AUFA members launch Indigenous research podcast kikapekiskwewin

A team of AUFA members have launched a new podcast series “kikapekiskwewin”, a Cree word referring to a future conversation. kikapekiskwewin began with a two-day online and in-person event in June 2022 hosted by a team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, and now continues as this podcast.

At the heart of each podcast, Indigenous cultural values in the context of post-secondary research ethics are discussed by Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples who presented at the event or were members of the organizing team. These podcasts are a contribution to the body of work on Indigenous research methodologies.

The kikapekiskwewin team is Josie Auger, Nisha Nath, Myra Tait, Carolyn Greene, Makayla LeSann, Tracy Powell, and David Powell.

You can listen to kikapekiskwewin by clicking the below link, or through your favourite podcast service.

https://anchor.fm/kikapekiskwewin

New Books Network podcast - Meenal Shrivastava, "Amma’s Daughters: A Memoir" (Athabasca UP, 2018)

New Books Network's Raj Balkaran interviewed Meenal Shrivastava about the writing and publishing of Amma's Daughters. They also talked about how distance learning and online teaching are related but not the same thing, and Athabasca University Press' open-access mandate: https://newbooksnetwork.com/ammas-daughters

In memoriam: Chris Maton

We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of AUFA member Chris Maton, who had been with Athabasca University and AUFA for 22 years, starting in October 2000. Chris was a cherished member of the Athabasca community and a fervent outdoorsman. His impact on so many members of our community will always be remembered.

A GoFundMe has been set up here, to fundraise for the Athabasca Health Care Auxillary Association in Chris’ memory.

You can read Chris’ obituary here.

A Celebration for Chris’ life will be held at the Athabasca multiplex on Saturday April 23rd, at 1pm.

AUFA extends its profound condolences and support to Chris’ friends, family, and five children.

In Memoriam: CKUA Event for Executive Director’s Father-in-Law

As some of you know, my father-in-law Clayton Schamehorn passed away suddenly November 20, 2021. He was up hunting on his farmland in Northern Alberta when he suffered a massive heart attack and died instantly. Clayton treated me like I was his own son, and his death has significantly impacted me.

Clayton worked as an electrician for Suncor in Fort McMurray and had no issues standing up to management and fighting for anyone who was mistreated in the workplace. He was a strong union man and inspired me to get more active in my own union, which played a huge role in inspiring me to do the work I do now on behalf of all AUFA members. He encouraged me to be a shop steward for UFCW 401 and was proud of me when I was asked to become a relief union rep for the union. I can definitively say that if it were not for Clayton, I would not be your executive director today. He made sure I never forgot why I do this work: for the workers.

Clayton loved his family, he loved his friends, he loved his union, and he loved music. His family has donated an hour of programming to CKUA in his honour. It would mean a lot to me and my family if any AUFA member were to tune-in to Clayton’s donated hour on Friday, April 15, from 10-11 a.m. You can listen to CKUA online.

Please also consider donating to CKUA, if you can! They do amazing work sharing and spreading good and diverse music. Thank you all so much. I love this association and all its members.

Solidarity!

Richard Roach

Executive Director

Dr. Reinekke Lengelle wins the ICQI Qualitative Book Award

We are delighted to share that Dr. Reinekke Lengelle has won the Qualitative Book Award!

The Qualitative Book award recognizes books that make a major contribution to the study and practice of qualitative approaches through success in experimenting with new or traditional writing forms, the inclusion of critical reflections on the writing and research process, contributions to living meaningful lives, and insights into creating a socially just world. As in past years, the task to select winners for the award was a major challenge, given we received many excellent books for review.

In Writing the Self in Bereavement: A Story of Love, Spousal Loss, and Resilience, Dr. Reinekke Lengelle uses her abilities as a researcher, poet, and professor of therapeutic writing to tell a heartfelt and fearless story about her grief after the death of her spouse and the year and a half following his diagnosis, illness, and passing.

Please join us in congratulating Reinekke for her win of this significant award, and thanking the ICQI for this recognition.