On the (In)Comparability of Indigenous Community-Based Research Within University Merit Systems

Abstract

Through equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization, universities attempt to prioritize Indigenous scholars and knowledge systems. However, there are key problems with the structure of evaluation and performance that Indigenous scholars like myself are placed in. Bringing forward a Nêhiyawak, Four-Spirit, perspective, I challenge the university merit system and evaluation process by defining accountability, authenticity, intentionality, relationality, and reciprocity within a Nation-specific approach for cross-cultural knowledge sharing to the broader public. While there have been calls to support emerging Indigenous scholars, the systems we find ourselves in are still problematic and fail to address the key roots of White dominance and control that we face daily.