York University continues to lead in decolonization, equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts with the launch of a new module that will help faculty members better understand and evaluate Indigenous research excellence.
The Adjudicating Indigenous Research Excellence (AIRE) module is the newest addition to the POLARIS (Place of Online Learning for the Adjudication of Researchers Inclusively and Supportively) e-training collection, designed to support academics both within and outside of York University.
The goal of the module, says POLARIS Director Rebecca Pillai Riddell, is to teach faculty members on hiring and adjudication committees about how to adjudicate Indigenous research contributions with a broader, more inclusive lens that can differ substantially from a traditionally Western perspective.
AIRE was co-created with York University’s Associate Vice-President Indigenous Initiatives Susan Dion, along with 10 other Indigenous colleagues (Angele Alook, Rebecca Beaulne-Stuebing, Kiera Brant-Birioukov, Maya Chacaby, Cora Coady, Jeremy Green, Ruth Green, Sean Hillier and Nicole Muir) over the past year and a half. The module addresses values and practices of Indigenous knowledge creation and dissemination. AIRE offers an hour-long interactive learning experience that includes real examples from Indigenous faculty and highlights non-traditional career narratives, emphasizing the breadth and depth of Indigenous academic contributions.
The initiative is sponsored by the Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation and the Office of the Vice-President Equity, People & Culture, and funded by federal equity, diversity and inclusion grants from the Canada Research Chairs Secretariat.
Engagement session
In conjunction with the launch of the AIRE module, POLARIS will host an in-person engagement session on Jan. 7, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon in Kaneff Tower, Room 519. This interactive event, featuring the AIRE module’s co-creators, offers an opportunity to discuss Indigenous perspectives and connect with colleagues over lunch.
York University professors Dion, Ruth Green and Jeremy Green will be panellists for the event. The event will be moderated by Pillai Riddell. Refreshments will be provided.
Those who have already completed the AIRE module, and those who have not yet, are invited to attend. RSVP to the Jan. 7 engagement session.
York’s POLARIS program is a leader in faculty development, offering mandatory training to advance equity and excellence in research and teaching. The AIRE module is a vital step forward in embedding Indigenous voices and perspectives within academic decision-making.
Access the AIRE module here.
Questions about the Jan. 7 engagement session or accessing the module can be directed to Andrew Castillo, POLARIS operations manager.