Student Research Feature: Emily Doehnel: Walking the Path of Humility: White Settler Positionality in Research with Tsartlip First Nation

The School of Leadership Studies would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Emily Doehnel on the completion of a Master’s Thesis titled, Walking the Path of Humility: White Settler Positionality in Research with Tsartlip First Nation.

This thesis is available through RRU’s library here https://www.viurrspace.ca/items/50c30ca2-df88-4f16-a7b9-c15edf9f5d7e

We asked Emily a few questions about this research and this is what they said: 

What are some key takeaways from your thesis that would be helpful for other leaders?

My project is structured as a hybrid first-person/organizational thesis, which is unique to the MAL program. I began my 18-month journey exploring how First Nations community health centres foster antiracist practice. My project then evolved into a deeply reflective first-person action research process, as I examined my own positionality as a white settler within Indigenous research and health care spaces. My journey may provide key learning opportunities for others, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, transparency, and commitment to antiracist practices in leadership roles, considering the culture of white supremacy in which British Columbian researchers and health care leaders are embedded. 

How is the organization moving change forward based on your work?

Currently, I am working collaboratively with Tsartlip First Nation to implement the organizational recommendations from my thesis. These recommendations align their priorities, interests, and capacity. Additionally, I developed personal recommendations for myself, which I intend to carry forward throughout my career.

What surprised you about your experience of the thesis process?

I was surprised to learn how much colonization influenced my thesis process. As a white person and leader in Tsartlip, I strive to work with humility, honesty, and transparency. However, I was humbled to learn how my colonial biases and position as a settler influenced my inquiry . Despite my best intentions, it wasn’t until I was required to significantly shift my research design that I came to truly understand the ongoing impact of colonization. This experience highlighted the importance for other white researchers to be mindful of when engaging in research partnerships with Indigenous Peoples and communities. 

How are you applying lessons learned from your whole MA-Leadership journey?

When I started the program, I did not hold a leadership position and often grappled with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. These feelings persisted to some degree when I began my current leadership role. However, I learned the importance of sticking to my values. The values I identified early in the program—honesty, transparency, and vulnerability—have guided my work and my thesis.