Bret Nickels
Instructor & Adjunct Professor
B.A. University of Manitoba 1995
M.A. University of Manitoba (Interdisciplinary: Native Studies, Economics, Zoology) 1998
Ph.D. University of Manitoba (Interdisciplinary: Native Studies, Anthropology, Economics) 2003: Dissertation Title, “A Field of Dreams: The Story of the Manitoba Indian Agricultural program.”
Office: 254 Aboriginal House
Phone: 474-8850
Email: bretnickels@shaw.ca
Research Interests
Metis Harvesting Claims and Historical Land Use Patterns
Land Use and Occupancy Mapping (Map Biographies)
Historical Analysis of Aboriginal Agriculture in Northern Manitoba
Aboriginal Material Culture & Hide Tanning Techniques
Issues Concerning Aboriginal Artifact Repatriation
Community Economic Development
Dr Nickels is currently serving as Chief Research Consultant in the Natural Resources Portfolio with the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF).
Dr. Bret Nickels in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation with moose hide during research work on Cree hide tanning techniques.
Teaching Interests and Courses
NATV 1200 Introduction to Native Peoples of Canada
NATV 2000 Working With Elders
NATV 2020 The Metis of Canada
NATV 2040 Native Peoples of the Northern Plains
NATV 2060 Native Peoples of the Eastern Woodlands
NATV 2070 Native Peoples of the Subarctic
NATV 3000 Indigenous Peoples and Globalization
NATV 3320 Aboriginal Organizations
NATV 3270 The Metis Nation: The Modern Era
NATV 4200 First Nations Government
NATV 4220 Environment, Economy and Aboriginal Peoples
NATV 4270 Indigenous Peoples’ Material Culture
Dr. Nickels is also on staff in the Politics Department at the University of Winnipeg teaching courses in the Aboriginal Governance Program, and graduate courses for the Public Administration Program for the University College of the North (UCN) at the Norway House Cree Nation Campus.
Articles & Research Reports
2006
Piquemal, N. & B. Nickels. “Cultural Congruence in the Education of, and Research with Young Aboriginal Students: Ethical Implications for Classroom Researchers” Alberta Journal of Educational Research. Volume 51, Number 2. Pp. 118-134.
Nickels, B., “Qualitative Study of Enhanced Permanency and Child Welfare Outcomes.” Association of Native Child and Family Services Agencies of Ontario.
2005
Nickels, B, Contemporary Land Use Mapping Report. Report conducted for The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) July 20, 2005.
Nickels, B, Final Floodway Expansion Consultation Report. Report conducted for The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) June 1, 2005.
Nickels, B., J. Sawchuk, The MMF/NCN/Manitoba Hydro Wuskwatim Consultation and Mapping Project: Final Report. Report conducted for The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF), Manitoba Hydro and NCN First Nation. February 23, 2005.
2004
Nickels, B. & N. Piquemal, “Redefining Ethics in Cross-Cultural Research: The Manitoba Human Remains and Associated Artifacts Repatriation Program and the Experience of South Indian Lake and Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.” In J. Oakes, R Riewe, Y. Belanger, S. Blady, K. Legge & P. Wiebe (Eds.) Aboriginal Cultural Landscapes. Winnipeg: Aboriginal Issues Press. Pp. 179-194
2003
Nickels, B. & M. Traverse, First Nations Agreements in the Forest Sector. Report conducted for Aboriginal Research & Environment Consulting. April 23, 2003.
2002
Piquemal, N. & B. Nickels, “Aboriginals and Academics: Is Collaboration Possible” Policy Options. March. 2002.
2000
Nickels, B., Ethnographic Study of Norway House. Report to the Norway House Chief and Council on behalf of the Norway House Culture, Training and Education Division.
Nickels, B., “Are Academics Non-Essential?: Anthropology, Aboriginal People, and Participatory Research in the New Millennium” MASA Journal, Winnipeg: Department of Anthropology, University of Manitoba.
Nickels, B., J. Oakes., “Traditional Hide Preparation Techniques: The Rocky Cree” In J. Oakes, R. Riewe, S. Koolage, L. Simpson & N. Schuster (eds.) Aboriginal Health, Identity and Resources. Winnipeg: Native Studies Press, Pp. 195-212.
