Samantha D. Stevens

Jumping back into the world of academic conferences after finishing my dissertation draft and becoming a new mom has been both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking. Balancing the joys and demands of raising a baby while continuing my academic work has required careful planning, resilience, and a lot of creativity. Here’s a glimpse into my journey and the conferences that marked my re-entry into the scholarly community, along with some lessons learned and reflections on how these experiences are shaping my future research.

Getting Back on Campus: Carleton University

April 2024 was a busy month for me with two back-to-back conferences at Carleton University. On April 24, I presented at the InspirED 2024: CU Teaching Innovation Symposium. My talk, “Decoding Bias: Teaching about Settler Colonial Discourses in AI Text Generation,” explored the intersection of technology and settler colonial narratives. Discussing innovative teaching methods and the importance of critically examining AI-generated texts for biases was invigorating.

One key insight I gained was the necessity of integrating critical thinking skills into technology education to help students recognize and challenge inherent biases in Large Language Models (LLMs). For example, using real-world examples and hands-on activities helped students see firsthand how text-based AI systems can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and misinformation.

The very next day, I participated in the School of Canadian Studies 2024 Graduate Research Symposium. My presentation, “Colonial Narratives and Anishinaabe Sovereignty: A Discursive Analysis of Settler Canadian Treaty Understandings,” delved into how historical and contemporary treaty interpretations affect Anishinaabe sovereignty. Sharing parts of my dissertation with colleagues was a significant moment for me. I was initially nervous about how my research, which focuses on settlers and settler transformations, would be received. However, the supportive environment and constructive feedback helped ease my concerns and reaffirmed the relevance and impact of my work.

In this presentation, I highlighted the importance of understanding how settler fragility manifests in defensive or construction responses to Anishinaabe rights and histories. By using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), I was able to show how settler narratives have evolved from patriarchal ignorance and denial to a more nuanced, though still imperfect, recognition and support of Anishinaabe sovereignty.

Easing Back In: Online Conference

After the in-person conferences, my next engagement was an online presentation at the Fragility Conference, hosted by the University of Zadar. On May 10, 2024, I presented “Settler Fragility and Resistance: Unpacking the Dynamics of Colonial Legacies and Anishinaabe Self-Determination in Canada.” This conference offered a timely platform to discuss how colonial legacies continue to impact Indigenous self-determination, a theme that resonates deeply with my research. The virtual format provided a gentle transition back into the international academic sphere, allowing me to manage my schedule flexibly while caring for my baby.

One key lesson from this conference was the importance of resilience and adaptability in research. The case studies I presented, such as the mercury contamination in Grassy Narrows and the ongoing disputes over the Robinson Huron Treaty, illustrated how persistent advocacy and legal challenges by Indigenous communities can shift public and political discourses over time.

Dissertation Insights

Completing the draft of my dissertation, titled “Anishinaabe Agency Amid Settler Transformations: A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Robinson Huron Treaty in the Canadian Colonial Context,” was a major milestone. My research focuses on dissecting the settler colonial and Anishinaabe discourses surrounding the Robinson Huron Treaty through Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). This treaty, signed in 1850, has been a cornerstone in shaping the relationship between settlers and the Anishinaabe, particularly in the Great Lakes region of Ontario.

In my dissertation, I employ Norman Fairclough’s three-stage CDA to analyze legal texts, parliamentary debates, and news articles spanning over 168 years. This methodology allows me to uncover how language and discourse reflect and shape power relations, identities, and ideologies. The analysis revealed several key themes, including reconciliation, patriarchal management, settler transformation, and Anishinaabe agency. By examining these themes, I demonstrated how settler narratives have shifted from dominance and control to a more complex recognition of Anishinaabe sovereignty and self-determination, influenced by increased First Nations activism and legal changes.

One significant finding was the concept of “settler fragility,” which refers to the emotional and cognitive dissonance settlers experience when confronted with the realities of colonial histories and Indigenous demands for justice. This fragility often manifests in defensive stances, such as denying or rationalizing the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization.

The dissertation also highlighted how Anishinaabe leaders have strategically engaged with Canadian legal and political frameworks to advocate for their rights and sovereignty. By actively participating in parliamentary processes and forming alliances with sympathetic settler politicians, they leveraged these platforms to promote a recognition of Anishinaabe legal traditions and land rights within Canadian frameworks.

New Research Questions and Directions

These conference experiences and my dissertation work have inspired several new research questions and directions. While I have much to work on presently, they present possible areas of research over the next couple of years.

One area I am particularly excited about is the further exploration of how AI technologies can both perpetuate and disrupt settler colonial discourses. How can AI be used responsibly to support Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination? This question opens up avenues for interdisciplinary research that bridges technology, ethics, and Indigenous studies.

Another intriguing direction is the examination of settler fragility in contemporary political movements. How do modern political discourses, both in Canada and globally, reflect or challenge historical patterns of settler fragility? Understanding this can provide deeper insights into the barriers to true reconciliation and the strategies that can effectively address them.

Additionally, I am interested in exploring the impact of public education on settler colonial narratives. How does incorporating Indigenous perspectives into school curricula influence settler students’ understanding of history and their role in ongoing colonial processes? This research could inform educational policies and practices aimed at fostering more equitable and informed societies.

These new research questions not only build on my current work but also aim to generate broader discussions on the intersections of technology, education, and Indigenous rights. I look forward to delving into these topics and sharing my findings with the academic community and beyond.

Reflections and Looking Ahead

As I reflect on these experiences, I’m struck by the adaptability and support of the academic community. The blend of online and in-person events made the transition back into conference participation smoother, allowing me to balance professional development and personal responsibilities.

Despite initial nerves about falling behind while focusing on my baby, dissertation, and teaching, sharing my research at the Graduate Symposium was particularly rewarding. It was an affirmation that my work on settlers and settler transformations continues to be relevant and valued in academic discourse.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about continuing to contribute to discussions on settler colonialism, Indigenous sovereignty, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies. My journey back into academia post-baby has been a testament to the resilience and dedication required to juggle multiple roles. These experiences have inspired new research questions and directions, particularly around the intersections of technology, education, and Indigenous studies.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to sharing more updates and insights as I continue to explore and contribute to our understanding of Canadian Studies and beyond.