An exciting chapter lies ahead for a Kinistino woman who has been named the Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI) Research Chair in Mtis Studies at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
Dr. Allyson Stevenson (PhD) said she looks forward to getting started with USask on July 1.
“As my research project for the five-year term is to write a history of Mtis in the 20th century in Saskatchewan,” Stevenson said.
Most recently, Stevenson was with the University of Regina as Canada Research Chair in Indigenous peoples and global social justice.
“I saw the opportunity to move to the U of S with this position and focus my research on Mtis history,” Stevenson said. “I know there is a lot of exciting research being done right now in indigenous studies and indigenous history so it’s just a good fit.”
The new position is a partnership between the university and the Gabriel Dumont Institute.
Her resume also includes earning her bachelor of arts, master of arts and PhD from USask’s department of History.
“Indigenous history is something I have really been interested in and as a Mtis person, I have always been particularly interested in Mtis history,” Stevenson said.
The GDI is responsible for preserving Mtis culture and history in the province according to Stevenson.
“Having a new voice for the Gabriel Dumont in the university is a really important partnership in advancing metis culture and history further in Saskatchewan,” Stevenson said.
The mother of four said that the research and work that she has put in along the way has been made easier with having a great support system.
“My family has always supported me in pursuing an education and doing a lot of travel for my research,” Stevenson said. “My in-laws, husband, and the community itself has always been supportive.”
Stevenson’s oldest daughter is a fourth year USask student in microbiology, her son is an Agtech at Redhead Equipment in Melfort and she also has twin daughters who are 14. The family currently resides in the Kinistino/Ethelton area.
Stevenson also boasted the Marguerite Riel Centre in Melfort and their efforts for the community. She referred to the organization as being “critically important” in raising the profile in indigenous culture and indigenous people in rural settings while also providing programming to the community.
She added the Marguerite Riel Centre has also been very supportive of Stevenson herself and her research.
“I just look forward to getting started and producing some really ground-breaking research and helping people learn even more about Mtis history,” Stevenson said.
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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca
On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser
