Nominated by member scholarly associations of the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, the 2021 Congress Graduate Merit Awards recognize exceptional graduate students who will be presenting their work at the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences. Throughout Congress, we are profiling 2021 award recipients. Read on to learn more about the outstanding research of our graduate community, and join the conversation on Twitter using #CGMAProfiles.
Shannon Lodoen
Doctoral student, Department of English Language and Literature, University of Waterloo
Endorsed by RhetCanada/Canadian Society for the Study of Rhetoric (RhetCanada/CSSR)
What is your primary research area?
My research, which draws from rhetoric, discourse analysis, and critical theory, examines how narratives of progress (technological, national, social, etc.) are constructed and perpetuated by dominant groups in society.
Presentation at Congress 2021
Where is “Here” and Who is “We”? Rhetorically Constructing a Unified Canada
How would you describe the research you will be presenting at Congress 2021?
This presentation investigates how English Canadians – as citizens of a nation now identified by its multicultural attitude and willingness to accept people from other nations – have rhetorically constructed a “collective” Canadian national identity. Using texts from both critics and proponents of Canadian national identity, I investigate how the notion of a unified Canada serves to solidify white, English-speaking Canadians as the rhetorical and hegemonic “centre” of the nation. I first examine early British Canadians’ rhetorical strategies for differentiating themselves from both Britain and the United States. I then explore the geographic, linguistic, and political factors behind English Canada’s contemporary hegemonic status.
"I investigate how the notion of a unified Canada serves to solidify white, English-speaking Canadians as the rhetorical and hegemonic 'centre' of the nation."
How does the research you will be presenting connect with the Congress 2021 theme, “Northern Relations” and/or the conversations Congress 2021 is continuing under last year's Congress theme (cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic), “Bridging Divides: Confronting Colonialism and Anti-Black Racism”?
My presentation addresses the continued theme of “Bridging Divides: Confronting Colonialism and Anti-Black Racism” by critically examining rhetoric’s role in bridging divides and forging communities, asking who creates, controls, and benefits from the existence of such communities. In particular, I assert that although contemporary Canadian national identity (exemplified by the policy of official multiculturalism) appears to celebrate diversity and unity through difference, this celebration of difference does not genuinely respect and recognize BIPOC and non-English speaking “Others” in Canada. Rather, it serves as a means of exerting and maintaining control over Canadian “Others,” even while denouncing Canada’s colonial past.
Share your hopes for Congress 2021.
As this is my first time attending Congress, I am looking forward to attending as many of the events and presentations as possible, especially the Big Thinking lecture series. While I will miss the in-person aspect and the energy that brings, I think this online format will enable greater flexibility and accessibility, especially with the new On-Demand presentation format. Regarding my association’s conference, I hope to learn about the excellent research being conducted in rhetorical studies, to engage in discussion, and to gain valuable feedback and advice for the development of my own future research.
Jonathan Ferreira
PhD student, University of British Columbia
Endorsed by the Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE)
I hold a Master of Arts in Literacy Education and am currently a PhD student at the University of British Columbia. My research interest lies in examining how play and multimodal resources can leverage the English language and literacies education of students from multicultural and multilingual backgrounds.
Presentation at Congress 2021
Learning Language and Science at Play: Threads of Meaning Making and Identities
How would you describe the research you will be presenting at Congress 2021?
The present study sought to explain the language and science learning of migrant and refugee- background children in Canada, especially considering the challenges these students face to learn a new language, school culture, and adjust to sociocultural changes upon arrival at school. Specifically, this research aimed to understand how three Grade 2/3 learners could develop their academic language proficiency and science learning while showcasing aspects of their identities through various playful practices. In this context, play provided learners with access to the new academic language and scientific knowledge; it also made it possible for students to strengthen their identities and build their science learning on lived experiences.
"This research showcases the language and science learning of students from migrant and refugee backgrounds in Canada."
How does the research you will be presenting connect with the Congress 2021 theme, “Northern Relations” and/or the conversations Congress 2021 is continuing under last year's Congress theme (cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic), “Bridging Divides: Confronting Colonialism and Anti-Black Racism”?
This research showcases the language and science learning of students from migrant and refugee backgrounds in Canada. In doing so, it demonstrates how learning experiences can be associated with sociocultural backgrounds, community building, and mutual support. My findings ultimately show that learning a new language and scientific concepts can be enhanced by trusting relationships and the bridging between home literacies, lived experiences and life in a new country.
Share your hopes for Congress 2021.
Full attendance, an engaged audience willing to discuss, to question, and to learn together.
Mirosław M. Sadowski
DCL candidate, Faculty of Law, McGill University
Endorsed by the Canadian Law and Society Association (CLSA)
DCL candidate at the Faculty of Law, McGill University, 2019 Master of Laws graduate at the University of Wrocław, Poland. My main interests lie at the intersections between law and memory, sociology of law, Central European studies, cultural heritage law and the law of Hong Kong and Macau SARs.
Presentation at Congress 2021
"I Have Pulled Down a Monument to Outlast Bronze..." Monuments as Vessels of the Past in a Post-Oppression Present
How would you describe the research you will be presenting at Congress 2021 to a non-specialist audience?
My research presented at Congress 2021 addresses the question often asked during the 2020 BLM protests: why monuments matter. Focusing on the second wave of decommunization and decolonisation taking place in the second decade of the 21st century in several different countries and regions. I hope to show what happens when monuments become reminders of a corrupt memory, a past that many would rather forget and to provide some answers to the debate on their removal, ultimately pondering upon the question of the right to memory.
