About the Session

This session explores innovative approaches to challenging colonial narratives through digital embodied story practices and research-creation methodologies. 

Discover how traditional sm̓iʔmay̓ (Syilx) storytelling intersects with cutting-edge digital technologies to create powerful new forms of Indigenous expression and resistance. Belanger will share insights from her groundbreaking research, demonstrating how digital platforms can be harnessed to preserve Indigenous knowledge, promote cultural resurgence, and imagine Indigenous futures. This session offers a unique opportunity to explore the potential of digital storytelling in decolonizing narratives and creating space for Indigenous voices in the digital realm. Participants will gain valuable perspectives on bridging ancestral wisdom with modern technology, and will learn about the transformative power of Indigenous futurisms in challenging dominant cultural narratives. Whether you’re an academic, artist, storyteller, or simply interested in the intersection of Indigenous culture and digital innovation, this session promises to be both informative and inspiring. 

Speaker

Mariel Belanger is a PhD Candidate (ABD) in cultural studies at Queen’s University, whose research focuses on “Storytelling sm̓iʔmay̓ Futurisms from the Digital Frontier.” As an Indigenous scholar and artist, Belanger’s work challenges colonial narratives through innovative digital storytelling practices and research-creation methodologies. Her groundbreaking approach combines traditional sm̓iʔmay̓ (Syilx) storytelling with futuristic digital technologies, creating a unique space for Indigenous voices in the digital realm. Belanger’s research explores how digital embodied story practices can serve as powerful tools for decolonization and cultural revitalization. Through her work, Mariel Belanger is not only preserving and promoting Indigenous knowledge systems but also reimagining her place in our increasingly digital world. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges the gap between ancestral wisdom and cutting-edge technology, paving the way for new forms of Indigenous expression and resistance in the digital age. 

Registration Coming Soon

This session will be recorded, archived, and made available publicly on BCcampus.ca. By participating in this session, you acknowledge you are aware your participation will be recorded and the recording will be openly available.

About the Series

The BCcampus Winter 2025 Research Speaker Series offers participants and presenters an opportunity to learn and share knowledge and advocacy on research methods, approaches, and pedagogies around accessibility, access, Indigenous engagement, and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in teaching and learning.   

These livestream webinars take place every month from January to March and will allow you to learn about new research directly from the researchers.  

Sessions

1. January 21, 2025 – Storytelling sm̓iʔmay̓ Futurisms from the Digital Frontier. Challenging Colonial Narratives through a Digital Embodied Story Practice and Research-Creation, Mariel Belanger, Queen’s University 
2. February 25, 2025 – Transparent, Detailed, Ethical: An Introduction to the Artificial Intelligence Disclosure (AID) Framework, Kari D. Weaver, University of Waterloo Libraries 
3. March 11 – Engaging in Great Practices for Research on Teaching and Learning, Brett McCollum, Thompson Rivers University

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this series, participants will be able to:  

1. Broaden your knowledge and research skills in the B.C. post-secondary context.  
2. Learn about Indigenization, EDI, decolonization, and accessibility in research.  
3. Be inspired to participate in research communities of practice or explore the themes in your work.  
4. Connect with academics and community members who share your interests.