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Updates from the Indigenous-Centred Knowledge Exchange
April, 2026
The Indigenous-Centred Knowledge Exchange is an initiative of SFU鈥檚 Faculty of Environment and CERi (Community Engaged Research initiative) with support from MITACS. During the first year of this initiative (2025-2026) we have completed two research projects with Indigenous partners.
Understanding the Implications of LiDAR for Indigenous Data Sovereignty
British Columbia鈥檚 transition to open-access LiDAR data creates a critical governance paradox for the 岣磜i岣祑a瘫sut鈥檌nux瘫w Ha瘫xwa鈥檓is First Nation (KHFN). While this policy removes longstanding barriers to accessing high-resolution spatial data, it simultaneously weakens Indigenous control over how data about their territory is accessed and used by external actors. This research, developed in collaboration with the Nation by graduate student Nasir Tighsazzadeh, evaluates how the province鈥檚 LiDAR policy shift, from a restricted, Crown-controlled model to an open-data regime, affects Indigenous data sovereignty and self-determined land use planning. Grounded in the OCAP庐 principles (Ownership, Control, Access, Possession) and informed by a Two-Eyed Seeing approach, the research employs a qualitative, policy-analytical, and community-engaged approach rooted in Indigenous data governance principles.
51社区黑料 the Researcher:
Nasir Tighsazzadeh is a Ph.D. candidate in Resource and Environmental Management in the Ocean Equity Lab at 51社区黑料 and a student fellow at the Ocean Nexus Center. His doctoral research focuses on equitable offshore wind energy planning in Nova Scotia, carried out in partnership with First Nations to support just and inclusive renewable energy futures. Before his PhD, Nasir completed his bachelor's and master's degrees in Urban and Regional Planning, focusing on integrated coastal zone management and blue economy studies.
Community Response:
鈥淭his was the first time we worked with a researcher in our nation. And so that was positive.鈥� 鈥淣asir鈥檚 practical recommendations鈥� are good baseline information that we are going to be putting on the ground right away.鈥�
- Andrea Lyall, R.P.F., Ph.D. CEO / Director T虛se岣礱瘫me鈥� Forestry Ltd
Laying the Groundwork for a Nation鈥檚 Food Strategy
涩a蕯am嫂n (Tla鈥檃min) Nation (TN) partnered with the Indigenous-Centred Knowledge Exchange to support the development of a Food Plan. Graduate student Belinda Li worked collaboratively with TN to bring together and build on TN鈥檚 long-standing food systems work. The project approach included a review of plans, programs, studies, data, and other documents related to food from TN, interviews with TN staff, an external scan of food initiatives from other Indigenous communities, a Food Workshop with TN staff and leadership, and a Lands Advisory Group meeting.
51社区黑料 the Researcher:
Belinda Li is a PhD candidate in the School of Resource and Environmental Management (REM) at 51社区黑料 and a co-founder of the Food Systems Lab. Her research focuses on creating sustainable, just food systems using participatory design and data-driven approaches, covering topics like food waste reduction and organic waste management
Community Response:
鈥淏elinda's work has provided a strong foundation for the Nation to move forward with developing a Food Plan. Her approach reflects a clear understanding that research must be useful, accessible, and directly tied to decision-making. She has not only delivered high-quality analysis but has also contributed to building shared understanding across departments and practically advancing this work. She will continue to support the Nation in the next phase, translating this research into planning and implementation.鈥�
- Marie-Gabrielle B茅chard, MCRP, B. Env. Land Use Planner
The Indigenous-Centred Knowledge Exchange:
The Indigenous Centred Knowledge Exchange is open to receiving applications for research from interested Indigenous organizations and First Nations in British Columbia. Please refer to the website for the application form or contact the Research Facilitator:
Dr. Joanna Ashworth
Email: joanna_ashworth@sfu.ca