Conference session

Presented by the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Native Studies, this dialogue will be led by faculty members Paul Gareau (Chair), Adam Gaudry, Nancy Van Styvendale, Avery Letendre, and Maryanne Doherty. This roundtable addresses the critical inflection point of Canadian reconciliation by moving beyond abstract goals toward a grounded, scalable model for ethical engagement. The session centres on the development and impact of the online course, “Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Development,” which aims to transform how non-Indigenous researchers, policymakers, and civil servants interact with Indigenous nations. By mobilizing specialized Indigenous knowledges through both a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and university credits, the initiative explores the central theme of transitioning from extractive research practices toward relationship-based co-creation. The dialogue highlights how a standardized framework for relational ethics can foster "Networks of Change," bridging institutional and community boundaries to ensure that academic knowledge translates into policy-relevant action. Key questions for the session focus on the ethical challenges of scaling foundational knowledge for a general audience, the potential for cross-sectoral collaboration to reshape service delivery in fields like health and justice, and the necessity of redefining "research" to prioritize outreach and dialogue. Ultimately, the presentation positions the Faculty of Native Studies as a vital broker in forging a shared language for diverse actors to collaborate as "better relatives," moving toward a working model of community-led, decolonial change.