Q&A with student researcher Kole Lundstrom

Kole Lundstrom. Photo supplied.

Kole Lundstrom, a MA student in recreation and leisure studies in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, is advancing Indigenous representation and education in Canada’s parks. Through his research, he explores how integrating Indigenous perspectives into park education programs can create meaningful connections for Indigenous communities and foster greater reconciliation in protected spaces.

We spoke to him about his research.

Could you tell us about the program you’re enrolled in and what inspired you to choose it?

I am currently enrolled in the master of arts, recreation and leisure studies (MARLS) program. I chose this program because of the balance between excellent scholars and program flexibility. KSR has established programs for park management practitioners, but also has the flexibility for me to take Native studies, educational policy studies and renewable resource courses. The MARLS program allows me to draw on the knowledge of many disciplines to maximize my research potential. 

Your research focuses on Indigenous interpretation at parks. What led you to this area of study?

My interest was sparked throughout my six seasons as a Parks Canada interpreter. During those summers, I had incredible opportunities to learn from Indigenous community members and Elders as they facilitated education programs in parks. Their knowledge was important for parks, but had huge impacts on me, personally. The time spent with Elders and communities in parks is the reason that I understand what it means to be Métis. I am hopeful that my research will improve Indigenous interpretation programming, and will help other Indigenous community members connect with land, history and one another, while also contributing to greater reconciliation efforts. 

What outcomes do you hope your research will have on Indigenous representation in Canada’s parks and tourism industry?

Since establishment, park spaces across Canada have removed Indigenous Peoples, voices and knowledge. Today, there is a growing movement to include and represent Indigenous Peoples in parks, but many park agencies do not have a clear understanding of what this should look like. My research is focused on how including Indigenous perspectives and knowledge in education programs impacts the experiences of Indigenous visitors. I hope that my research is able to make protected spaces more accessible and enjoyable for Indigenous Peoples, and provide park management agencies with a clear understanding of how to pursue more effective policies. I also hope that my research can contribute to a greater appreciation and understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems for non-Indigenous visitors. 

Who is your research supervisor and how has their mentorship impacted your development?

I have two supervisors, Elizabeth Halpenny and Jonathan Anuik. Professor Halpenny is part of the Faculty of KSR. Her work focuses on interpretation programming and outdoor spaces. Her guidance has been a key factor in helping me transition from an interpretation practitioner to an interpretation scholar. Professor Anuik is part of the Faculty of Education. His work focuses on Indigenous education, history and allyship. His mentorship has been instrumental in guiding my appreciation for what it means to be an Indigenous scholar working with Indigenous research participants. Together, they are an exceptional team of supervisors who bring invaluable knowledge, feedback and support to my research project.

What have been some of the most rewarding moments in your academic journey?

One of the most rewarding moments in my academic journey so far has been submitting my first formal research proposal. In the years leading up to this moment, I often found myself struggling to find my place. I wore many hats — a teacher, a scientist, a park interpreter and a Métis scholar — but I hadn’t found a place where I could be all of those things at once. Finishing my research proposal was the moment when I realized that my research project relies on every element of my identity. My project represents years of academic, professional and personal experiences that have finally come together. 

What do you hope to achieve through your research, and how do you see it impacting your field or community?

Parks spaces in Canada have a dark history. Many parks were founded on traditional lands of Indigenous Peoples who were forcibly removed by various governments in the name of tourism and preservation. One of the big questions that I’ve always pondered as an Indigenous interpreter is how to welcome Indigenous Peoples into park spaces when parks are, in many ways, the epitome of colonialism. Therefore, I hope that my research makes space for Indigenous Peoples in park spaces. Indigenous Peoples' knowledge systems and well-being are intimately tied to landscapes, and creating spaces that empower and welcome Indigenous Peoples to connect with outdoor spaces is critically important. Interpretation programs offer an excellent opportunity to do just that. The other objective I have is to destabilize park management practices. I hope that my research can help influence park agencies to reconsider how they approach Indigenous representation in park spaces. I hope that achieving these objectives can help Indigenous Peoples experience parks without conforming to the colonial standards of park management systems. 

Is there any advice you’d give to students who are just starting out in this program?

A few summers ago, an Indigenous participant thanked me for including Indigenous content in a program that I led. I told him that I was trying my best, and still had a lot to learn. He responded, “You’re not trying anymore, you are doing.” With that in mind, my advice would be to stop trying and start doing. You’re in this program because you deserve to be here. This is the place to have your voice heard — make them hear you! 

How has being part of the university and the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation influenced you academically and personally?

I’ve been a student at the University of Alberta since 2018, completing a BSc and BEd before starting my master’s program in the Faculty of KSR. The impact on my personal and academic life has been profound. Having the tools to identify a question, access resources, complete original research and come to a conclusion is incredibly empowering for my academic and personal goals. The Faculty of KSR has become an essential place for me to explore my own passions and interests while also contributing scholarly work to an emerging field.