UCalgary team submits Cree language SSHRC application to challenge colonial worldview

A team from the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work has challenged the colonial worldview by submitting a SSHRC funding application entirely in nêhiyawewin (Cree language). The proposal, which was submitted entirely in the Cree language as a way to honour nêhiyaw language holders and knowledge-keepers, had a goal of being evaluated in the same way as other proposals in English and French. The proposal was rejected by SSHRC without appeal, reports Global News because of challenges with ensuring quality peer review. Team leader and Elder Leona Makoki expressed disappointment at SSHRC’s decision. “I don’t think they even recognized that there’s another world view aside from the Western world view,” said Makoki. “Had they gone through the whole process it would have been a learning opportunity and an opportunity to do some relationship building.” Global News Note: Archived stories may contain dead links or be missing source links.