1999
Nickels, B., “The Importance of Personal Connection in Cree Oral Narratives” MASA Journal, Winnipeg: Department of Anthropology, University of Manitoba.
1998
Nickels, B., “Environment, Economy and Culture: The Sustainability of Rocky Cree Traditional Tanning” In J. Oakes & R. Riewe, Issues In The North #3: Edmonton: Canadian Circumpolar Institute, University of Alberta. Pp. 113-121.
Nickels, B., Canadian Dakota Comprehensive Claim File Review, Research Project Summary and Final Report. Treaty and Aboriginal Rights and Research Center and the Dakota Nations of Canada.
1997
Nickels, B., “An Analysis of Native Music as an Aspect of Native Identity Using Fanon’s Theory of Colonization.” Abstract published in the 5th Regional Student Conference on Northern and Aboriginal Issues, University of Manitoba.
Nickels, B., “The Factors Affecting the Survival of Traditional Moose skin Preparation Procedures by the Rocky Cree of Nelson House, Manitoba.” Abstract published in 5th Regional Student Conference on Northern and Aboriginal Issues, University of Manitoba.
1995
Nickels, B., “Inuit Approaches to Greater Self-Determination in the Eastern Arctic and Northern Quebec.” Abstract published in 4th Regional Student Conference on Northern and Aboriginal Issues. University of Manitoba.
Academic and Community Service
- Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering Committee
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Manitoba Research Alliance on Community Economic Development
- Research Fellow, St. John’s College
- Access/SPSP Interviewing Committee
- Nelson House 2002 Healing Conference Committee
- Aboriginal Alumni Unity Committee
- St John’s College Art Committee
- Native Studies Graduate Program Committee (NSGPC) Graduate Student Representative
- Department of Native Studies Fund Raising Committee
- Department of Native Studies Council Graduate Student Representative
- Faculty of Arts/Native Studies Hiring Committee Student Representative
Current Projects
- Research on Metis land use and harvesting patterns in Manitoba
- Working on a Metis template for map biography research methodologies for publication.
- Preparing a paper on Aboriginal agriculture and its contributions to economic development in Northern Manitoba for publication
Other Academic Achievements
Faculty of Arts Graduate Student Teaching Excellence Award, 1997
B.A. University of Manitoba 1995
M.A. University of Manitoba (Interdisciplinary: Native Studies, Economics, Zoology) 1998
Ph.D. University of Manitoba (Interdisciplinary: Native Studies, Anthropology, Economics) 2003: Dissertation Title, “A Field of Dreams: The Story of the Manitoba Indian Agricultural program.”
Office: 254 Aboriginal House
Phone: 474-8850
Email: bretnickels@shaw.ca
Research Interests
Metis Harvesting Claims and Historical Land Use Patterns
Land Use and Occupancy Mapping (Map Biographies)
Historical Analysis of Aboriginal Agriculture in Northern Manitoba
Aboriginal Material Culture & Hide Tanning Techniques
Issues Concerning Aboriginal Artifact Repatriation
Community Economic Development
Dr Nickels is currently serving as Chief Research Consultant in the Natural Resources Portfolio with the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF).
Dr. Bret Nickels in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation with moose hide during research work on Cree hide tanning techniques.
Teaching Interests and Courses
NATV 1200 Introduction to Native Peoples of Canada
NATV 2000 Working With Elders
NATV 2020 The Metis of Canada
NATV 2040 Native Peoples of the Northern Plains
NATV 2060 Native Peoples of the Eastern Woodlands
NATV 2070 Native Peoples of the Subarctic
NATV 3000 Indigenous Peoples and Globalization
NATV 3320 Aboriginal Organizations
NATV 3270 The Metis Nation: The Modern Era
NATV 4200 First Nations Government
NATV 4220 Environment, Economy and Aboriginal Peoples
NATV 4270 Indigenous Peoples’ Material Culture
Dr. Nickels is also on staff in the Politics Department at the University of Winnipeg teaching courses in the Aboriginal Governance Program, and graduate courses for the Public Administration Program for the University College of the North (UCN) at the Norway House Cree Nation Campus.
Articles & Research Reports
2006
Piquemal, N. & B. Nickels. “Cultural Congruence in the Education of, and Research with Young Aboriginal Students: Ethical Implications for Classroom Researchers” Alberta Journal of Educational Research. Volume 51, Number 2. Pp. 118-134.
