E75: Research and Reconciliation — Fostering Healing and Community through Public Safety Applied Research

WEBVTT
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They're not just graduates, they're graduates with hands-on experience solving real problems.
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So when we talk about shaping future roles, this is it. Applied research turns theory into practice.
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It equips students with cultural awareness, technical skills,
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and professional networks that position them to lead change in public safety and beyond.
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This is Learning Innovation, the teaching and learning podcast,
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also known as LITL-Pod.
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We are created by Lethbridge Polytechnic's Centre for Teaching,
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Learning and Innovation and located in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada,
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on the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy.
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In the spirit of equity, diversity, inclusion, and Niitsitapi’ksimpstaan,
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or Real Thinking, we play host to a spectrum of guests from the teaching and learning community.
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As we highlight and explore innovation in education, we hope to kindle warm
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conversations, expand perspectives, and foster lasting partnerships today, tomorrow, and beyond.
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The future of learning starts now.
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Oki, and welcome. I am your host, Donna McLaughlin, and I'm a learning experience
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designer at Lethbridge Polytechnic.
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Today, we're sharing how some innovative instructors are dismantling barriers
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in Truth and Reconciliation through applied research in public safety.
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Our guests today will share how creative,
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community-based, and culturally informed approaches are gathering Indigenous
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people, students, and public safety partners into a shared space of healing,
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understanding, and friendship.
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We have Dr. Jami Albright-Tolman, instructor and researcher,
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whose work includes the Community Integration Through Art Pissatsinaskssini Project, or CITAP.
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And we have Dr. Kirsten Fantazir, instructor and research chair,
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whose leadership in applied research supports faculty and students across the institution.
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Kirsten first joined us on the podcast way, way back in season one,
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episode five, where we talked about gamifying grammar.
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So I'm excited to have you back to learn about your current work.
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So welcome, Kirsten and Jami.
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Thank you. Thanks for having me. So for listeners who may not be familiar,
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how would each of you describe the importance of applied research in public safety?
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And what makes it different from other types of research?
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So to start, many people get confused when we say public safety.
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So to clarify, our research focuses on police, courts, corrections,
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and by extension, the community challenges, issues, and opportunities connected to those systems.
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What makes our research different is that it's partner and community-driven.
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We're not sitting in an office creating theory for theory's sake.
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Instead of drawing research gaps solely from the literature,
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we focus on real-world problems faced by our partners and work with them to
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develop innovative solutions that can be implemented quickly.
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Usually the challenges brought to us are reflected in the experiences of our
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other partners and in the literature.
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Our starting point just differs from what some view as traditional research.
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So right now, CPSAR works with over 43 partners across Canada,
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and that includes public safety services, community support organizations,
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academics, and other post-secondary institutions on more than 30 different projects.
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We also have 17 full-time and part-time faculty engaged in this work.
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Most of our projects run from one to three years and include our students,
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which is a key difference.
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Applied research gives students hands-on experience solving real-world problems,
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not just reading about them.
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It's practical, it's collaborative, and it has an immediate impact on communities.
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So, in short, applied research in public safety matters because it's about solutions,
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not just studies. And it's about solutions that improve systems,
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strengthen communities, and support reconciliation.
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Well, thank you. There's a lot going on there. You mentioned CPSAR.
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What does CPSAR stand for? Yeah, CPSAR stands for the Centre for Public Safety
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Applied Research at Lethbridge Polytechnic.
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Okay, wonderful. And we'll include a link to your page for that.
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And Jami, and what about for you?
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Well, Kirsten did cover most of the main highlights there, but for me,
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the key to applied research is that action phase.
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While applied research does involve some more traditional research activities,
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like conducting literature reviews, exploring theories, we do still have to
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do those things, there is also an action phase where recommendations are made
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and change is implemented.
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And it's that real-time follow-through that has community impacts that makes
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applied research so meaningful.
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Jami, can you walk us through the CITAP project? What is the purpose and how
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did it begin? Certainly.
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CITAP began when a local judge approached us here at CPSAR about the need for
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a program that could be used by the courts as a resource for community-based sentences.
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Her vision involved arts and crafts and an opportunity for meaningful connection.
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Research has shown that community integration, that is, fostering community
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connections and a sense of belonging, is important for many different vulnerable populations.
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Additionally, I am very familiar with an Indigenous men's health program called
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the Dude's Club that began in Vancouver, BC on the downtown east side.
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The Dude's Club has experienced great success in the last 15 years at both improving
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Indigenous men's health and creating a strong community.
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The Dude's Club provided the loose framework of a social recreational peer support
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model that we use for CITAP.
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Finally, we partnered with the Ninastako Cultural Centre on this project.
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Indigenous people are one of the marginalized populations in this city,
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and Ninastako, as a guardian and proponent of Blackfoot language,
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arts, and culture, is very interested in helping Indigenous people stay connected to Blackfoot ways.
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Furthermore, they are also motivated to share information and understanding
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about the Blackfoot people with non-Indigenous people in the interests of moving
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forward with truth-telling, healing, and reconciliation.
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As for our goals, we officially have four overarching goals to the program.
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The first is to improve the community integration of our priority population,
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which includes marginalized and vulnerable populations in and around the city of Lethbridge.
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Second is to assist our community partner, the Ninastako Cultural Centre,
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in preserving and spreading knowledge of Blackfoot language, arts, and culture.
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Third is to advance reconciliation through arts, crafts, and knowledge sharing
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while building relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
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And lastly is to provide positive leisure activities and build pro-social relationships
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for our participants with the long-term goal of reducing criminal recidivism
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for any of our participants who have been previously involved in criminal activity.
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That's really, really amazing to hear. Is there a website or someplace that
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someone can go to, you know, if they're interested in the art or somehow want
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to connect with the program, or maybe they're also looking to start a similar program?
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Absolutely. Our website is citapprogram.com. Okay, wonderful.
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And we'll include a link to that in the show notes as well. That's fantastic. Thank you.
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Kirsten, from your perspective as research chair, how does a project like CITAP
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fit within the broader vision for public safety applied research across the institution?
