Ancient traditions meet empowered youth
Réal Carrière, Policy Studies PhD candidate
Réal Carrière has an important story to share – that of his aboriginal ancestors. The Policy Studies PhD candidate is bridging generations and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders with his groundbreaking research on governance through the traditional knowledge and traditions of the Nehinuw (Cree) people. By presenting his findings at the Native American and Indigenous Studies Association and International Conference on Public Policy, Réal hopes to encourage other indigenous people to apply their unique worldview to their own research.
To instil a sense of community and pride among aboriginal youth, Réal founded Indigenous Inspirational Initiatives, a non-profit organization that organizes wilderness camps in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Currently, he is planning a series of indigenous storytelling events, as well as an aboriginal language and cultural immersion program.
At TMU (formerly Ryerson), Réal found mentors in Pamela Palmater, politics and public administration professor and chair in indigenous governance, and social work professor Lynn Lavallée. “Ryerson is a world-class institution that supports students on numerous levels,” says Réal.
TMU’s diversity of cultures, perspectives and programs make us more connected and creative in solving complex, real-world challenges.
Photo credit: Huy Lam