Dawn Martin-Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dawn Martin-Hill
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Martin-Hill speaking at the Toronto March for Science in April 2017
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| Nationality | Mohawk people |
| Citizenship | Canada |
| Education | PhD (1995) McMaster University, Cultural Anthropology |
| Occupation | Associate Professor, Anthropology & Indigenous Studies |
| Employer | McMaster University |
| Children | Cody Looking Horse |
| Family | Wolf Clan |
| Honours | Paul R. MacPherson Chair in Indigenous Studies, McMaster University |
Professor Dawn Martin-Hill is a respected leader and teacher. She is a member of the Mohawk people from the Wolf Clan. She holds a special position called the Paul R. MacPherson Chair in Indigenous Studies at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Professor Martin-Hill is also an associate professor. She teaches in both the Department of Anthropology and the Indigenous Studies Program. She even helped start the Indigenous Studies Program back in the 1990s when she was a student herself.
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What Does Dawn Martin-Hill Research?
Dawn Martin-Hill studies social-cultural anthropology. This means she looks at how different groups of people live and interact. Her work often focuses on indigenous knowledge. This is the special wisdom and traditions passed down through generations in Indigenous communities.
She also works on keeping cultures alive. This includes saving languages and bringing back old traditions. She studies Indigenous spirituality and traditional medicine too. Professor Martin-Hill also looks at important issues for Indigenous women. She researches how Indigenous communities can become stronger and more independent.
A big part of her research is about water security. This means making sure everyone has access to clean, safe water. She has highlighted the challenges her own community, Six Nations of the Grand River, faces with clean water.
Documentary Films by Dawn Martin-Hill
Professor Martin-Hill has made several documentary films. These films share important stories and teachings.
"Jidwá:doh - Let’s Become Again" (2005)
Her first film, "Jidwá:doh - Let’s Become Again," came out in 2005. It explores how Elders (respected older people) understand past challenges. The film also shows how Indigenous knowledge and traditions can help communities heal. This movie was inspired by a large meeting she organized. Over 600 Elders and young people from across North and South America attended.
"Onkwánisteńhsera - Mothers of our Nations" (2006)
In 2006, she released "Onkwánisteńhsera - Mothers of our Nations." This film talks about why Indigenous women need to reclaim and strengthen their traditional knowledge. It shows the important role women play in their communities.
"Sewatokwa'tshera't: The Dish with One Spoon" (2008)
Her 2008 documentary is called “Sewatokwa'tshera't: The Dish with One Spoon.” It's about the Haudenosaunee people working to get their traditional lands back. The film also covers the 2006 Caledonia land claims dispute.
Sharing Knowledge and Helping Communities
Dawn Martin-Hill works hard to share her knowledge with the public. She also speaks up for the rights of First Nations people. She is especially focused on access to health care and fair health policy.
She brings both Indigenous and university perspectives to important discussions. News organizations often interview her. She talks about issues like the lack of clean water in First Nations communities. She also discusses important steps after reports on issues affecting Indigenous women and girls.
In April 2017, she spoke at the Toronto March for Science. In May 2017, she was a main speaker at a meeting for researchers in Toronto. This meeting was held to discuss Canada's science research.
Personal Life
Dawn Martin-Hill has a son named Cody Looking Horse. He is a young Indigenous activist. In 2016, Cody protested at Standing Rock. He was speaking out against the Dakota Access Pipeline project. Cody Looking Horse is also a representative for the Standing Rock Youth Council.
She also has a daughter, Makasa Looking Horse.
Awards and Recognitions
Professor Martin-Hill has received several awards for her important work:
- US-Canada Fulbright award
- Outstanding Teaching Award from the Aboriginal Institutes Consortium
