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Opportunities, challenges, and lessons learned from researching the Atlas of Kanien’kehá:ka Space

The panel discussed their contributions to the creation of the , an online map of Kanien’kehà placenames intended to revitalize Indigenous language and enrich understandings of these spaces. The session focused on qualitative methodologies and their application in work with Indigenous communities, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in aligning Western research methods with Indigenous knowledge systems. Situated at the intersection of geography, linguistics, and Indigenous Studies, the Atlas had its roots in research by Dr. Rebekah Ingram, through which she built deep relationships within her research community and engaged with the Geographics and Cartography Research Centre (GCRC) at Carleton University. Dr. Ingram has continued to evolve the concept of placename mapping as a significant language and culture revitalization tool.

Research for the Atlas was conducted within the communities of Akwesasne, Kahnawà, Kehntè (Tyendinega), and Wahta over a period of five years and included summer camps for youth, workshops for all ages, and fieldwork with individual knowledge holders. Original concepts were refined and new understandings were developed regarding how the Atlas can be used as both a significant teaching tool and a centralized repository of community history and culture. Each speaker shared their perspective, followed by an open discussion and Q&A with attendees.

Panelists:

• Dr. Rebekah Ingram (PhD, Carleton)
• Thohahènte, Kanyen'keháka co-researcher
• Kanasarakeh, Kanyen'keháka co-researcher
• Thanakehrahne,  Kanyen'keháka co-researcher

This event was made possible with support from the Office of Indigenous Initiatives' Indigenous Visitor Fund

Registration for this session is now closed.

For questions, please contact Marissa Stein.