D'Arcy Vermette, Injured Worker, Former Indigenous Academic

Availability

Unavailable.

Area of Study / Keywords

Work-Injuries. University Policy. Health and Safety.

About

I am on leave due to a work-injury. I hope to return to work soon.

Oct. 7th Update:

On Friday, Oct. 4th, I learned that Dr. Nathalie Kermoal (someone that I have a lot of respect for) was appointed provost fellow in decolonizing policies. Prior to that appointment, I had assumed (based on years of experience working at UofA) that the Indigenization/reconciliation/decolonization/equity/diversity/inclusion/safety/health and wellness efforts at the UofA were almost entirely for show.  A few prime examples would be: 

• The "People Strategy" (based on my experience, I would assume that the prior strategy was a "dehumanization strategy")
• The "Culture of Care" (which seems like it is built to replace a "culture of disregard"?)

Seeing that Dr. Kermoal will be engaging in this policy development process has changed my approach going forward (even if my overall assessment hasn't change).

To explain, I should start by saying that I am a proud citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta. Prior to moving to Alberta, I was a citizen of the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan. I mention this here because, despite being accepted by Métis governing bodies and being hired through a competitive application process that targeted an Indigenous hire, my experience at UofA has given me the distinct impression that I am not the preferred kind of Indigenous person for the UofA (The reasons for developing this impression are too long to get into here). Indeed, my experience at UofA has led to the belief that one of the following is true:

     A) The stated commitments of the UofA re: Indigenization/reconciliation/decolonization/equity/diversity/inclusion/safety/health and wellness are mostly a façade. 

OR

     B) The university does not view me as an Indigenous academic (or person?) worthy of its stated commitments.

My experience tells me it is primarily A and that B is simply the impact that I have experienced as a result of A. Either way, it is clear that my participation as an Indigenous academic is not needed or wanted. For that reason, focusing my return to work strategies on B provides a much simpler way for me to move forward and avoid more tension. As such, I will try to avoid situations where I must be the representative of, or advocate for, Indigenous interests or voices while at work. This will apply to all 3 areas of the job: teaching, research and service.

By removing any assumption that I belong in the community of Indigenous academics on campus, I should be able to focus on my own health and well-being upon a return-to-work. My exit from the development of (or asking for the implementation of) these sorts of initiatives should also help amplify the Indigenous voices/interests that the University prefers to hear. It will also alleviate clashes that emerge from my expectation that I should be a part of those Indigenization/reconciliation/decolonization/health and wellness initiatives on campus. 

To prepare for a return, I have asked the Rupertsland Centre for Métis Research (RCMR) to remove me as an Affiliate. It would also not be appropriate to expect Indigenous related expertise (and, by extension, EDI) from me on any committees I might sit on when I return.

For the sake of other Indigenous academics, I hope that Dr. Kermoal's appointment is a sign that the UofA is serious about this work. I wish Dr. Kermoal success in the new role. More information on the appointment can be found here: 

https://www.ualberta.ca/en/the-quad/2024/10/announcing-the-provost-fellow-in-decolonizing-policies.html

Hopefully, I will start a return soon.

- Former Indigenous Academic

Research

I am on leave due to a work-injury. Therefore, I am not researching.

Teaching

I am on leave due to a work-injury. Therefore, I am not teaching.

I am on leave due to a work-injury. Therefore, I have no announcements.