Carleton University profs named Canada Research Chairs in Indigenous art and climate change

Two Carleton University professors will continue to do important work dealing with Indigenous art and climate change, after being named Canada Research Chairs.

Carmen Robertson is a new CRC in North American Indigenous Visual and Material Culture, while Stephan Gruber has been renewed as the CRC in climate change.

Robertson is jointly appointed to the School of Indigenous and Canadian Studies and the School for Studies in Art and Culture. Her research is in contemporary Indigenous art and visual culture, examining ruptures in art narratives informed by an interdisciplinary approach.

“The history of Indigenous contemporary art remains an under-studied area,” said Robertson. “I look forward to working with partners at Carleton and beyond to continue to advance the study of Indigenous arts in ways that will formulate a deeper understanding of Indigenous art movements.”

“Together, we chart an innovative course of interdisciplinary research to answer questions that will better articulate the rich artistic contributions of Indigenous artists,” she added.

A faculty member in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Gruber's renewed CRC will enable his continued study of the effects of climate change on permafrost using new sensor technology in the field, laboratory experiments and computer simulations. 

This research will increase Canada's understanding of changes in permafrost due to climate change and help ensure the environmental integrity and economic importance of cold regions.