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Yeah, so CPSAR has five areas of focus, and those are community,
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innovations, wellness, organizations, with reconciliation underlying most of the work that we do.
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Public safety is rooted, of course, as we mentioned before, in policing,
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corrections, and court organizations and services.
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But in Canada, public safety has long recognized the importance of working with
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community partners and stakeholders, which stems from our focus on applying
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Sir Robert Peel's policing principles.
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The policing principles were created originally in 1829, and they're foundational
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to the modern policing and approaches in public safety overall.
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They emphasize that policing should be rooted in public trust and consent, not fear or force.
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So the big ideas are that to prevent crime before it happens,
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use minimal force, and remember that the police are the public and the public are the police.
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So connecting this back to CPSAR, the Centre for Public Safety Applied Research,
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is all about proactive strategies.
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Peel's first principle says prevention is key. And CPSAR operationalizes that
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by researching community needs and designing applied research projects to reduce
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crime or other incidents before they happen.
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Principles two and four stress public cooperation.
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And CPSAR builds trust through collaborative projects, surveys,
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and culturally informed practices.
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Finally, principle six, which is accountability, is reflected in CPSAR's commitment
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to evidence-informed approaches and transparent reporting to our community.
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So CITAP takes Peel's philosophy into a completely different space,
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community building through creativity.
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While Peel focused on policing, his principles about legitimacy and trust apply here too.
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CITAP strengthens public approval by creating safe, inclusive spaces where marginalized
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people can connect through art, share meals, and learn together.
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It's about fostering belonging and reducing harm, not through enforcement,
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but through relationships and cultural preservation.
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CITAP also embodies impartial service by welcoming everyone, while centred on
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Blackfoot language and culture, and guided by elders and knowledge keepers.
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And while Peel talked about minimal force in CITAP, that translates to creating
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environments that are safe and respectful, where healing replaces harm.
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So in short, CPSAR reflects Peel's vision of prevention and partnership
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through research and strategy, while CITAP brings those principles to life in
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a creative, community-driven way, building trust, reducing barriers,
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and promoting reconciliation.
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And what's really powerful here is that Peel's principles aren't just historical.
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They're alive in modern approaches like CPSAR and CITAP, shaping how we build
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safer, stronger communities together.
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That's really amazing. I had no idea the history behind all of that and then
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the connection to this program that sounds absolutely incredible. That's fantastic.
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Jami, you've identified some meaningful early results.
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So I'm curious to hear about that, including some gaps in community knowledge
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of Canadian law enforcement and feelings around police interactions. Can you expand on this?
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Absolutely. Prior to the Creative Circle's gatherings, the CITAP project involved
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a year-long planning and logistics stage.
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During this stage, we surveyed our priority population about what they would
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like to see in a program like CITAP and asked them some demographic questions.
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Early results from these Phase 1 surveys revealed that the houseless and economically
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vulnerable populations in Lethbridge largely do not fit the stereotypes we often hear about.
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For example, we found that 56% of the 59 people who responded to the education
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question had completed high school or some level of post-secondary education.
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Additionally, of the 53 respondents to the question about using legal substances,
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such as alcohol or cannabis, 49% indicated they do not use either one.
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Finally, of the 49 respondents who answered the question about using illegal
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substances, such as hard drugs, 47% indicated they do not use hard drugs at all.
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And then we had a couple more knowledge gaps that came up in CITAP Phase 3,
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which is the implementation phase of the Creative Circle's gatherings.
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The first is among the international students who come here to the polytechnic.
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We learned that many of these students had no idea that Canada was colonized.
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They come from countries with their own history of colonization,
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but did not know this was part of Canada's history. And it's really been...
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Amazing to watch that knowledge build connections between the international
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students and the elders here who survived some of the worst impacts of colonization,
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and to watch how it really made those international students feel more comfortable
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with their own history and with things like their own traditional names that
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they started using in the gatherings instead of using their sort of English names, if you will.
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The second is among the Indigenous elders and Indigenous families living here
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in the city of Lethbridge.
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We recently began providing a Creative Circles gathering once per month at the
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new Indigenous housing complex on the north side in their cultural room.
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We have discovered that there is a need for arts and events that are specifically
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for these folks, where they can easily attend because it's right on site,
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it brings in cultural arts and activities, and it involves elders.
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Research has shown that cultural connections are harder for urban indigenous
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peoples to cultivate and maintain in general, what we've learned is that this
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difficulty also exists in Lethbridge.
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CITAP is an excellent way to fill this gap.
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Can you describe what I might see at a gathering? What does that look like? Absolutely.
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So the gatherings run for two hours in the sort of late afternoon, if you will.
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We usually start by having an elder, most commonly Dorothy Daychief,
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open the session with a prayer. We start sitting in a circle.
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We do tend to have to move to tables when we get into some of the arts,
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if we're painting or that sort of thing. And then we go into either the art or an activity.
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So we do arts like fish scale art, rock painting.
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We've done rattle making. So we do a variety of different types of arts and
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crafts, but we also do activities sometimes.
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For example, land-based yoga has been really popular, and we've also learned
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how to play traditional Indigenous hand games. So that was a really cool activity.
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Once the art and the activity is either well, the activity is done or the art
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is well underway, we also share a meal.
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So we provide through the program from our grant funding, all of the necessary
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supplies for the arts and we provide food. So we share a meal at every session.
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And as the meal is being shared, surveys are handed out to anyone who would
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like to complete them. And we just mix and mingle and build relationships at that point.
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We have found that sharing that meal is really influential in building those
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relationships and that sense of community.
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It is quite a casual environment. It's quite a fun environment.
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We talk all the time as researchers and RAs and instructors and students at
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the end of the day, and it's like, we have to go to CITAP tonight.
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It doesn't start until 4:30.
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Everybody's tired. And you get there and you walk in the door and you're instantly
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energized and nobody's tired anymore. It's just a fantastic environment.
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That really sounds amazing. Yeah, it sounds like a great way to make connection.
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And you know, when you're doing a craft, it's easy to start to sort of have
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conversations and... Exactly.
