MSc Opportunity: Learning from the Lands – Weaving Indigenous Knowledge into Environmental Health Research

MSc Position hosted within the Ndaakendaaswen Gamig (Lab) at the University of Guelph

The Ndaakendaaswen Gamig, led by Dr. Susan Chiblow, is seeking a highly motivated Master’s student to join the “Learning from the Lands” research stream, part of a larger interdisciplinary “Transforming Chemical Risk Management with Indigenous Expertise" project on transforming chemicals management by weaving Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into environmental health and regulatory practices. This unique opportunity involves engaging directly with Indigenous Elders, knowledge holders, and environmental policymakers to explore how land-based learning informs the evaluation of chemical risks. The project aims to advance co-learning guided by Elders at the intersection of Anishinaabek law and the Canadian regulatory system. Our aim is to use Indigenous principles of learning from the lands, Anishinaabek law, working in communities to transform chemical management. This position will be supervised by Dr. Chiblow. Stipend available.

MSc will involve:

Working collaboratively with Indigenous communities, Elders, and knowledge holders to explore land-based relationships, environmental health, and chemical risk.
Participating in qualitative research (e.g., talking circles, semi-structured interviews) and collaborative workshops.
Analyzing how relational worldviews of the land inform more just and inclusive approaches to environmental monitoring and policy.
Supporting the co-development of knowledge products (e.g., community reports, training materials, academic outputs) rooted in both Indigenous and Western epistemologies.
Engaging in interdisciplinary dialogue across environmental sciences, Indigenous studies, policy, and toxicology.

Qualified candidates will have:

Excellent communication and listening skills, especially in cross-cultural and Indigenous community-engaged settings.
Demonstrated commitment to Indigenous cultural safety and respectful relationship-building.
Minimum GPA of 3.0 (B average or higher).
Experience or strong interest in qualitative research and/or Indigenous research methodologies.
Undergraduate degree in environmental science, Indigenous studies, toxicology, public health, or a related discipline.

Anticipated start:

As early as September 2025.

Location:

Student will be based at the University of Guelph, with potential for community-engaged work in locations relevant to the project.

To apply:

Send an email outlining your interest, along with a cover letter and your curriculum vitae (CV), to Professor Dr. Susan Chiblow [1] and Research Project Manager Dr. [2]Paul Meighan [2].

Preference will be given to applications received by July 1, 2025, but the position will remain open until filled.

We invite applications from qualified candidates who share our commitment to employment equity and inclusive excellence. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous candidates (e.g., First Nation, Métis, Inuit). If Indigenous to regions outside of North America, please specify in your cover letter. We welcome applications from candidates who belong to groups that historically, persistently, or systemically have been marginalized: racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and trans and non-binary people.

For more information:

Contact Professor Dr. Susan Chiblow [1] and/or Research Project Manager Dr. [2]Paul Meighan [2].