Dr. Sherry Arvidson is an Assistant Professor with the Faculty of Nursing University of Regina. She has been a lifelong learner throughout her professional career. Dr. Arvidson began her nursing career in 1988 in Northern Saskatchewan. Working in the north provided her with an opportunity to become aware of Indigenous peoples and their culture. Continuing on with her nursing career at the age of 21, she completed the Diploma Nursing program from the University of the North in The Pas, Manitoba. She later enrolled in distance education to complete the Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing programs through Athabasca University. In 2015, Dr. Arvidson graduated from the Doctor of Education program (specializing in curriculum and instruction) from University of Phoenix. For her dissertation, she focused on the ability of students to develop critical thinking skills through service in the community. Her interest in learning explains her supportive role as an educator and passion for minority populations in the community. In 2016, Dr. Arvidson was the recipient of the President’s award of Teaching Excellence and Recognition with the Centre for Teaching and Learning at University of Regina. In addition to the award, she received a scholarship to present her research in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in 2017. In 2018, Dr. Arvidson received an invitation from Luther College to present her research projects and strategies of teaching to a visiting group of students from China.

Developing Community Partnerships: Indigenous Knowledge and Western Views

Historically concerns have been raised about the need for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Developing partnerships and co-creating mutual guiding principles that engage community members in research may be one step closer towards reconciliation. The aim of this project is to form a partnership between Cowessess First Nation and academic researchers in an effort to understand social inclusion among seniors and to learn about the community through an Indigenous lens.