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Neat. Very cool. Kirsten, how do these kinds of findings influence how you guide
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or support applied research projects institution-wide?
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Yeah, so these findings really influence how I guide CPSAR across the institution
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because they remind us why listening to lived experience matters.
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For example, early CITAP results, as Jami mentioned, challenge stereotypes about
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healthless populations.
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Many respondents had completed high school or post-secondary education and nearly
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half reported no substance abuse.
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That tells us we need to design interventions based on evidence and not assumptions.
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But it's not just about CITAP. These insights spark new questions and new projects.
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A great example is a micro-research initiative that we're launching called 'Know
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Vacancy', and I'm going to spell that out.
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Its K-N-O-W vacancy, which explores why people experiencing homelessness or
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houselessness in Lethbridge often choose encampments over the wellness shelter,
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even when beds are available.
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This project brings together faculty, students, and community partners to understand
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barriers to shelter access and the systemic factors influencing these choices.
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It's grounded in narrative methods so we can capture the real stories behind
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these decisions and use them to inform policy and practice.
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Institution-wide, this approach means encouraging research teams to start with
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listening, building flexibility into their projects, and collaborate deeply
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with community partners.
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It's about moving beyond theory to create solutions that are culturally informed,
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dignity-centred, and responsive to real needs.
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That's what applied research is all about. So it's about turning that evidence
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into action that makes a difference.
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Right. And that's so important. And that's one of our main mandates as a polytechnic. Exactly.
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I understand that Lethbridge Polytechnic students are gaining hands-on experience
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and networking through this project.
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So, Jami, can you share more about what this looks like? Absolutely.
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And while I know you are talking about student research assistants,
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most likely, I'd like to start by talking about the Lethbridge Polytechnic students
00:18:18.805 --> 00:18:22.625
who attend creative circles, which is what we call the gatherings we host.
00:18:23.305 --> 00:18:28.125
While we do do a lot here at the polytechnic to educate our students about Canada's
00:18:28.125 --> 00:18:32.245
history of colonialism and the harm that has been done and is continuing to
00:18:32.245 --> 00:18:33.865
be done to Indigenous peoples,
00:18:34.505 --> 00:18:38.465
Creative Circles provides opportunities to focus on Indigenous,
00:18:38.885 --> 00:18:42.785
specifically Blackfoot, people's strengths and successes.
00:18:43.745 --> 00:18:47.625
First, they learn through engagement in an egalitarian fashion.
00:18:48.085 --> 00:18:51.665
We often start by sitting in a circle and opening with a Blackfoot prayer,
00:18:51.665 --> 00:18:53.025
as I mentioned previously.
00:18:53.925 --> 00:18:55.365
We always share a meal.
00:18:55.909 --> 00:18:59.969
And that really does help to build that sense of community. It puts us all on
00:18:59.969 --> 00:19:02.869
an even playing field. There's no authority in the room.
00:19:03.889 --> 00:19:07.289
Elder Dorothy engages in the arts and crafts and interacts with the group's
00:19:07.289 --> 00:19:09.549
participants, just like all the rest of us do.
00:19:09.949 --> 00:19:12.649
The atmosphere is casual, and frankly, it's fun.
00:19:13.449 --> 00:19:17.169
Sometimes we discuss serious topics, but it is not done with sadness.
00:19:17.789 --> 00:19:21.269
Rather, it is done with an eye toward the future and great possibilities.
00:19:22.449 --> 00:19:25.729
While the art projects are not all Indigenous, most are.
00:19:25.909 --> 00:19:29.809
We bring in local Indigenous artists to lead the group through creating the
00:19:29.809 --> 00:19:33.329
art and sharing the Indigenous-specific meaning behind the art form.
00:19:33.709 --> 00:19:37.349
By highlighting the talent and success of Indigenous artists,
00:19:37.669 --> 00:19:42.149
we are helping to build positive perspectives on Indigenous peoples and cultures
00:19:42.149 --> 00:19:46.749
among non-Indigenous students in a very personal, meaningful way.
00:19:47.669 --> 00:19:51.829
Research has shown that one of the best ways to fight against individual racism,
00:19:52.149 --> 00:19:55.869
bias, and stereotypes is through exposure and relationship building,
00:19:56.129 --> 00:19:57.629
and that is what CITAP is doing.
00:19:58.729 --> 00:20:03.609
Next, of course, we do have a wonderful team of research assistants and one web developer.
00:20:04.029 --> 00:20:08.689
Three of these are current polytechnic students, one is a recent polytechnic
00:20:08.689 --> 00:20:12.649
graduate, and one is not a current student, though he is alumni.
00:20:12.649 --> 00:20:17.749
Our web developer is responsible for creating, maintaining, and updating our
00:20:17.749 --> 00:20:19.889
website, citapprogram.com.
00:20:20.689 --> 00:20:25.949
Our research assistants are largely responsible for planning and organizing our gatherings.
00:20:26.349 --> 00:20:30.629
They also attend each gathering and do the bulk of the work involved in setting
00:20:30.629 --> 00:20:34.089
up, making sure things run smoothly, and cleaning up afterward.
00:20:34.843 --> 00:20:39.723
They are always attentive to the elders in attendance, bringing them food and
00:20:39.723 --> 00:20:42.223
tea and making sure they have everything they need.
00:20:42.523 --> 00:20:48.703
They are also engaged in the art or activity that occurs, as are the researchers. We all participate.
00:20:49.983 --> 00:20:55.063
Specifically, Sierra is our lead RA and has been with the program since we began
00:20:55.063 --> 00:20:55.923
running our gatherings.
00:20:56.383 --> 00:21:01.803
She is integral to keeping the team organized and ensuring each gathering goes off without a hitch.
00:21:02.463 --> 00:21:06.763
She has built close, meaningful relationships with all the elders who come to
00:21:06.763 --> 00:21:10.543
our gatherings and as a result was gifted with a Blackfoot name.
00:21:11.563 --> 00:21:16.523
Sheldon is a Blackfoot man and Lethbridge Polytechnic alumni who is very involved
00:21:16.523 --> 00:21:17.443
in the Blackfoot community.
