Darren Dokis

Darren Dokis is currently a Masters student in Sociocultural Anthropology at the University of Western Ontario under the supervision of Regna Darnell. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Western Ontario, specializing in First Nations Studies and majoring in Sociocultural Anthropology. Darren is currently focusing his research on exploring the interconnections between what is considered to be acceptable forms of development in specific Anishinabe communities, their practices of identity, and their spiritual practices. The ultimate goal of this research is to improve communication and understanding between First Nations communities and the settler society regarding issues surrounding development. With increasing pressure on communities to participate in or approve of development projects in their traditional territories as well as communities increasingly being affected by development projects of which they are not a part, it becomes increasingly important for communities to formulate policies and practices which enable them to clearly communicate their desires. Darren hopes his research will contribute to this effort and help to smooth discussions between Anishinabe communities and settler society regarding development projects.