Services:
Technical support for cultural, consultative, and environment and lands management organizational needs: cultural heritage, traditional land use and occupancy, and Indigenous Knowledge studies; cultural retention/revitalization projects, and cultural organization collections management; technical review; interfacing with government and industry representatives; community engagement & me
eting facilitation
Background:
Kim's cultural anthropology degree focused on Indigenous studies issues including: historical and contemporary relations with the Crown; Indigenous Knowledge (IK/TK) and resource management; examination of current contentions of government neoliberal environmental colonialism in the resource development sector; socio-cultural issues such as health and welfare, gender, race, and identity; and cultural heritage. She has worked in her field over the last fifteen years of her academic and professional career, gaining a breadth of knowledge and experience through: three federal government departments-Canadian Heritage and Archaeological Services Branch Parks Canada, the Litigation Management Branch, and specific claims research for Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada; local and national archival and cultural patrimony institutions; the consultative, environment, and lands management arm for a progressive First Nation; and a multi-stakeholder non-profit environmental organization, advisor to the Province of Alberta. Over the last 5 years, Kim’s work has focused on the assertion of Aboriginal rights, interests, and meaningful participation in the development of the oil sands of northeastern Alberta. ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
2008 Master of Arts, Anthropology, University of British Columbia
2003 Bachelor of Arts (with Distinction), Anthropology Co-op Program, University of Victoria
Awards
• SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarship ($17,500)
• Faculty of Arts Grant Supplement ($4,000)
• Grand Post of Native Sons of B.C. Bruce McKelvie Scholarship ($775.00)
Conference Papers & Presentations
• IAIA Conference 2013 Poster: Traditional Knowledge Management Framework (CEMA)
• IAIA Joint Presentation: Regional Application of TK Research Guidelines in the TK Management Framework, CEMA
• SFAA Conference 2008 Paper: Challenges in Collaborative Field School Ethnography
• Anthropology Graduate Conference 2006 Paper: Irrevocable Ties and Forgotten Ancestry: A Cultural Ambivalence
Member, Canadian Anthropology Society
Member, Society of Applied Anthropology
Member, International Association Impact Assessment
ETHNOGRAPHIC/ETHNO-HISTORICAL RESEARCH PROJECTS
SSHRC funded M.A. thesis Irrevocable Ties and Forgotten Ancestry: The Legacy of Colonial Intermarriage for Descendants of Mixed Ancestry, (2008)
Examined colonial intermarriage between First Nations women and non-aboriginal partners in British Columbia during the mid-19th century, and the generational effects for mixed descendants. Topics focused on social and economic motivations, socio-cultural implications, identity formation for mixed-blood children, generational effects on descendants, and the ethics and politics of recognition. Interviews were conducted with Stó:lō First Nation community members, and consultation with Albert (Sonny) McHalsie, Co-Director, Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre. Research conducted at the Stó:lō Archives, BC Archives, Yale Museum and Archives, Surrey Museum and Archives, UBCIC website, Vancouver Public Library, and Anglican Ecclesiastical Diocese Archives at UBC. Museum of Anthropology (MoA) ethnographic-IK research project: Interior Salish Basketry (2008)
Project lead for research conducted with Nlaka’pamux First Nation Elders Mandy Brown and Marion Dixon, and Yale historian Irene Bjerky on the identification and technical aspects of the Interior Salish basketry collection, specifically identification of materials, methods, and geographical areas of basketry design. Research utilized archival documents and ethnographic material from the Museum of Anthropology, and holdings from similar collections at the Yale Museum and Archives, and the Langley Museum and Archives. Community-based research for the Gitxaala First Nation with the UBC Ethnographic Field School (2006)
Under supervisor Dr. Charles Menzies, individual student projects focused on community needs. My project, First Nations Families Negotiating Current Economic Transitions, examined how families are making a living and meeting their needs in Gitxaala in response to chronic shortages of shelter, economic income, and access to food. Osoyoos First Nation, Osoyoos Museum, and University of Victoria collaborative CURA project (Arts Co-op employment 2001, 2003)
Research Assistant for Dr. Andrea Walsh of the University of Victoria, and the Osoyoos Museum for a CURA project collaboration with Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Band. Conducted and coded preliminary ethno-historical research on the artwork produced by the First Nations children at the Inkameep Day School during the 1930s and 40s. Details on the project are accessible on a virtual website tour (www.virtualmuseum.ca; or google ‘Kim Dertien’ under CURA project). Research was conducted at the National Archives of Canada, BC Archives, Osoyoos Museum, Kelowna Museum, Oliver Museum and Archives, University of Victoria Special Collections, CMC Museum and Archives, and the archives at St. Anne’s Academy. TRADITIONAL LAND USE & OCCUPANCY STUDY (TLUOS) PROJECTS
Fort McMurray Metis Local #1935, Willow Lake Metis Local #780 & Multi Company Projects-Specific TLU (2013) (Endbridge Hangingstone Pipeline, Conoco-Phillips Surmont SAGD, MEG Surmont SAGD, Devon SAGD, and OSSUM SAGD)
Projects areas: North-Eastern Alberta (Stoney Mountain, Surmont, Kinosis; Cheechum, Engstrom Lake, Janvier; Conklin, Christina and Winefred Lakes; west bank Grand Rapids). Duties: Co-researcher with Willow Springs Strategic Solutions; conducted interviews with project affected trappers and traditional land users; Google Earth land use map biographies; document, audio and map file QA/QC. Fort McMurray Metis Local #1935, Willow Lake Metis Local #780 & TransCanada Pipeline Project-Specific TLU (2013)