00:21:17.683 --> 00:21:21.543
He attends every gathering and warmly greets all participants in Blackfoot.
00:21:21.983 --> 00:21:26.943
He has led the group in making rattles and taught us how to play traditional Blackfoot handgames.
00:21:27.203 --> 00:21:30.283
In January, he is leading the groups in drum making.
00:21:31.303 --> 00:21:35.983
Roberta is a Blackfoot, Woman Polytechnic alumni from the Culinary Arts Program.
00:21:36.995 --> 00:21:41.935
Current student in the business program, and owner-operator of Niitsitapi Eats
00:21:41.935 --> 00:21:46.815
and Treats, a food truck serving both traditional Blackfoot and Blackfoot-inspired foods.
00:21:47.755 --> 00:21:51.915
Roberta assists with running the gatherings, engages with participants,
00:21:52.515 --> 00:21:54.195
and participates in the arts and activities.
00:21:54.835 --> 00:21:58.555
Additionally, she frequently provides our meals, with her fry bread and Berry
00:21:58.555 --> 00:22:00.195
Soup being very, very popular.
00:22:01.275 --> 00:22:04.115
Finally, Bria is the most recent addition to our team.
00:22:04.475 --> 00:22:08.955
Having only been with us for a month or so, she is still learning how the program operates.
00:22:09.215 --> 00:22:13.415
But she has jumped right in, assists at all gatherings, and fully participates
00:22:13.415 --> 00:22:14.335
in the arts and activities.
00:22:14.615 --> 00:22:17.975
She is getting to know the elders and building important relationships.
00:22:19.455 --> 00:22:23.295
While our RAs have been mostly involved in the gatherings thus far,
00:22:23.915 --> 00:22:26.375
Sierra has presented at three conferences with us.
00:22:26.595 --> 00:22:30.855
She has connected with public safety professionals from across the nation and
00:22:30.855 --> 00:22:32.995
made important connections for her future career.
00:22:33.735 --> 00:22:37.855
All of the RAs have been building connections with local public safety and community
00:22:37.855 --> 00:22:41.475
surface folks, which will benefit them all in their future careers.
00:22:42.460 --> 00:22:45.620
We anticipate more conference and networking opportunities in the future,
00:22:45.900 --> 00:22:48.940
allowing for the participation of other RAs as well.
00:22:50.000 --> 00:22:53.900
Finally, as we begin to amass data in the form of participant surveys,
00:22:54.260 --> 00:22:58.600
the RA team will soon be learning a great deal about data analysis so they can
00:22:58.600 --> 00:23:01.040
assist us in analyzing the data we have collected.
00:23:01.260 --> 00:23:04.880
This is yet another skill that will serve them well in their future careers.
00:23:05.260 --> 00:23:09.260
That's really exciting. What a fantastic experience for those students because
00:23:09.260 --> 00:23:12.240
it sounds like they're doing it all. They really are.
00:23:12.420 --> 00:23:15.040
Right from the hands-on, right through to the data.
00:23:15.380 --> 00:23:19.280
Yep. And presenting at conferences, which is a whole other aspect as well.
00:23:19.440 --> 00:23:23.180
It is. And it's one that students don't often get to get involved in at the
00:23:23.180 --> 00:23:25.900
undergrad level. So it's very, very cool. It's very exciting.
00:23:26.360 --> 00:23:28.920
Yeah. And dissemination is important. You're doing all this research.
00:23:29.140 --> 00:23:30.840
People need to know about it. Absolutely.
00:23:31.640 --> 00:23:36.140
Wonderful. Kirsten, how do you see student research involvement shaping their
00:23:36.140 --> 00:23:39.200
future roles in public safety or related fields?
00:23:39.840 --> 00:23:43.480
Yeah, student involvement in applied research is a game changer for their future
00:23:43.480 --> 00:23:45.740
roles in public safety and related fields.
00:23:46.000 --> 00:23:49.760
In almost all of our projects, students are engaged at multiple levels.
00:23:50.040 --> 00:23:54.440
Sometimes they volunteer as participants, giving input and feedback on tools,
00:23:54.740 --> 00:23:56.840
innovations, and approaches that we're developing.
00:23:57.160 --> 00:23:59.540
That experience alone is eye-opening.
00:23:59.900 --> 00:24:04.820
It shows them how community voices shape policy, processes, and real-world solutions.
00:24:04.820 --> 00:24:08.480
But for our student research assistants, as Jami has alluded to,
00:24:08.680 --> 00:24:09.920
the impact goes even deeper.
00:24:10.140 --> 00:24:14.260
They're not just observing, they're planning, organizing, and running gatherings,
00:24:14.620 --> 00:24:18.140
building relationships with elders, and learning cultural protocols.
00:24:18.580 --> 00:24:24.300
They're gaining practical skills like project management, data collection, and soon data analysis.
00:24:24.680 --> 00:24:28.160
These are all competencies that employers in policing, corrections,
00:24:28.440 --> 00:24:30.800
courts, and community safety value highly.
00:24:31.594 --> 00:24:35.434
And then there's the networking portion. Our students connect with public safety
00:24:35.434 --> 00:24:38.874
professionals, community organizations, and Indigenous leaders.
00:24:39.174 --> 00:24:43.234
Some have already presented at national conferences, which Jami alluded to as well.
00:24:43.374 --> 00:24:48.114
And this is a huge career boost for them and will help with their career development.
00:24:48.394 --> 00:24:51.814
These experiences give students confidence and credibility.
00:24:52.274 --> 00:24:56.634
They're not just graduates. They're graduates with hands-on experience solving real problems.
00:24:57.014 --> 00:25:02.714
So when we talk about shaping future roles, this is it. Applied research turns theory into practice.
00:25:03.014 --> 00:25:06.534
It equips students with cultural awareness, technical skills,
00:25:06.594 --> 00:25:11.374
and professional networks that position them to lead change in public safety and beyond.
00:25:12.134 --> 00:25:16.014
And that really goes beyond just what they're learning in the classroom.
