In February 2026, the Centre for Learning Futures will launch the Indigenous Scholars Webinar Series. Throughout the series, researchers will share their insights into the importance of studies led by Indigenous scholars, advice to support Indigenous students in bringing their unique perspectives into their work and highlights from their own careers in research and academia. These events are open to everyone.
A Pep Talk for Indigenous Graduate Students With Dr. Shawn Wilson (he/him/his)
Feb. 11, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. | on Microsoft Teams
In this talk, Wilson will offer insights from his nearly 60 years of experience as an Indigenous researcher. Hopefully, you will begin to recognize how you are, or can become, what he calls, “Indigenous plus” as a scholar-practitioner.
Dr. Shawn Wilson is from the Opaskwayak Cree Nation in northern Canada and lives on Syilx territory in Kelowna, B.C. He is an associate professor of Indigenous studies and co-ordinates the Indigenous knowledges theme at the University of British Columbia.
Shawn has worked with Indigenous people worldwide and co-leads a research project aiming to define rules and guidelines for respecting and safeguarding sacred teachings, such as Ceremonial and Star Knowledge. He has spent time living, teaching and researching across Canada, the US, Australia and Norway, along with supervising research projects in Bangladesh, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
Shawn is the author of Research is Ceremony, which has sold out multiple printings. He is on the board of directors of the Tapestry Institute and has joined the newly established advisory group at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. Shawn has presented at Goals House (Davos) as part of the World Economic Forum and the MIR Centre for Peace. He cites his three kids as his greatest achievement, pride and joy.
Shawn Wilson (he/him) BSc (University of Manitoba), MA (University of Alaska), PhD (Monash University)
