Our Parallel Path

2024    Faculty research proposal written entirely in Cree language receives 
             federal funding
2024    Inuit virtual learning lab created
2024    Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Health Equity and Inclusion
2024    New graduate certificate launched in Indigenous Ways of Knowing in 
             Leadership
2024    New BSW core course in Indigenous history and ways of knowing
2024    Indigenous scholar hired to lead Kiipitakyoyis and faculty’s Indigenous 
             Strategy
2024    Faculty prepares to host 7th International Indigenous Voices in 
             Social Work Conference, Aug.12 – 15, 2025
2023    Faculty attends land-based learning event at Tsuu’tina Nation
2023    Academic Writing at the Confluence of Indigenous and 
             Western Worldviews
2022    ISWCL receives Blackfoot name, Kiipitakyoyis from Blackfoot 
             Elder Clarence Wolfleg
2022    ISWCL officially opens in MacKimmie Tower 
2021    ISWCL hires Director and Lodge Keeper
2019    Indigenous Social Work Circle & Lodge (ISWCL) created

In January of 2024 a research funding proposal written entirely in nêhiyawewin, the Cree language, was approved for funding by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), marking the first proposal submitted exclusively in an Indigenous language to be funded by a federal funding agency. 

The research project’s long-term goal is for Indigenous service providers, such as Children’s Services and other agencies, to understand the vital role that ceremony, language, and protocol play in healing The project’s focus was born from the team’s extensive research and practice experience, which revealed that the languages, protocol, stories, and ceremonies of Indigenous Peoples are integral to the healing process, providing insight into a distinct worldview parallel to the Western perspective.  

Tapisa Kilabuk, an Inuk, UCalgary Social Work student is partnering with Dr. Patricia Johnston, PhD (Qallunaat) is supporting the creation of a small virtual Learning Lab for Inuit post-secondary students.  This Lab will provide a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally relevant space that respects, includes, and promotes Inuit ways of knowing, teaching, learning, and research. 

The Learning Lab will also offer an opportunity for building Inuit research capacity through the support provided to Inuit students by direct discussions with Inuit researchers, academics, Elders, and community leaders.  The aim is to improve Inuit students’ learning experiences within post-secondary environment, create community, and foster supportive and interactive learning exchange. 

At the Feb. 5, 2024, pipe ceremony, it was fitting that two of Kiipitakyoyis’ (and the faculty’s) biggest supporters, Gary and Janeen Nissen, were also gifted Spirit names from Elder Wolfleg. The honour recognized their ongoing commitment to Indigenous peoples and reconciliation, as well as their generous support of programs designed to support Indigenous peoples, both on campus and in the community. 

“I was speechless. It means a great deal,” said Janeen following the powerful ceremony. “It just helps to reinforce that the work that we've been supporting over the last 20-25 years has impact, and that our efforts need to continue. 

“It’s very important that we support the efforts of the social work faculty and what is happening here at Grandmother’s Lodge. We are deeply honoured to be a part of it. And now, with our new Spirit names, we are energized to spread your message out into the community, and to continue to do what we can to support your work.”

There was a real sense of anticipation during the special pipe ceremony held in Kiipitakyoyis (Grandmothers’ Lodge) on February 5^th. Would the pipe smoke? As it turns out, there was nothing to worry about.

“It smoked so beautifully as soon as we lit it, and he [Elder Clarence Wolfleg] has never lit it before,” says Métis Cree Elder Kerrie Moore, MSW, with a smile. “And you never know, as Clarence says, if it’s going to work.”

Blackfoot Elder Wolfleg gifted Kiipitakyoyis a beautiful Blackfoot woman’s pipe that he had been holding for some time. After prayer, he said, the Creator revealed to him that Grandmother’s Lodge was the right place for the pipe to live. 

“The little pipe is going to be a healing pipe for the community, and for the lodge,” says Moore who is an Elder and Lodgekeepr for Kiipitakyoyis and Wellness Elder for the Faculty of Social Work. “Now this lodge will be known as a pipe lodge and a ceremonial lodge. When you smoke that pipe, you cannot change that commitment. It becomes a very important melding together of what we are committing to.”