00:25:16.174 --> 00:25:19.754
I mean, that's absolutely, that's a whole other thing. That's amazing.
00:25:20.114 --> 00:25:25.094
Yes, it really does. It goes far beyond and they share with their peers as well. They get excited.
00:25:25.314 --> 00:25:28.814
And then there's been a lot of excitement around applied research in the last
00:25:28.814 --> 00:25:31.594
few years, just coming from our students, which is really exciting,
00:25:31.794 --> 00:25:32.974
which is great for us to see.
00:25:33.354 --> 00:25:37.794
Yeah, that's wonderful to hear. Can you unpack, this is a big project,
00:25:37.974 --> 00:25:41.734
you guys have, it sounds amazing, but I'm sure sometimes there are challenges.
00:25:41.894 --> 00:25:45.834
So can you unpack some of the challenges that maybe you've encountered with
00:25:45.834 --> 00:25:50.234
CITAP, particularly in, you know, working with the communities?
00:25:51.111 --> 00:25:55.891
Okay, I can start with that one. One of our biggest challenges came with our
00:25:55.891 --> 00:25:59.831
research protocol and our use of Indigenous research methods.
00:26:00.491 --> 00:26:05.931
Many of these methods do not conform to a traditional Western research protocol approach.
00:26:06.511 --> 00:26:11.051
For example, the ethics process required a great deal of information sharing
00:26:11.051 --> 00:26:13.971
and building awareness about Indigenous research methods.
00:26:14.411 --> 00:26:18.611
While it is good to be part of building this capacity, it did delay our data
00:26:18.611 --> 00:26:19.971
collection by many months.
00:26:19.971 --> 00:26:24.371
So not so much a challenge, but actually a really fantastic opportunity was
00:26:24.371 --> 00:26:28.511
us working with the Ninastako Cultural Centre and working with other Indigenous
00:26:28.511 --> 00:26:30.111
community partners and people.
00:26:30.391 --> 00:26:34.211
What we really noticed is that obviously these relationships have to be rooted
00:26:34.211 --> 00:26:37.171
in authenticity and they have to be built over time.
00:26:37.711 --> 00:26:41.051
So instead of it being a challenge, we look at it as a great opportunity.
00:26:41.191 --> 00:26:45.171
CITAP would not have happened without this foundational relationship and working
00:26:45.171 --> 00:26:48.931
collaboratively with that partner and making sure that the partner is involved
00:26:48.931 --> 00:26:50.391
in every step of the process.
00:26:50.891 --> 00:26:56.271
Okay, that's wonderful to hear. And how do you approach relationship building,
00:26:56.431 --> 00:27:00.911
reciprocity and ethical practice, especially when working with Indigenous partners
00:27:00.911 --> 00:27:02.791
or vulnerable communities?
00:27:02.791 --> 00:27:07.771
Okay, for me, I focus on positionality and authentic engagement.
00:27:08.331 --> 00:27:14.491
I am not Indigenous. I am a cisgendered, heterosexual, white woman of European settler descent.
00:27:14.931 --> 00:27:18.831
I have Indigenous family. My three oldest children are Haida on their father's
00:27:18.831 --> 00:27:21.091
side. My brother-in-law and nephews are Tsimshian.
00:27:21.271 --> 00:27:25.111
I am connected to these coastal nations in an important and meaningful way,
00:27:25.271 --> 00:27:31.171
and fighting against anti-Indigenous racism, bias, and stereotypes is very important to me.
00:27:31.676 --> 00:27:35.736
But I do not pretend to be anything other than what I am.
00:27:36.576 --> 00:27:41.156
Being from the coast, I do know a lot more about coastal nations than I do about Blackfoot people.
00:27:41.396 --> 00:27:45.736
Since moving to Lethbridge in 2015, I've been learning about Blackfoot people.
00:27:45.856 --> 00:27:47.236
And I am honest about that.
00:27:47.456 --> 00:27:50.856
I engage with an authentic desire to learn and build relationships.
00:27:51.236 --> 00:27:54.616
I work to take responsibility for all of our research decisions,
00:27:54.916 --> 00:27:59.096
doing my best to authentically represent the Indigenous research methods and
00:27:59.096 --> 00:28:00.996
ways of knowing reflected in our research.
00:28:00.996 --> 00:28:05.576
And I choose to continue learning and pushing forward in instigating change
00:28:05.576 --> 00:28:09.196
within the colonial systems and institutions in which we work.
00:28:09.998 --> 00:28:15.318
I think that authenticity is very valuable. And what about for you, Kirsten?
00:28:15.558 --> 00:28:19.398
Yeah, so for me, very similar to Jami, relationship building starts with listening
00:28:19.398 --> 00:28:20.998
and showing up consistently.
00:28:21.378 --> 00:28:25.418
I believe trust is earned over time as well, and that means being present,
00:28:25.678 --> 00:28:27.198
transparent, and willing to learn.
00:28:27.498 --> 00:28:31.998
So while, again, I am not First Nations, I've had opportunities to learn some
00:28:31.998 --> 00:28:36.978
Blackfoot culture, teachings, and language through family connections and community experiences.
00:28:37.838 --> 00:28:41.658
Those moments taught me the importance of humility and acknowledging that I
00:28:41.658 --> 00:28:46.518
don't know what I don't know and approaching it from every interaction with respect.
00:28:47.438 --> 00:28:50.538
Reciprocity and ethical practice go beyond compliance.
00:28:50.818 --> 00:28:55.158
They're about creating research that reflects the voices and priorities of the
00:28:55.158 --> 00:28:56.618
communities that we're working with.
00:28:56.918 --> 00:29:01.618
That means embedding Indigenous ways of knowing as a core part of the process,
00:29:01.838 --> 00:29:05.038
not as an afterthought. It also means being flexible.
00:29:05.398 --> 00:29:10.638
Sometimes timelines need to be shifted to honour cultural practices and relationship building.
00:29:11.278 --> 00:29:15.918
Ultimately, my focus is on making space for perspectives that have historically
00:29:15.918 --> 00:29:20.318
been excluded and ensuring our work contributes to the systemic change.
