Last week, the IPinCH Steering Committee spent four days sequestered in a cozy cottage on Dayman Island, British Columbia, to map out the final two years of the project.
Over the course of three intensive days of meetings, the committee discussed the current state of IPinCH, deliberated short- and long-term goals, and set milestones for the next two years.
The group reviewed the progress and accomplishments of our Community-Based Initiatives (CBIs), many of which are now completed, and explored how the results of our CBI’s will be integrated into Working Group initiatives. There was also considerable discussion on the future of the Knowledge Base. In particular, the decision was made to focus on inputting materials not easily accessible elsewhere (or “grey literature”).
As the project enters the final 21 months, all agree on the need to start pulling together the various research initiatives and sharing findings with the team members, partners, stakeholders, and broader audiences. Emphasis will thus be on supporting Working Group initiatives and special projects that are already underway. There will be a limited number of new initiatives, and these will be carefully selected to ensure that they align with project goals and contribute to partner and stakeholder needs. IPinCH will continue to support students through targeted opportunities, rather than through new graduate fellowships. There was also discussion about how to support and integrate our ever-expanding network of Associates.
Research conducted by the Project Ethnographer, Alexis Bunten, was integral to many of the discussions that took place. Her research helps the committee to understand and improve on team communications and to identify areas of the project that are working well (or not). Alexis’ research informs many of the decisions that are made by the Steering Committee. Over the next few months more details will be shared about key events planned for the final part of the project.
The Steering committee generally meets in person each July and December, and by conference call every two weeks throughout the year.
Photos: (1) The IPinCH Steering Committee on Dayman Island: L-R Kelly Bannister, Alexis Bunten, Joe Watkins, Robin Gray, George Nicholas, Brian Egan, John Welch, Julie Hollowell and Cathy Bell; (2) Coast Salish Elder, Florence James, from nearby Penelakut Island, sharing the story of the Douglas Fir cones and the mice with Student Rep Robin Gray; (3) Let the planning begin! (4) The cosy accommodations on Dayman Island; (5) Steering Committee member Joe Watkins with his eagle feather find (all photos: Kelly Bannister).
