Navigating an online field placement holistically

By Kiera Kowalski, 2nd year MDP student

My family's cabin is my happy place.

I love being on the land, near the water

While this summer feels strikingly similar to the last, many of us working tirelessly behind screens,
showing up to zoom meetings half-done up, and yearning for in person connection, I feel somewhat excited. This placement is the last credit required before I can hit the ground running in a post-grad world. This summer I’m completing my field placement alongside Dr. Shauna MacKinnon in the Department of Urban and Inner City Studies at the University of Winnipeg on a project called Indigenous Resistance and Institutional Development in Winnipeg: 1950-2019. As part of my placement duties I am thematically cataloguing a series of interviews with key change makers, leaders and Indigenous rights activists who were instrumental in the development of urban Indigenous institutions beginning around the 1960s and carrying on until the late 90s. These interviews will be mixed into educational audio episodes with the interviewees recounting their experience and involvement in Indigenous lead movements pertaining to topics like child welfare, housing, and education and the Friendship Centres movement.

Re-learning how to sew

Due to the pandemic I am completing this work online. While restrictions have slowly eased up, I still find it a challenge to work remotely and think it’s important to be gentle with ourselves as we continue to navigate the ever-changing world we live in. To me it’s important to do so that I avoid burnout and continue to do good work for my community. I try to find an appropriate balance of doing my work, spending time with loved ones, being on the land and making time to be creative. In my down time this summer I’ve enjoyed being at my family’s cabin by the water, and spending time with other strong Indigenous women re-learning how to sew. Caring for myself holistically has definitely made it easier to engage in online work through my field placement.

Reinforced

By Christy Bird, 1st year MDP student

Boozhoo! I began my first field placement with the First Nation Health Social Secretariat of Manitoba (FNHSSM). I was thankful they accepted my application and allowed me to conduct my field placement with their organization. I was mentored respectfully and was able to be complete my placement with knowledgeable team of people that comprise the research unit at FNHSSM. I had the privilege to witness the great work they conduct with and for First Nation people and communities.

My deliverables entailed me to collect data on research projects that have been conducted with and on Manitoba First Nation communities. The objective was to determine research projects with open access and research exclusive to access only through academia and journals. I came to understand the importance of open access to research utilizing data from First Nation communities and peoples. It is imperative to ensure that data and objectives can enhance community standards and build upon more research. I have gained so much more understanding about the importance of data sovereignty and respectful practises and protocols that should be implemented within research projects when working with First Nation peoples. My time at FNHSSM allowed me to critically reflect on the importance of language and narratives when conducting research that is to be respectful and strength based. 

Aside from deliverables, it was great to have the opportunity to also participate in some excellent online training and workshops. The highlight was the annual NIBI Gathering which focused on birthing water and other water teachings. It was enlightening and opportune time to sit and enjoy with my daughters. I was also fortunate to attend OCAP training and other community gatherings occurring in the city of Winnipeg for the missing children found at residential schools. I appreciate the welcome and guidance I have received. Miigwech.