Nickels, B., “Qualitative Study of Enhanced Permanency and Child Welfare Outcomes.” Association of Native Child and Family Services Agencies of Ontario.
2005
Nickels, B, Contemporary Land Use Mapping Report. Report conducted for The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) July 20, 2005.
Nickels, B, Final Floodway Expansion Consultation Report. Report conducted for The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) June 1, 2005.
Nickels, B., J. Sawchuk, The MMF/NCN/Manitoba Hydro Wuskwatim Consultation and Mapping Project: Final Report. Report conducted for The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF), Manitoba Hydro and NCN First Nation. February 23, 2005.
2004
Nickels, B. & N. Piquemal, “Redefining Ethics in Cross-Cultural Research: The Manitoba Human Remains and Associated Artifacts Repatriation Program and the Experience of South Indian Lake and Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.” In J. Oakes, R Riewe, Y. Belanger, S. Blady, K. Legge & P. Wiebe (Eds.) Aboriginal Cultural Landscapes. Winnipeg: Aboriginal Issues Press. Pp. 179-194
2003
Nickels, B. & M. Traverse, First Nations Agreements in the Forest Sector. Report conducted for Aboriginal Research & Environment Consulting. April 23, 2003.
2002
Piquemal, N. & B. Nickels, “Aboriginals and Academics: Is Collaboration Possible” Policy Options. March. 2002.
2000
Nickels, B., Ethnographic Study of Norway House. Report to the Norway House Chief and Council on behalf of the Norway House Culture, Training and Education Division.
Nickels, B., “Are Academics Non-Essential?: Anthropology, Aboriginal People, and Participatory Research in the New Millennium” MASA Journal, Winnipeg: Department of Anthropology, University of Manitoba.
Nickels, B., J. Oakes., “Traditional Hide Preparation Techniques: The Rocky Cree” In J. Oakes, R. Riewe, S. Koolage, L. Simpson & N. Schuster (eds.) Aboriginal Health, Identity and Resources. Winnipeg: Native Studies Press, Pp. 195-212.
1999
Nickels, B., “The Importance of Personal Connection in Cree Oral Narratives” MASA Journal, Winnipeg: Department of Anthropology, University of Manitoba.
1998
Nickels, B., “Environment, Economy and Culture: The Sustainability of Rocky Cree Traditional Tanning” In J. Oakes & R. Riewe, Issues In The North #3: Edmonton: Canadian Circumpolar Institute, University of Alberta. Pp. 113-121.
Nickels, B., Canadian Dakota Comprehensive Claim File Review, Research Project Summary and Final Report. Treaty and Aboriginal Rights and Research Center and the Dakota Nations of Canada.
1997
Nickels, B., “An Analysis of Native Music as an Aspect of Native Identity Using Fanon’s Theory of Colonization.” Abstract published in the 5th Regional Student Conference on Northern and Aboriginal Issues, University of Manitoba.
Nickels, B., “The Factors Affecting the Survival of Traditional Moose skin Preparation Procedures by the Rocky Cree of Nelson House, Manitoba.” Abstract published in 5th Regional Student Conference on Northern and Aboriginal Issues, University of Manitoba.
1995
Nickels, B., “Inuit Approaches to Greater Self-Determination in the Eastern Arctic and Northern Quebec.” Abstract published in 4th Regional Student Conference on Northern and Aboriginal Issues. University of Manitoba.
Academic and Community Service
- Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering Committee
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Manitoba Research Alliance on Community Economic Development
- Research Fellow, St. John’s College
- Access/SPSP Interviewing Committee
- Nelson House 2002 Healing Conference Committee
- Aboriginal Alumni Unity Committee
- St John’s College Art Committee
- Native Studies Graduate Program Committee (NSGPC) Graduate Student Representative
- Department of Native Studies Fund Raising Committee
- Department of Native Studies Council Graduate Student Representative
- Faculty of Arts/Native Studies Hiring Committee Student Representative
Current Projects
- Research on Metis land use and harvesting patterns in Manitoba
- Working on a Metis template for map biography research methodologies for publication.
- Preparing a paper on Aboriginal agriculture and its contributions to economic development in Northern Manitoba for publication
Other Academic Achievements
Faculty of Arts Graduate Student Teaching Excellence Award, 1997