Katherine Nichols

Katherine Nichols is a PhD student working between the Department of First Nations Studies and Department of Archaeology, and is affiliated with the Centre for Forensic Research at Simon Fraser University. Her research focuses on applying forensic search and recovery methods to Indian residential schools in Canada. Her current work stemmed from research started during her Master’s at the University of Manitoba. Working in partnership with Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, her objective was to identify students who died while attending the Brandon Residential School in Manitoba, determine the location of the school’s burial grounds, and identify potential unmarked graves on the school property. She continues to work with Sioux Valley Dakota Nation on her dissertation research that will build upon this work and utilize forensic excavation, recovery, and analysis with the aim of identifying and repatriating individuals to their home communities.