Prairie Indigenous Relationality Network

Prairie Relationality Network (PRN) is built out of organizing between prairie Indigenous scholars since 2015. From 2015-2023, the PRN works towards the compilation, analysis, protection and mobilization of prairie Indigenous knowledge in four areas: 1) wahkohtowin/kinship, 2) kihokowin/visiting, 3) treaty relations, and 4) governance/political organizing. These include key philosophical works, histories of political action, documents and records, and other knowledge expressions that speak to modes of being-in-relation in a generative way. 

The network has now expanded with the proposed project Critical Approaches to Indigenous Relationality (CAIR). While CAIR continues to be hosted by PRN, this partnership advances the network well beyond the prairies, including projects expanding north (Dinjii Zhuh research), south (Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, South Dakota), east (Radical Culture School), and west (Secwépemc research). Also, where the network has previously focused on Indigenous politics, CAIR is expanding across more than ten disciplines. We plan to advance Indigenous-led critical dialogues through our Indigenous research network, theorizing relational practices, pedagogies, and methodologies, and mobilizing our research in the international realm. CAIR will develop the depth and sophistication of relational theory and methods, building capacity and relationships needed to conduct Indigenous research. The partnership itself, the collaborative research, and the pedagogical tools and resources developed will facilitate the transmission and mobilization of Indigenous knowledges surrounding the theory and practice of living in a relational way.

Co-Directors Governing Council