Cody Groat, a Tri-University History PhD Candidate based at Laurier, was recently appointed to a position with Western University's Indigenous Studies Program and History Department. Cody will begin on July 1, 2021. Currently, he is an assistant research professor at Simon Fraser University.
"The Tri-U History Program enthusiastically congratulates Cody on his appointment to Indigenous Studies and History at Western. We are delighted that his achievements have been recognized through this appointment, and we look forward to seeing the undoubtably powerful impact of his research and teaching," says Dr. Jane Nicholas, Tri-U Director.
Cody is a Kanyen'kehaka citizen and band member of the Six Nations of the Grand River. His SSHRC-funded PhD at Laurier developed expertise in Indigenous Studies, Public History, and Canadian History. His dissertation focuses on the work of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada between 1919-2019 and its commemoration of Indigenous cultural heritage. Cody is also President of Indigenous Heritage Circle, an Indigenous founded and led organization focused on the cultural heritage priorities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people in Canada.
In reflecting on the Tri-U History Program, Cody says that it "has not only supported, but also encouraged, the use of community-engaged Indigenous research methods that have helped shape my academic and professional career. My supervisor, Dr. Susan Neylan, who is an exceptional mentor, has not only supported me in my career, but also her past Tri-U doctoral students who have come before me and are now also teaching, including Dr. Lianne Leddy (Laurier) and Dr. Allan Downey (McMaster University). Cody further expresses deep appreciation for Dr. Tarah Brookfield who "provided me with more personal and professional guidance since 2012 (when I started my BA at Laurier) than any educator I've ever known."
"I’m super proud of Cody’s accomplishments as a graduate student in our program," affirms supervisor Dr. Susan Neylan. "He’s been able to take his teaching, history scholarship, and research interests out into the world to foster better recognition of Indigenous history and heritage. A cross-appointment in Indigenous Studies and History at Western meshes Cody’s two areas of expertise (Indigenous histories and public history) to a tee. I look forward to having him so close by [in London, Ontario] as a colleague in the field."
The Tri-U History Program not only supported, but also encouraged, the use of community-engaged Indigenous research methods that have helped shape my academic and professional career."