Module #1 – Post #3

Ashlee Cunsolo-Willox, Professor and Researcher. http://ashleecunsolowillox.ca/

I wanted to share the website/research of a Professor I use to have at the University of Guelph, her work is very interesting and I have been following her for years. Ashlee focuses on utilizing traditional Aboriginal storytelling to address issues such as health and wellbeing of land and individuals.

Ashlee has been working within communities mainly in the Nunatsiavut region, collaborating with community members to use Aboriginal traditional knowledge to better understand the impacts of climate change on mental health. Ashlee is also interested in capacity development and has sought out digital media to record, preserve and transmit traditional stories to modern youth living in these isolated communities.

Under her publications tab, you will find an array of publications where I am sure you will find a topic that peaks your interest. Her research attempts to integrate technology resources to support Aboriginal communities as they live on the margin, experiencing high rates of suicide, medical and mental health concerns, loss of spirituality, tradition and custom and tighter restrictions on country food harvest. Ashlee attempts to engage and evoke a sense of pride and leadership within the community, facilitating avenues to build capacity and social justice from within rather than from outsiders.

I think that this would be very difficult to do the above, however the time and relationship building that has been done within these small communities (ie. Nain, Rigolet, NL), has proven to be very effective. I have followed Ashlee’s website and materials for almost 6 years and I highly recommend finding someone/research that interests you and watch it evolve. It is quite a process, especially when it is qualitative and front line.