RESEARCH STATEMENT

Tentative dissertation title:

Analyzing Indigenous Histories to Inform the Future: A Phenomenological Exploration of Chronic Student Absenteeism in Northern Saskatchewan

Research statement:

Given the identities and histories of many northern Saskatchewan families, a likelihood exists that students are descendants of survivors who attended the Canadian residential school system. Thus, current attendance patterns could be an additional manifestation of intergenerational trauma experienced by those connected to the Canadian residential school system.

Research questions:

  1. How has the residential school system impacted current attendance patterns in northern Saskatchewan?
  2. What are students’ and parents’ current feelings and emotions towards the K-12 public education system?
  3. What changes should be made to the traditional K-12 education system to support Indigenous students better?
  4. What do students need to get back into the classroom regularly?
  5. What do parents/caregivers need to get support for their student(s)?