00:29:21.078 --> 00:29:25.898
Ethical practice isn't a box to check. To me, it's an ongoing commitment to
00:29:25.898 --> 00:29:29.938
respect, relevance, and responsibility in everything that we do.
00:29:29.938 --> 00:29:36.798
So that's a really important point with the work that you're doing and with
00:29:36.798 --> 00:29:38.818
the organizations that you're connected with.
00:29:39.038 --> 00:29:41.918
Yeah, absolutely. It's critical. We wouldn't be able to do a lot of the work
00:29:41.918 --> 00:29:46.858
that we do without having that foundational approach and just valuing and honouring
00:29:46.858 --> 00:29:49.378
the people who are helping to guide us.
00:29:49.378 --> 00:29:56.418
Jami, I understand you presented CITAP at the CI-CAN Indigenous Education Symposium.
00:29:56.658 --> 00:30:00.358
Can you tell us more about that experience and what the feedback was like?
00:30:01.086 --> 00:30:05.306
Yeah, that was a fantastic event. We were lucky enough to be given a sharing
00:30:05.306 --> 00:30:09.226
circle presentation format, which allowed us a full hour with the audience.
00:30:09.546 --> 00:30:12.946
We decided to give them an actual Creative Circles experience.
00:30:13.546 --> 00:30:18.066
Heidi Davis of First Thunder Wellness came to the conference to run a land-based
00:30:18.066 --> 00:30:20.306
yoga session during our sharing circle.
00:30:20.766 --> 00:30:24.706
We started the sharing circle by describing CITAP and Creative Circles,
00:30:24.886 --> 00:30:29.106
and then we all participated in land-based chair yoga led by Heidi.
00:30:29.106 --> 00:30:35.926
With the Poe's names translated into Blackfoot by Elders Lena and Newton Bullshields.
00:30:36.986 --> 00:30:40.986
Afterward, the Elders spoke and we had a question and answer period,
00:30:41.246 --> 00:30:47.026
during which our RA Sierra and our CPSAR Operations Officer Faith handed out
00:30:47.026 --> 00:30:49.626
fry bread that was made by our RA Roberta.
00:30:50.006 --> 00:30:55.326
When the session ended, we had most participants come up to talk to us or the Elders.
00:30:55.866 --> 00:30:59.986
People stayed for 45 minutes after the end of the session to get the chance to talk.
00:31:00.566 --> 00:31:04.806
Several participants spoke about how personally moved they were by the session,
00:31:05.006 --> 00:31:10.226
and educators from many Indigenous institutes in Canada left their contact information
00:31:10.226 --> 00:31:12.306
because they want to work together in the future.
00:31:12.486 --> 00:31:16.826
It was a beautiful, peaceful session that did exactly what we want CITAP to do,
00:31:16.966 --> 00:31:22.246
created a sense of community, built relationships, and facilitated the exchange
00:31:22.246 --> 00:31:26.686
of knowledge and ideas to continue working forward with reconciliation.
00:31:28.206 --> 00:31:32.606
That's incredible that people hung around that long afterwards.
00:31:32.866 --> 00:31:36.886
Like that obviously had a huge impact because normally at conferences,
00:31:37.226 --> 00:31:40.926
I mean, you enjoy a session, but people tend to disperse and go get coffee or whatever.
00:31:41.106 --> 00:31:43.346
So that's really exciting.
00:31:43.626 --> 00:31:47.586
Yeah, it was really impactful in this session in particular because we were
00:31:47.586 --> 00:31:50.106
the last session before lunch and lunch was only an hour long.
00:31:50.226 --> 00:31:54.026
So most of those folks missed lunch to stay and talk. Wow. Yeah.
00:31:54.466 --> 00:31:56.866
So really having a huge impact. Yeah.
00:31:57.646 --> 00:32:03.086
Kirsten, do you have a story or a moment from supporting research teams that stands out to you?
00:32:03.823 --> 00:32:07.983
Yeah, so one moment that really stands out for me is our annual research conference
00:32:07.983 --> 00:32:09.223
here at the polytechnic.
00:32:09.303 --> 00:32:12.743
It's called Public Safety Applied Research in RINSA event.
00:32:12.983 --> 00:32:18.303
Last year in particular, we invited each of our research teams to present alongside
00:32:18.303 --> 00:32:19.883
their student research assistants.
00:32:20.203 --> 00:32:24.723
And there was a research assistant panel with all of our students sharing their experiences.
00:32:25.043 --> 00:32:28.503
It was incredible hearing students talk about their experiences,
00:32:28.503 --> 00:32:33.203
what they learned, and how it inspired them to pursue research and evidence-informed
00:32:33.203 --> 00:32:35.043
approaches made me so proud.
00:32:35.283 --> 00:32:38.163
It was a real reminder of why we do this work.
00:32:38.323 --> 00:32:42.423
The whole event was amazing because it brought together our industry and community
00:32:42.423 --> 00:32:47.343
partners to learn, share ideas, and see firsthand what our teams have been working on.
00:32:47.563 --> 00:32:51.803
And then to cap it off, our criminal justice degree students presented their
00:32:51.803 --> 00:32:54.803
final posters for their own research projects.
00:32:55.043 --> 00:32:58.303
Watching them share their work with family members, community leaders,
00:32:58.523 --> 00:33:03.663
and public safety professionals, and seeing the pride on their faces was just inspiring.
00:33:04.143 --> 00:33:07.763
The day really captured what CPSAR is all about, which is collaboration.
00:33:08.263 --> 00:33:11.463
Learning, and creating opportunities for students to shine.
00:33:11.923 --> 00:33:16.563
It's a team effort and seeing it all come together in such a meaningful way was unforgettable.
00:33:16.903 --> 00:33:20.863
And we're excited to do it again this year. So this year, the event will be
00:33:20.863 --> 00:33:25.063
held on Saturday, April 11th from eight in the morning till 2 p.m.
