Samantha D. Stevens

Returning to My Roots: Reevaluating Research and Redefining My Dissertation

It’s been a challenging year, to say the least. When I submitted my first draft for my PhD dissertation, the feedback I received was honest and direct. The work wasn’t as rigorous as it needed to be. I hadn’t stayed focused on my research questions. Overall, it wasn’t meeting the expectations of PhD-level scholarship. My supervisor even pointed out that my MA thesis was much more rigorous and academic by comparison.

This was hard to hear. However, it made me realize something important. I wasn’t approaching my dissertation with the same level of care or confidence as I had my earlier work. Part of that uncertainty came from my focus. This was especially true as I ventured into legal discourses. I didn’t feel entirely comfortable with that area as studying and understanding law was completely new to me. Reflecting on this feedback, I returned to my MA thesis, which I had defended just months before the pandemic lockdowns. Revisiting that work, I found myself asking a question that shifted everything: Why hadn’t I continued exploring the white saviour trope?

This realization led me to recalibrate my dissertation. I returned to a topic I care deeply about and I feel equipped to examine this topic critically.

The Importance of Restoule v. Canada (2021)

At the heart of my revised dissertation is an exploration of the white saviour trope in Canadian newspaper coverage of Restoule v. Canada (2021). This landmark case, which addresses annuities under the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850, holds immense significance for Indigenous rights in Canada. The case centers on the Crown’s obligation to adjust annuity payments to reflect the wealth generated from the lands ceded in the treaty—something that had not been done for over a century.

The ruling affirmed that the Crown must uphold its treaty promises, marking an important step toward justice and reconciliation. Media coverage of the case reveals how colonial narratives persist. These narratives often undermine the agency of Indigenous peoples. They frame their struggles within problematic tropes that are normalized through language, text, and everyday use. It is my goal that my dissertation will investigate how the white saviour trope manifests in this coverage and how it shapes public perceptions of Indigenous sovereignty and rights.

Teaching: Lessons From Introduction to Canadian Studies

This fall, I’ve had the privilege of teaching Introduction to Canadian Studies, a course that delves into the complexities of Canada’s identity, history, and contemporary issues. Some of the themes we’ve explored—such as reconciliation, multiculturalism, and settler colonialism—have resonated deeply with me as they align closely with my own research. Engaging with students as they unpack these topics has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my academic year. Their curiosity and critical questions continually remind me of the importance of fostering these discussions.

Connecting Through Research and Community

In addition to teaching, I’ve been working as a graduate research assistant for Carleton University’s new Certificate in Journalism in Indigenous Communities program. This program blends in-person and online learning to make journalism education more accessible to Indigenous students. Contributing to an initiative that prioritizes Indigenous voices in media has been incredibly fulfilling, particularly as my research also examines media representations of Indigenous issues.

For those interested, Carleton is currently looking for a Program Manager to support this groundbreaking program—an excellent opportunity for anyone passionate about Indigenous education and journalism.

A Period of Reflection and Growth

My leave of absence has been both a challenge and an opportunity. After more than a decade of uninterrupted academic work, stepping back felt like an identity shift. Yet it gave me the space to reflect, recalibrate, and ultimately rediscover my passion for research. Revisiting my MA thesis reminded me of the clarity and confidence I had in that work and inspired me to return to the white saviour trope as a central focus for my PhD.

In light of this transitional period, I’ve decided to temporarily remove the Current Project: PhD Dissertation page from my website until I have a clearer path forward in January. Once I finalize my direction, I’ll update the page with details that reflect this renewed focus.

Implications of My Research

The white saviour trope has deep implications for how media shapes public perceptions of Indigenous issues. By exposing how colonial narratives persist in news coverage, my work aims to encourage more accurate, respectful, and empowering representations. This research doesn’t just matter within academia—it has real-world implications for journalism and broader media practices.

I’m excited to move forward with this clarified focus and grateful for the opportunity to continue exploring this important work. Stay tuned for updates as I dive deeper into my research! And if you know someone interested in journalism or Indigenous education, be sure to share the exciting opportunities happening at Carleton!