Dr. Karl Hele, professor in Canadian and Indigenous Studies is the 2022 recipient of the Paul Paré Medal at Mount Allison University. The Medal recognizes outstanding research and scholarship among faculty members.
Hele has played leading role in establishing the University's new minor, certificates in Indigenous Studies
"I'm honoured to receive the Paul Paré Medal," says Hele. "It was a bit of a surprise, but it is nice to recognized in this way."
Hele, a member of the Garden River First Nation of the Anishinaabeg in Ontario, joined Mount Allison in 2018. His research areas include Indigenous history, law, and politics. Since arriving at Mount Allison, he has played a leadership role in program development around the new Indigenous Studies minor and certificate options, introducing new courses on topics such as Indigenous history, cross border encounters, and the Indian Act.
"Building a new program is a lot of work but it's been rewarding to work with faculty across campus, as well as Indigenous communities, and hear about what students would like to see in an Indigenous Studies program," says Hele. "I'm excited to see the program continue to grow with additional offerings, including language and cultural teachings."
Hele is a historian by trade, whose studies focus on his home community Garden River First Nation of the Anishinaabeg specifically the missionary encounter.
"I study the history of the missionary encounter with the Anishinaabeg, both the good and bad from this meeting," explains Hele. "My research areas include cross border encounters (between Canada and the US), as well as the imposition of state authority and how the state defines people.' This work includes extensive study of Canada's Indian Act, a document many people have heard of, but few know a lot about."
Mount Allison Provost and Vice-President, Academic Research Dr. Jeff Hennessy says Hele is an ideal choice for this year's Medal.
"Karl's extensive research program and his insight and guidance around Indigenous Studies programming at Mount Allison has been invaluable as we work to expand academic offerings in these areas," says Hennessy. "I congratulate Karl on this latest achievement and thank him for his commitment to Mount Allison students and scholarship."
In addition to his teaching and research programs, Hele also serves on the University's Indigenous Advisory Circle, working with students, faculty, staff, and First Nations communities on Mount Allison's path towards reconciliation and decolonization.
The pre-eminent faculty award at Mount Allison, the Paul Paré Medal is awarded annually to a professor who has best demonstrated outstanding teaching; outstanding research, scholarship, and/or creative activities; and an exemplary record of service.
