D'Arcy Vermette, Injured Worker, Former Indigenous Academic
/Injured Worker and Former Indigenous Academic/
Overview
Area of Study / Keywords
Work-Injuries. University Policy. Health and Safety.
About
Citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta.
- I have been told that I was the first citizen of the Metis Nation to earn a doctorate in law. It is a neat little bit of info and, if inaccurate, it would be interesting to find out who was (so please let me know via email).
I am on leave due to a work-injury.
In my experience, the UofA is not a healthy work-environment. I don't have the sense that the policies and commitments made by the UofA in relation to things like Indigenous issues, wellness, "culture of care" and workplace safety are worth anything beyond the promotional value they have for the image of the institution.
For me, working at the UofA has been both extremely unhealthy and career-destroying. Being on leave, and trying to arrange a return to work, has been exceedingly stressful, not allowing time for recovery.
From my perspective, the UofA has engaged in a process of excessive delay, denials of doctor recommendations, and seeking further scrutiny of already established health issues. This has produced an environment where any return will be uncomfortable and unsupportive at best, or immediately combative at worst.
It is clear to me that I am not welcome at the UofA as an Indigenous scholar. In the interests of my health, I will be disengaging from Indigenous issues on campus which will, hopefully, help to remove that area of conflict from the work-environment.
Former Indigenous Academic.
Research
I am on leave due to a work-injury. Therefore, I am not researching.
When I return to work, I will have to establish a new area of research. My former area of research seemed completely unimportant to the Faculty of Native Studies and is not reflected in its areas of strength.
I have resigned as an affiliate of the Rupertsland Centre for Metis Research.
Teaching
I am on leave due to a work-injury. Therefore, I am not teaching.
If I am able to return and teach in the fall of 2025, please note that my courses will be a mess. Due to the struggles to arrange a return to work plan, I have run out of time to properly prepare courses. Also, please note that while I will teach the required subject matter, I will no longer present it as an Indigenous scholar.
Announcements
I am on leave due to a work-injury. Therefore, I have no announcements.