I am pleased to write this tenure review letter for Dr. Cash Ahenakew. At the outset, my contact with Dr. Ahenakew has been confined to occasional interaction at scholarly conferences. In this evaluation I specifically respond to the questions asked by Professor Walter in his ‘invitation to review’ letter. I will also review the research dossier of Dr. Ahenakew, briefly, assess his service to the academic community as well as his agentic engagement with various communities beyond the scholarly circles. I do so on the belief that it is imperative for scholars to try to create praxis and bring about the change that they profess in their academic research
Dr. Ahenakew’s record of research …show more content…
Apart from his scholarly work, do you know of any contributions the candidate has made to the development of his subject in Canada or elsewhere; for example, through activities in learned societies, organizing conferences, and so forth? In your opinion how significant have these activities been from the standpoint of promoting teaching and scholarship in his …show more content…
Ahenakew’s involvement with community based research initiatives is a testimony to his belief that research for the sake of research will not lead to praxis so desperately needed in education today. He has used insights from his research to engage in building indigenous leadership and expertise in schools, curricula and faculty development, and to engage with Indigenous elders, and communities to enhance Indigenous education, knowledge, health and research. His membership of the Indigenous Knowledge and Research Protocol Subcommittee of the Government of Canada 's Panel on Research Ethics, Chapter 9: Research Involving the First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples of Canada is evidence that his scholarship is recognized at the highest levels. Similarly, he has transferred insights from his research and scholarship to facilitate community building between UBC and Squamish Nation and one between EDST and Blood Tribe Natosi Okhan Sundance Society. As noted in his curriculum vitae he is also instrumental facilitating community relationships between the University and the Vancouver School Board. Dr. Ahenakew’s research and service records demonstrate that he is not only an outstanding academic and public intellectual but also a conscientious citizen and ‘bridge-builder’ between the academic community and the society at