Meet our Researchers
Dr. Jennifer Markides
Jennifer Markides, PhD, is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Associate Professor in both the Werklund School of Education and the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary, and SSHRC Tier II Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Youth Well-Being and Education. Her research centres community-based partnerships that prioritize the goals, dreams, needs, and interests of Indigenous youth, families, and communities.
The Walking Alongside You(th) project is a collaboration between high schools and Indigenous community leaders across Northern Alberta with the support of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC-IDG). These collaborations have centred on empowering Indigenous youth by encouraging them to voice their experiences, propose solutions, and advocate for changes within their schools and communities. The main goal of our project is to create a platform where youth can share their ideas and perspectives on improving their educational experiences while ensuring that their voices are heard in the decision-making processes that affect them. By listening to their stories and ideas, we facilitate building a stronger connection between Indigenous youth and the educational structures that serve them.