Manitoba), MA (U Alaska), PhD (Monash) is from the Opaskwayak Cree Nation in northern Canada and lives on Syilx territory in Kelowna, British Columbia.  He is a Professor of Indigenous Studies and coordinates the Indigenous Knowledges Theme at the University of British Columbia. Shawn has worked with Indigenous people worldwide and co-leads a research project aiming to define rules and guidelines for respecting and safeguarding sacred teachings, such as Ceremonial and Star Knowledge. He has spent time living, teaching and researching across Canada, the US, Australia, and Norway, along with supervising research projects in Bangladesh, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Shawn is the author of Research is Ceremony, which has sold out multiple printings. He is on the Board of Directors with the Tapestry Institute and has joined the newly established advisory group at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. Shawn has presented at Goals House (Davos) as part of the World Economic Forum and the Mir Centre for Peace. He cites his 3 kids as his greatest achievement, pride and joy.   Resources  Shawn Wilson (2008) – Research Is Ceremony: Indigenous Research Methods SAGE Program – Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement. Indigenous graduate student peer and mentorship support initiative across UBC, Simon Fraser University, and UBC Okanagan Insights For Indigenous Evaluation Book (Open access and free online!) https://pressbooks.pub/indigenousinsightscollective/  For more visit: https://www.gladysrowe.com/podcast (Scroll to the bottom to subscribe to the newsletter!) If you are loving this podcast please leave a five star review on your favourite streaming service. If you would like to offer support please visit: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InsightsPod