Coffee with Cornel: A Fireside Conversation on Meaningful Data & Indigenous Praxis
Apr 7, 2026 — 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Description of the event
This is a reflective exercise for anyone working with, or in proximity to, research data belonging to Indigenous communities or informed by Indigenous knowledge. What practical data management actions orient us toward systemic transformation?
The TIPM highlights the role of authentic relationships, mindfulness, and collective dreaming as decolonizing practices within knowledge systems. As Wawatie‑Chabot recently put it, “Having good intentions is a good start, but if you haven’t transformed your consciousness, you’ll still be wondering why no one wants to talk to you.”
This fireside chat is part of a Data Literacy Research Institute speaker series that focuses on representation and equitable conditions in digital research infrastructure design.
Biography
Dr. Cornel Pewewardy
Dr. Cornel Pewewardy is an award-winning educator and musician, in the traditions of the Southern Plains' singers and composers from Oklahoma and the Southwest. The “Transformational Indigenous Praxis Model” is a profound vision of cultural insurgence though Indigenous and Multicultural Education. Comanche and Kiowa, and an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma, Dr. Pewewardy joins us at the University of Ottawa as part of a longer visit to Anishinabe Aki, unceded Algonquin territory.
Biography
Dara Wawatie-Chabot
Dara Wawatie-Chabot (they/them) is an Indigenous researcher, community organizer, workshop facilitator, an entrepreneur. A dedicated Algonquin Anishinaabekwe community activist and advocate for healing, resilience and strength, they are teacher and helper, parent, daughter, Aunty, and a human being. Wawatie-Chabot's life, and the healing beauty of their creative work, unfurl within a longer historical context of Kitigàn Zìbì Anishinabeg and the Algonquin Nation in “Mamandagokwe;” an independent documentary written, produced and directed by Gabrielle Fayant, with the support of the Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP) at the National Film Board of Canada and CBC's Local Production Development Fund.