00:33:25.163 --> 00:33:28.983
And we can't wait to hear more from our students, faculty researchers,
00:33:29.003 --> 00:33:32.763
and partners It's going to be another incredible day of sharing,
00:33:33.223 --> 00:33:36.183
learning, and celebrating applied research at the polytechnic.
00:33:37.105 --> 00:33:42.925
Well, I'm glad to know that's coming up because I look forward to attending and learning.
00:33:43.325 --> 00:33:49.025
And that's so exciting. That must be so rewarding as researchers and instructors
00:33:49.025 --> 00:33:52.005
to see your students blossoming in that way.
00:33:52.265 --> 00:33:55.945
Yeah, it's just such a showcase for them. They put so much time and effort and
00:33:55.945 --> 00:33:57.745
work. And it's not always easy.
00:33:58.465 --> 00:34:02.365
There's challenges, but those are like our celebration days with them for sure.
00:34:03.525 --> 00:34:10.345
So what's next for CITAP? Well, our CITAP grant is over at the end of August 2026.
00:34:10.665 --> 00:34:13.425
That is the end of our three-year research project.
00:34:13.865 --> 00:34:16.825
However, we are applying for another grant in the new year.
00:34:16.985 --> 00:34:20.985
And if we are successful, that grant will fund a continuation of the work we
00:34:20.985 --> 00:34:23.285
have been doing in CITAP for another three years.
00:34:23.805 --> 00:34:27.685
Well, that's, hopefully you're successful with that. Good luck with that. Yeah.
00:34:28.165 --> 00:34:32.025
It sounds like something that really needs to be continuing. I agree. It is.
00:34:32.265 --> 00:34:37.965
And so what emerging areas of public safety research are you excited about supporting?
00:34:38.325 --> 00:34:42.425
Yeah, there's several emerging areas of public safety research I'm excited about
00:34:42.425 --> 00:34:45.845
supporting, and four projects that stand out in my mind.
00:34:46.025 --> 00:34:51.745
First, the Policing Persons with Perceived Mental Illness Project with Lethbridge Police Service.
00:34:51.985 --> 00:34:57.185
This work is focused on improving crisis response models by studying how police
00:34:57.185 --> 00:35:00.905
interact with individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
00:35:01.185 --> 00:35:06.145
The goal is to inform best practices and expand collaborative alternative approaches,
00:35:06.525 --> 00:35:12.025
like police and crisis teams, reducing harm and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.
00:35:12.365 --> 00:35:17.245
Second, the VR or the Virtual Reality Ethical Decision-Making Project.
00:35:17.285 --> 00:35:22.245
This is a groundbreaking initiative using immersive scenario-based VR tools
00:35:22.245 --> 00:35:25.765
to assess ethical judgment in police applicants and
00:35:26.131 --> 00:35:31.011
These intersectionality-informed scenarios replicate real-world complexity.
00:35:31.551 --> 00:35:35.771
Helping agencies make fairer, evidence-based hiring decisions,
00:35:36.011 --> 00:35:37.571
and strengthening public trust.
00:35:37.791 --> 00:35:41.471
This project includes eight partners from across four provinces,
00:35:41.471 --> 00:35:44.991
so we are grateful to be getting insight from a variety of contexts.
00:35:45.351 --> 00:35:48.831
Third, the My Day in the Life of VR project.
00:35:48.831 --> 00:35:54.671
This project creates multi-user VR experiences for youth and community members
00:35:54.671 --> 00:35:59.351
to step into the roles of public safety professionals to build understanding.
00:35:59.991 --> 00:36:04.711
Spark interest in public safety careers, and foster stronger community relationships.
00:36:04.991 --> 00:36:08.871
We have a couple of police agencies and a technology partner,
00:36:09.191 --> 00:36:13.071
VRCore, who is working on this project with our research team.
00:36:13.071 --> 00:36:17.151
And finally, a project that Jami is also involved in is the DORA,
00:36:17.391 --> 00:36:23.091
or the Dynamic Operational Risk Assessment with York Regional Police in Ontario.
00:36:23.611 --> 00:36:28.711
This project is developing and validating an operational level risk assessment
00:36:28.711 --> 00:36:36.571
tool that frontline officers can use in real time to assess risk for recidivism and bail compliance.
00:36:36.571 --> 00:36:41.571
With the recent changes in Canada's bail system under Bill C-48,
00:36:42.131 --> 00:36:47.351
police need strong, evidence-based tools to support decisions about bail and
00:36:47.351 --> 00:36:50.051
prioritize monitoring of high-risk individuals.
00:36:50.831 --> 00:36:56.711
DORA uses historical data to build and test a predictive model that will help
00:36:56.711 --> 00:37:01.951
officers provide Crown counsel with reliable, validated risk assessments,
00:37:02.231 --> 00:37:05.571
improving fairness, efficiency, and public safety.
00:37:06.171 --> 00:37:10.071
So what excites me most about these projects is that they combine technology,
00:37:10.371 --> 00:37:15.131
cultural awareness, and evidence-informed practice to tackle real-world challenges.
00:37:15.531 --> 00:37:19.551
They're practical, they're scalable, and they're designed to make a tangible
00:37:19.551 --> 00:37:22.551
impact on public safety and community well-being.
00:37:23.421 --> 00:37:28.041
Those are amazing research projects and all, you know, unique.
00:37:28.241 --> 00:37:33.341
And I didn't realize as well that the research extended outside of our area
00:37:33.341 --> 00:37:35.401
with other police forces.
00:37:35.801 --> 00:37:39.961
Yeah, it does. Yeah, we have over 43 partners across Canada, actually.
00:37:40.181 --> 00:37:44.521
So it's quite exciting. And what we've highlighted today is just a small portion
00:37:44.521 --> 00:37:46.481
of the projects and the work that we're doing.
00:37:46.961 --> 00:37:51.801
That's huge. Huge. And again, is there a website if folks are interested in
00:37:51.801 --> 00:37:54.221
learning more about the different projects that you're working on?
00:37:54.461 --> 00:37:58.601
Yeah, we have a CPSAR website under the Lethbridge Polytechnic website.
