Information for those interesting in participating in this research project.
The "Cultures of Trust" theme is being investigated primarily by a team from the University of Windsor and Vancouver Island University
We are an Indigenous and non-Indigenous team comprised of both faculty and students, guided by knowledge keepers and elders, and using both traditional academic methods and Indigenous methodology to approach our research. We aim to conduct this research mindfully, with clear awareness that we become a team with those who are willing to share their experience and knowledge with us, where we learn together and learn from each other.
Principle Investigators
Advisor, Ethics and Methods Trainer
Catherine T. Kwantes (M.Sc., M.A., Ph.D.) is a professor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology in the Psychology Department, and director of the Centre for Culture and Organizational Research at the University of Windsor. She received an MSc in Clinical Psychology, and MA and PhD degrees in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Her area of research is on the intersection of societal and organizational cultures, and how societal cultures affect perceptions of trustworthiness in organizations, workplace interactions, and employee attitudes.
Wendi L. Adair (M.A., Ph.D., Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management) is associate professor and director of the Culture at Work Lab at University of Waterloo, Ontario. Professor Adair’s current research examines the impact of culture on communication, for example what is said and what is not said, and interdependent work outcomes, such as communication effectiveness, conflict resolution, trust, and team performance. She also investigates culture and the self at work, examining work values, the meaning of work, and adaptation in multicultural teams.
Jeffery Hewitt (Cree) is an Assistant Professor at the Osgoode Hall Law School, York University. His research interests include Indigenous legal orders and governance, constitutional and administrative law, human rights and remedies, business law, art and law. He is past-President of the Indigenous Bar Association of Canada; and since 2002 served as General Counsel to Rama First Nation. Professor Hewitt holds an LLB and LLM from Osgoode Hall Law School and is called to the Bar in the Province of Ontario (since 1998); has served on various boards, including Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto; and is currently on the executive of Legal Leaders for Diversity.
Russell Nahdee is from the Walpole Island First Nation and currently lives in the City of Windsor where he is Coordinator of the Aboriginal Education Centre - Turtle Island - University of Windsor. He has worked in the field of Aboriginal education for over 20 years and is involved with several Aboriginal research projects, community boards, and planning committees. He is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Windsor in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology.
Students
Brianna Thorne is a member of the Khowutzun Tribes whose matrilineal line originates from the traditional village of Khenipsen. She is currently in the third year working towards a Bachelor of Education degree at Vancouver Island University. To her merit she has earned distinctions on the Dean’s Honour List, held the position of Student Ambassador for three consecutive years, and is an alumni of the Emerging Leaders for Sustainable Community Development. She is currently majoring in Indigenous Studies with a minor in Woman and Gender Studies.
Alisha Jacobs is a member of the Delaware Nation – Moravian of the Thames. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Finance from the University of Guelph and a Post Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management from Fanshawe College. She is currently in her third year at the University of Windsor pursuing an Honours Psychology with Thesis B.A. with a minor in Philosophy.
Russell Nahdee, University of Windsor rnahdee@uwindsor.ca
Loyell Bigjohn is a member of the Walpole Island First Nation, and has ancestry with the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians in Wisconsin and the Navajo Nation of Arizona. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Windsor ( with a major in History and a minor in Geography) and is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Education at the University of Windsor.
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