Project area: North-Eastern Alberta (Bitumont, Fort McKay; Grand Rapids, Athabasca River to Edmonton; Conklin). Duties: Co-researcher with Willow Springs Strategic Solutions; conducted interviews with project affected trappers and traditional land users; Community researcher and staff training; Google Earth land use map biographies; document, audio and map file QA/QC; field site verification and ground-truthing. Fort McKay First Nation/Metis Local #63 & TOTAL E&P Traditional Place Names Mapping Project (2010)
Project area: North-Eastern Alberta (West of Athabasca River, Fort McKay to Gardiner Lake). Duties: Lead researcher; coordinate and conduct interviews with community members on project area; land use map biographies; transportation logistics; field site verification; project budget tracking. Fort McKay First Nation/Metis Local #63 & Athabasca Oilsands Canada (Dover OPCO) Project-Specific TLU (2010)
Project area: North-Eastern Alberta (south of Gardiner and adjacent Namir Lakes). Duties: TLU project support liaison for consultants (Integral Ecology Group); community researcher training support; coordinated and facilitated interviews with member project affected trappers and traditional land users; land use map biographies; transportation logistics; field site verification and ground-truthing support; updating project database; project budget tracking. Fort McKay First Nation/Metis Local #63 & TECK Frontier Project-Specific TLU (2010)
Project area: North-Eastern Alberta (North of Fort McKay). Duties: TLU project support liaison for consultants (Integral Ecology Group); community researcher training support; coordinated and facilitated interviews with member project affected trappers and traditional land users; land use map biographies; transportation logistics (ground and air); field site verification and ground-truthing support; updating project database; project budget tracking. Fort McKay First Nation/Metis Local #63 & CEMA TLU Mapping of the Athabasca River (2009)
Project area: Athabasca River, (Fort McKay) to Firebag River. Duties: TLU project support for consultants (Westland Resources Inc); coordinate interview and field trip participants; field site verification and ground-truthing transportation logistics; field trip support. PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
Indigenous Knowledge Researcher April 2013
Woven Paths Aboriginal Relations, Research and Consulting Inc. Fort McMurray, AB;
Technical support for cultural, consultative, and environment and lands management organizational needs: cultural heritage, traditional land use and occupancy, and Indigenous Knowledge studies; cultural retention/revitalization projects, and cultural organization collections management; technical review; interfacing with government and industry representatives; community engagement & meeting facilitation. Completed projects listed above. Aboriginal Coordinator & TK Program Administrator January 2011 – February 2013
Cumulative Environmental Management Association
Fort McMurray, AB
Providing technical guidance, project management and administrative support for the needs of Métis leadership, First Nations IRC/GIR personnel, community representatives and researchers in the creation and implementation of interest based and culturally relevant environmental projects. Promotion for the inclusion of TLU and TK information into environmental studies, reports, initiatives, and recommended management frameworks. Traditional Knowledge Working Group & Aboriginal Coordinating Committee Projects (Jan 2011 – Feb 2013)
• Cree & Dene translation of ‘Water Withdrawals’ video 2012
• Traditional Environmental Knowledge (TEK) Bibliography Update 2011
• Traditional Resources & Indicator Species Assessment (TRISA) Project Scope
• Traditional Knowledge Management Framework (TKMF) Project Scope
• Traditional Knowledge Research Guidelines Update (2012)
• Annual Elders’ Workshop (2011-2013)
• TK Coaching Workshop (2012)
• Community Liaison Research Team Task Group
• Community Specific Engagement Guideline Project (2012)
• Land-User Stewardship Pilot Program (2012-13)
Consultation Liaison May 2009 – July 2010
Trapper Coordinator; Lands & Environment Liaison September 2009 - December 2010 Fort McKay Industry Relations Corporation
Fort McKay, AB
Consultation Liaison responsible for all consultation activities with new companies; advising industry on Fort McKay Consultation Protocols, TK Best Practices Guidelines; co-facilitation of ‘Day in McKay’ awareness training for new industry partners and municipal and provincial departments; liaise with government departments regarding potential project infringement of Aboriginal rights and land use; maintaining consultation records with industry and government; LARP participation and information sharing. Lands & Environment Liaison responsible for facilitating community Elders Advisory and environmental focus groups for industry projects; creation and grant application for traditional land use studies from government programs; traditional land use project coordination with consultants and industry for EIA submissions; team discussions with Federal Oilsands Advisory Panel. Trapper Coordination between Registered Fur Management Area trapline holders and industry for notification letters, consultation meeting facilitation, trapline concerns, and compensation according to the Fort McKay Compensation Matrix. Provided technical support for the updated Trapper Consultation Guidelines and Compensation Matrix with the community of Fort McKay trappers and industry. Independent Researcher August 2008 - March 2009
Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada, INAC (AANDC)
Vancouver, BC
Verifying residential school claims to expedite resolution. File review, tombstoning, coding, and document description and summary of files from residential and Federal Day schools in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut using CT Summation and Summation litigation database software. Collections Assistant, Acquisitions Assistant March 2005 - July 2008
