b'INDSPIRE RESEARCHTELLING OUR STORIES THROUGH RESEARCHThe importance of making the numbers make senseBy Bryan HansenIn the realm of Indigenous education, the power of research goes beyond numbers and statistics; it becomes a vessel through which stories are told, voices are amplified, and change is enacted. At the heart of this transformative process is Shawna DAntimo, a dedicated researcher from Wiikwemkoong First Nation and a vital member of Indspires Research and Impact Unit, Programs and Student Success. With a passion for Indigenous-centred research, DAntimo has spent her career thus far exploring the vital intersectionquantitative research methods. It of education and Indigenous identity.was an invaluable experience, as it allowed me to put my research In this interview, we delve into DAntimos role, the impact ofskills into practice.Indigenous research methods, and the profound potential of story-telling through data. Join us as we uncover the importance of makingCan you give us a quick the numbers make sense, and how this is driving a fair, truthfuloverview of Indigenous and mutually respectful relationship between Indigenous and non- research methods andIndigenous communities in Canada. how they might differ or align withWestern For those who might not beworkshops, to hone their researchresearch methods?completely familiar with it,skills. The ultimate goal of the RN isIndigenous research methods can you describe Indspiresto train and nurture a new genera- prioritize Indigenous voices and Research Knowledge Nesttion of Indigenous researchers. priorities throughout the research (RN) and how it works? process. These methods actively The Research Knowledge NestHow did you learn about theinvolve Indigenous people to (RN) is a program designed toprogram? Can you tell us aensure that research is relevant and support Indigenous students wholittle bit about your role? results in actionable changes that have recently graduated frombenefit the community. Indigenous I initially learned about theresearch employs culturally post-secondary education andprogram through Indspires socialappropriate approaches that high-have a keen interest in research. Itmedia platforms. As a previouslight Indigenous knowledge and offers paid positions as Researchrecipient of the Building Brighterstrengths. Unlike some Western Assistants to these graduates,Futures program, I came across theor academic research, Indigenous aiming to enhance their researchopportunity and decided to apply.research delves into the why skills and provide hands-onIn my role as a Research Assistantof the research itself, questioning research experience. Each year, wewithin the RN, I was responsibleboth the research purpose and welcome a cohort of four Researchfor various tasks, including fulfillingmethodology. This critical approach Assistants who embark on theirinformation and data requests toensures that research is conducted journey into Indigenous-centredsupport the needs of Indigenousrespectfully and meaningfully. research. Throughout the program,students. Additionally, I ledIn contrast, Western research Research Assistants engageresearch projects, which involvedmethods sometimes overlook in professional developmentconducting literature reviewsIndigenous perspectives and opportunities, such as training andand utilizing both qualitative andperpetuate a deficit-based view 46indspiration2023'