"I hope to show what happens when monuments become reminders of a corrupt memory, a past that many would rather forget."
How does the research you will be presenting connect with the Congress 2021 theme, “Northern Relations” and/or the conversations Congress 2021 is continuing under last year's Congress theme (cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic), “Bridging Divides: Confronting Colonialism and Anti-Black Racism”?
My research particularly connects to the “Bridging Divides” theme, looking to place the recent resistance against oppressive monuments, a significant part of the 2020 BLM protests, into a broader context of the role monuments have as vessels of the past in a society, as well as demonstrate how it is a consequence of belated policy changes in several Western countries.
Share your hopes for Congress 2021.
I look at every conference not only as an opportunity to present my research, but also to receive feedback, participate in discussions on various topics within my research area, and meet other academics in and out of my field. As Congress 2021 is bringing together academics from not one, but a large number of various organisations, it is for sure going to be a particularly memorable event, providing a unique chance to hear from different people, not necessarily from one’s field.
Kate Robb
MA student, Development Practice: Indigenous Development, University of Winnipeg
Endorsed by the Environmental Studies Association of Canada (ESAC)
My name is Kate Robb, I am from Winnipeg, Manitoba. I am about to complete a Masters degree from the University of Winnipeg in the Masters in Development Practice: Indigenous Development program. My research area is energy, and the ways in which public involvement can improve energy policy and decision-making.
Presentation at Congress 2021
Learning from the Neighbours: Opportunities to Strengthen Hydropower Relicensing
How would you describe the research you will be presenting at Congress 2021 to a non-specialist audience?
My research examines the provincial and territorial licensing processes for hydroelectric projects, to understand the extent to which Indigenous nations and the public can participate in them. Having a participatory licensing process can help to ensure that environmental and social impacts of hydro development are minimized and mitigated. This is especially important in the context of Manitoba, where hydro development has historically and continues to create devastating impacts on both the environment and First Nations and Métis communities. My research provides recommendations as to how Manitoba’s licensing process can be improved to ensure that those who are impacted by hydro development can participate in the licensing process in a meaningful way.
"The problems associated with hydro development in the north are not new, and First Nations and Métis communities have been expressing their frustrations with this form of colonialism for many years."
How does the research you will be presenting connect with the Congress 2021 theme, “Northern Relations” and/or the conversations Congress 2021 is continuing under last year's Congress theme (cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic), “Bridging Divides: Confronting Colonialism and Anti-Black Racism”?
My research connects with the theme “Northern Relations” as it brings attention to an issue that communities in northern Manitoba have been facing for decades. The problems associated with hydro development in the north are not new, and First Nations and Métis communities have been expressing their frustrations with this form of colonialism for many years. I hope that my presentation will help to shed light on the environmental and social impacts of what is often viewed as a “green” energy source, and offer recommendations for how settler governments can better engage with those who are impacted.
Share your hopes for Congress 2021.
I am excited to participate in Congress 2021. I am looking forward to sharing my research with a wider audience, as well as to listen to other presentations and learn about the exciting work that is being done across the country.
Kimberley Keller
Doctoral student, School of Canadian and Indigenous Studies, Carleton University
Endorsed by the Environmental Studies Association of Canada (ESAC)
What is your primary research area?
My research centers on the development, implementation, facilitation, and effectiveness of environmental policy as it pertains to resource extraction, Indigenous communities, and conservation efforts around the world. I seek to apply my research conclusions to a Canadian context.
Presentation at Congress 2021
Why Environmental Policy Doesn’t Work: Liberal Ideologies and Exclusionary Discourses
How would you describe the research you will be presenting at Congress 2021?
Policies are only as good as the foundational ideas which inform them. In today’s liberal world, life has been divided into distinct sectors. For the sake of this analysis, we will focus on the social, the political, and the scientific. It is argued that the separation of these concepts from one another allows for more detailed understandings of their inner workings. However, I argue that such a distinction masks the interrelated complexities inherent to society. Without assessing the three spheres in tandem, attempts to craft environmental policy will continually fall short. To generate substantial environmental change, we must therefore reorient our thinking to assess the ways in which the political, social, and scientific interrelate and inform human action.
"As climate change directly impacts Indigenous livelihoods and autonomy, it is especially important to engage with Indigenous communities when formulating environmental policy."
How does the research you will be presenting connect with the Congress 2021 theme, “Northern Relations” and/or the conversations Congress 2021 is continuing under last year's Congress theme (cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic), “Bridging Divides: Confronting Colonialism and Anti-Black Racism”?
When discussing ideological shifts, it’s important to draw from extensive knowledge systems which operate outside of the dominant liberal hegemonic order. In particular, Indigenous knowledges represent a wholistic approach to environmental issues and governance. By decolonizing the political, social, and scientific arenas, we are able to view the complexities of society in its totality. This allows for more comprehensive policy formation which operates in tandem with Indigenous knowledges and governance systems. As climate change directly impacts Indigenous livelihoods and autonomy, it is especially important to engage with Indigenous communities when formulating environmental policy.
What is your favourite part of the Congress experience?
I am looking forward to listening to the vast amounts of interdisciplinary research being conducted across the country and around the world. I am always amazed at all the unique opinions, initiatives, and studies being pursued by scholars of all levels and specializations. By listening to others, engaging in thoughtful discussion, and conversing with those experienced in their respective fields that I can learn and grow as a researcher. Academia is a wonderful world where academics of various backgrounds can come together to generate real knowledge and change. I am grateful to be a part of that.
These profiles have been condensed for length and clarity.