00:37:58.821 --> 00:38:02.621
Perfect. And we'll add a link to that in the show notes because I think that,
00:38:02.901 --> 00:38:08.721
you know, it's amazing to hear the variation of research and the number of research partners.
00:38:09.001 --> 00:38:13.981
And so I think maybe the average person doesn't realize how much research is
00:38:13.981 --> 00:38:18.201
going on in this area. And then there may be folks as well that are in the industry
00:38:18.201 --> 00:38:23.441
that are really looking for the type of research that you're working on and the results.
00:38:23.661 --> 00:38:26.741
Yeah, and we're always open to that. We're always asking our partners in our community.
00:38:27.101 --> 00:38:29.521
If there's something that you need, reach out and let us know.
00:38:29.721 --> 00:38:33.821
And through the website, there's information to contact us and have those discussions.
00:38:34.361 --> 00:38:37.801
Yeah, I guess that's probably how some of the projects get sparked, is it?
00:38:37.881 --> 00:38:41.581
Someone just comes with a question? Yeah, we have a lot of partnerships and
00:38:41.581 --> 00:38:46.001
relationships we've built over time just because we have an over 60 year history
00:38:46.001 --> 00:38:48.021
at Lethbridge Polytechnic with criminal justice.
00:38:48.461 --> 00:38:51.641
So a lot of it comes from those relationships that have been established and
00:38:51.641 --> 00:38:54.201
going to the partners and saying, what do you need from us?
00:38:54.621 --> 00:38:57.641
And just being almost like that servant leadership kind of a model.
00:38:57.801 --> 00:39:00.821
And then they share what they need from us. And then we see how we can kind
00:39:00.821 --> 00:39:04.341
of put it together and who we have in the team who might be able to help. That's wonderful.
00:39:04.641 --> 00:39:10.141
So if there's one thing that listeners should walk away from about public safety,
00:39:10.341 --> 00:39:12.181
applied research, what would that be?
00:39:13.096 --> 00:39:16.416
For me, it's that research is for everyone, everywhere.
00:39:16.876 --> 00:39:21.896
At CPSAR, we're working really hard to democratize and demystify research to
00:39:21.896 --> 00:39:24.956
make it accessible and meaningful for all communities.
00:39:25.456 --> 00:39:28.736
People often think research, and I used to think this way too,
00:39:28.916 --> 00:39:33.876
is something that only academics can do in labs, but really research is just problem solving.
00:39:34.456 --> 00:39:39.096
And we do it every day. Whether it's figuring out how to make a process better
00:39:39.096 --> 00:39:42.276
at work or finding ways to support someone in crisis,
00:39:42.896 --> 00:39:47.116
Applied research takes that same mindset and uses evidence to create solutions
00:39:47.116 --> 00:39:49.936
that can be implemented quickly and effectively.
00:39:50.576 --> 00:39:54.136
Our goal is to really bring people together so that students,
00:39:54.376 --> 00:40:00.256
faculty, industry, community partners, other academics to tackle real-world
00:40:00.256 --> 00:40:03.596
challenges in policing, corrections, courts, and our communities.
00:40:03.836 --> 00:40:08.576
When research is collaborative and inclusive, it becomes a powerful tool for
00:40:08.576 --> 00:40:13.056
change. So if you remember one thing, let it be this, that research isn't just
00:40:13.056 --> 00:40:15.036
for researchers, it's for all of us.
00:40:15.932 --> 00:40:19.912
Well, and it sounds like you're doing an amazing job of bringing everyone together.
00:40:20.492 --> 00:40:21.892
And Jami, what about for you?
00:40:22.712 --> 00:40:26.512
For me, I think it's important to recognize that public safety applied research
00:40:26.512 --> 00:40:29.192
is not just about public safety agencies.
00:40:29.432 --> 00:40:33.092
It's about the safety of the community and everyone in the community.
00:40:33.512 --> 00:40:38.112
I would be remiss, as a sociologist with a specific focus on demographics and
00:40:38.112 --> 00:40:42.692
population studies, if I didn't point out that the social determinants of health
00:40:42.692 --> 00:40:46.332
contribute significantly to both personal and public safety.
00:40:46.792 --> 00:40:50.752
Therefore, the social determinants of health are a part of public safety.
00:40:51.092 --> 00:40:54.452
Specifically, they are the part of public safety that CITAP focuses on.
00:40:54.752 --> 00:40:58.992
And that is a real important consideration. It's something that people tend
00:40:58.992 --> 00:41:04.732
not to think about, is that health and well-being is intricately tied to public safety.
00:41:04.952 --> 00:41:08.632
So I'm just really glad that at CPSAR we take such a holistic view.
00:41:08.972 --> 00:41:12.192
Yeah, and that impacts everyone. Absolutely, it does.
00:41:12.632 --> 00:41:17.052
Well, thank you so much for joining me today. This has been really,
00:41:17.232 --> 00:41:20.812
really exciting to hear about the work that you're doing.
00:41:21.392 --> 00:41:28.532
It's just incredible and so many benefits for everyone, the whole community and the students.
00:41:28.532 --> 00:41:33.712
It's very, very exciting to hear and I look forward to hearing more as you carry
00:41:33.712 --> 00:41:37.432
on with the work that you're doing. Thanks for having us. Thank you.
00:41:37.832 --> 00:41:43.252
This episode featured Donna McLaughlin as host and Dr. Kirsten Fantazir and Dr.
00:41:43.692 --> 00:41:45.592
Jami Albright-Tolman as guests.
00:41:46.312 --> 00:41:51.372
Jordana Gagnon was our producer. Nick Colyer was our sound technician and Ryan
00:41:51.372 --> 00:41:52.712
Robinson was our editor.
00:41:53.272 --> 00:41:57.392
Our podcast is funded by Lethbridge Polytechnic's Centre for Teaching,
00:41:57.632 --> 00:42:02.692
Learning and Innovation and recorded on the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy.
00:42:02.812 --> 00:42:08.332
For more episodes, head to learninginnovation.ca forward slash podcast.
00:42:08.712 --> 00:42:10.372
Thanks for listening and take care.