Our Story

The Indigenous Literatures Lab grew out of Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) scholar Dr. Jennifer Brant’s interest in creating a community learning space that nurtures relations and builds a bridge between academic researchers, school practitioners, and Indigenous communities.

Founded in 2024, the lab aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and support ethical engagements that inform Indigenous cultural integrity practices within reconciliation education initiatives.

The Indigenous Literatures Lab is currently based out of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto. Our work is supported by the Department of Curriculum, Teaching & Learning (CTL) and the Indigenous Education Network.

Our logo is inspired by what Bay of Quinte Mohawk writer Beth Brant (Degonwadonti) referred to as the flowering growth of Indigenous literatures. As Brant articulated "Like all growing things, there is a need and desire to ensure the flowering of this growth. You see, these fruits feed our communities. These flowers give us survival tools" (Brant 1994, 9).

Special thank you to Neebin Studios for the floral designs, inspired by Anishinaabe floral beadwork, with the intention of expanding resources for Anishinaabe and other Native peoples, communities, and institutions.