Paulina Johnson, PhD, MA, BA

Area of Study / Keywords

Indigenous Research and Methods Indigenization Settler Colonialism Relationality Treaty Indigenous Law and Governance Climate Change CEE-MP Adjunct Faculty Member

About

Hi, I am Dr. Paulina Johnson, Sîpihkokîsikowiskwêw, Blue Sky Woman, and Nêhiyaw, Four-Spirit/Plains Cree. I am a citizen of Nipisihkopahk, Samson Cree Nation, in Maskwacis, AB. 

Currently, I am one of the Co-Research Directors (Co-RD) for Braiding Knowledges Canada (BKC and formerly the Canadian Mountain Network) alongside Dr. Murray Humphries from McGill University. BKC is housed at the U of A and aims to braid Indigenous and Western Knowledge Systems together for reconciliation in research. 

I lead the Blue Sky Research Lab through my Co-RD Knowledge Hub aimed to promote Indigenous Ways of Knowing within academia. 

I am also the 2026 Science Fellow at Telus World of Science! 

Research

My current research is focused on Indigenous realities within Climate Change, specifically impacts on Water Security and Traditional Medicines. Sharing how Mother Earth is impacted from an Indigenous Narrative view is vital within the larger societal and academic points of view.

My primary area of expertise is on Indigenous research methods and ways of knowing this includes oral narratives and legal traditions.  

Teaching

I make my classroom reflect my Nehiyaw upbringing by providing my students with story narratives and lived experiences. My Indigenous pedagogies are front and centre in my teaching practices as my aim is not only to educate you but shape you to see the bigger picture and situate yourself in the classroom experience. This approach is a fundamental aspect of Indigenous education and methodological practice.

Listen to  "The Auntie Is In" Podcast on Spotify and give us a follow on instagram @the.auntie.is.in! 

SOC 402 - Topics in Sociology

Prerequisite: SOC 100 or consent of the instructor. Note: Consult the Department for any additional prerequisites. Course may be taken more than once if topic(s) vary.

SOC 504 - Conference Course in Sociology for Graduate Students

Browse more courses taught by Paulina Johnson