Museum of Anthropology, UBC December 2003 - June 2004
Vancouver, BC
Assisted with collections preservation, cataloguing, maintenance, storage, survey and tracking; registry of new acquisitions and related documentation; preparation for entry into collections storage; assisted access to collections for visiting First Nations delegations and researchers. Reference Historian October 2004 – March 2005
North Vancouver Museum & Archives
North Vancouver, BC
Assisted researchers and the public in accessing archival material. Provided research summaries and historical material for heritage programs and newspaper publication. Participation in the planning, research, and generation of the Archive’s Outreach Public Display program, exhibited around major public facilities on the North Shore. Relevant Arts Co-op employment (terms of four months):
Senior Research Assistant January – April 2003
Litigation and Management Resolution Branch, INAC
Ottawa, ON
Compilation of historical research and reviewed literature into report with annotated reference compendium for dissemination to team members and contracted consultants. Summary presentations of research findings and progress in project meetings. Final report on the traditional territories of the Mikisew Cree of Northern Alberta. Research and Exhibition Assistant May – August 2002
Delta Museum and Archives
Delta, BC
Project lead for the installation of four exhibits, conducting research and biographical interviews for use in archives and museum exhibits; location and tracking of objects; exhibition planning, layout/design, and mounting; writing exhibit text and labels. Assisted researchers with reference collections, and finding aids. Assisted with digital photography of objects. Senior Researcher May – August 2000
Canadian Heritage – Parks Canada, Federal Archaeology Office,
Archaeological Services Branch
Ottawa, ON; Hull, QC
Senior Researcher on the Mowachaht/Muchalaht Band’s (Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation) cultural patrimony repatriation project. Assessed the archaeological assemblage and inventory and location of all historical documents, published and unpublished literature pertaining to the Yuquot site. Research and compilation of resource material was conducted on regional, national, international repatriation laws and standards. Produced and disseminated reports of research findings to the project team in the Branch, and to the Cultural Liaison Officer for the Mowachaht/Muchalaht Band. SKILL SUMMARY
Project Management & Administration
• Experienced project manager, working with multiple interests to deliver quality projects and deliverables on time and on budget, from proposal to implementation and finished product;
• Managing, coordinating, and facilitating traditional land use (TLU) and traditional knowledge (TK) studies for regulatory requirements;
• Managing budgets for community-funded TLU and TK projects including government grants and industry regulatory applications;
• Stewarding TK agreements between an aboriginal community and industry, government and multi-stakeholder groups;
• Managing a team of community researchers in TK related projects;
• Re-visioning proposed non-Aboriginal community-based projects into relevant collaborative projects that answer community concerns and questions;
• Liaise with project consultants regarding: research methods, training and capacity building opportunities for interested community members, work plan, project schedule, and budget
• Developing meeting agendas and summary notes;
• Updating TLU/TK holdings and managing related libraries;
Community Engagement
• Facilitating reclamation, fish, water quality, wildlife and other community-based focus groups to provide TK expertise to key government departments, industry, and environmental organizations;
• Guiding internal research policy on TK research methodology, collection and documentation, and community engagement protocols and processes with Métis and First Nation groups for a multi-stakeholder organization;
• Facilitation of interviews for traditional land use studies, and cultural patrimony collaborative research;
• Coordinating meetings for Aboriginal initiatives, work plans and projects;
• Creating opportunities for capacity building through training of Aboriginal community researchers;
• Developing and delivering meaningful, audience-specific information packages and presentations for Aboriginal leadership and community members, industry, and government in areas including: proposed government policy, planned resource development, and cultural or jurisdictional protocols;
• Engaging traditional knowledge holders and Aboriginal community members in office, field, large meeting and home settings to ensure information is recorded, validated and, if necessary, responded to in a timely manner. Consultation & Relationship Building
• Liaise with government departments regarding proposed project infringement of Aboriginal rights and land use;
• Maintaining consultation records with industry and government;
• Participation in information sharing for government land and resource management initiatives, such as the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan (LARP), and the Federal Oilsands Advisory Panel;
• Encouraging industry and government understanding and compliance with community consultation protocols and TK best practices to improve land and resource use policies and activities;
• Representing and facilitating consultation between RFMA holders and resource developers;
• Technical support for updated Trapper Consultation Guidelines and Compensation Matrix with the community of Fort McKay trappers and industry;
• Coordinating First Nation and Métis interests in multi-stakeholder group committees to promote the inclusion of TLU and TK information into environmental studies, reports, initiatives, and recommended management frameworks;
• Coordinating and facilitating community involvement in meetings for relationship building and consultation with industry, government, or multi-stakeholder groups;
• Facilitation of Will Say Statement collection for use in regulatory hearing.
