IndigiNerds Alumni

Bonita Bohnet was a visiting Native Studies student from the University of Alberta.

Faculty of Science in the Department of Physics and Astronomy in partnership with McMaster Indigenous Research Institute

A Review of Indigenous Astronomy: Knowledge Resurgence, Reconciliation and Scientific Progress

Over the 8 weeks of research supervised by Dr. Robert Cockcroft, Bonita investigated and defined Indigenous Astronomy through conducting a literature analysis.

Bonita also conducted a broad overview highlighting important knowledge for the development of a Post Secondary Indigenous Astronomy course.

Nicole Bouchard

Nicole Bouchard was a visiting Law, Criminology and Society student from Wilfred Laurier University.

The Faculty of Social Science, Department of Sociology in partnership with McMaster Indigenous Research Institute

How do Aunties Feel About Bikinis?

Over the 8 weeks of research supervised by Dr. Vanessa Watts, Nicole conducted community-based research through interviewing four Indigenous aunties between the ages of 45-55 on their views and experiences with bikinis. Two women were from a northern First Nation community and two were from a southern First Nation community, all living on reserve.

Results showed that half of the participants had a supportive mother growing up and all participants today were supportive of the next generation of Indigenous women wearing whatever bathing suit is comfortable for them.

Aleria Mckay

Aleria McKay has her B.A. in Theatre and Indigenous Studies from York University.

The Faculty of Engineering in partnership with McMaster Indigenous Research Institute

Pilot Micro-Credential Course for Steam Academy: Experiential Water Quality Assessment and Water Quality Tools

Over the 8 weeks of research supervised by Dr. Charles de Lannoy, Aleria worked to develop a two-day experiential learning opportunity for grade 9 academic science students from the STEAM Academy in Brantford, ON.

Students were given the opportunity to engage in hands on research methods in which researchers and scientists monitor and analyse the health and structure of water-based ecosystems.

Hannah Thomas

Hannah Thomas was a visiting student from Brock University completing her Honours thesis in Psychology.

The Faculty of Social Science, Department of Indigenous Studies in partnership with McMaster Indigenous Research Institute.

The Iron Alliance and the Starvation Policy in Cypress Hills

Over the 8 weeks of research supervised by Dr. Robert Innes, Hannah travelled to the Hudson Bay Archives located in Winnipeg, Manitoba to search through their Indian Accounts which were used to keep track of individuals making transactions at the Trading Posts.

As the project continues, Hannah Thomas, Rob Innes, and the team plan to calculate, as best as possible, the number of deaths resulting from the starvation policy using the same methods that are employed by the Cowessess First Nation in the TLE Agreement.

Brittany Skov

Brittany Skov was a visiting Psychology student from the University of Victoria.

FEAST Centre for Indigenous STBBI Research in partnership with McMaster Indigenous Research Institute

Creating a Province-Wide 2-Sprited Model of HIV Self-Testing, Treatment, Care and Support: Paving the Path Towards Ending AIDS by 2030

Over the 8 weeks of research supervised by Dr. Trevor Hart and Dr. Randy Jackson, Brittany learned how to improve current services offered by 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations related to harm reduction and HIV/STBBI prevention, and how best to expand services beyond the Greater Toronto Area to the entire province of Ontario.

Hannah Butterworth

Hannah Butterworth is a McMaster University student completing her Bachelor of Health Sciences.

The Faculty of Social Science, Department of Sociology in partnership with McMaster Indigenous Research Institute