معرفی
Dr. Marlyn Bennett serves as an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair Tier II in Indigenous Children's Wellbeing at the University of Calgary, holding dual appointments in the Faculty of Social Work and Werklund School of Education. She also functions as a Child Health & Wellness Researcher at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, bringing over two decades of specialized expertise in Indigenous child welfare, research, and community engagement to her academic roles.
- PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies (Social Work, Community Health Sciences, Native Studies) from the University of Manitoba
Dr. Bennett's research centers on Indigenous children's wellbeing through culturally grounded methodologies. Her work emphasizes narrative inquiry, digital storytelling, and arts-based approaches to explore the lived experiences of Indigenous women and youth within the child welfare system. She investigates how cultural identity, resilience, and healing can be fostered through community-led research that centers Indigenous knowledge systems while addressing systemic barriers in health and social services.
Her publication portfolio reveals consistent thematic focus on Indigenous child welfare with increasing emphasis on culturally specific implementation frameworks. Recent work demonstrates sophisticated integration of digital storytelling with traditional Indigenous practices, particularly in projects addressing Jordan's Principle implementation. Her scholarship bridges academic research with practical policy applications, producing both peer-reviewed publications and accessible community resources including infographics and practitioner toolkits.
Dr. Bennett's significant contributions to Indigenous child welfare research have been recognized through prestigious appointments and awards:
- Canada Research Chair Tier II in Indigenous Children's Wellbeing
- Research Innovation Award, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary (2024)
- Support from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
- Recognition from the Manitoba Research Alliance
As Principal Editor-in-Chief of the First Peoples Child & Family Journal and former National Director of Research for the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, Dr. Bennett demonstrates exceptional leadership in research governance. Her current projects, supported by the Canada Research Chair program and the One Child Every Child Branch Award, include 'Bridging Cultures and Generations Through Digital Storytelling' and 'Healing Journeys: Body Mapping with Indigenous Girls and Women,' which employ innovative methodologies to advance understanding of Indigenous children's wellbeing.
Dr. Bennett collaborates extensively with Indigenous communities through the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and the Faculty of Social Work's Kiipitakyoyis - Grandmother's Lodge. Her research teams intentionally integrate Indigenous artists, trauma-informed facilitators, Elders, and community knowledge keepers, ensuring all projects maintain cultural safety and community relevance while addressing critical gaps in culturally appropriate resources for Indigenous youth and families.
