Cindy Blackstock, Professor, School of Social Work, was recently awarded the 2025 Royal Society of Canada Prize for Indigenous Engagement. Professor Blackstock, who is a member of the Gitxsan First Nation and Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, is being recognized for her work and research in child welfare and advocacy for the rights of Indigenous Children.听
鈥淭he historical role of academia in residential schools is a stark reminder of how research on Indigenous children was often misused,鈥� says Blackstock. 鈥淎s emphasized by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, it is crucial that research is now firmly rooted in Indigenous research ethics and is actively applied to advocacy and implementation on the ground.鈥澨�
Professor Blackstock has over 30 years of experience as a social worker advocating for Indigenous children鈥檚 rights and has been a professor at 涩里番鈥檚 School of Social Work since 2016.听
鈥淲ithin the School of Social Work, Professor Blackstock has played a key role in recruiting Indigenous students, integrating curriculum focused on issues affecting First Peoples, and championing a model of strategic, multi-disciplinary, evidence informed advocacy,鈥� says Nicole Ives, Director of the School of Social Work.听听
In recent years, Professor Blackstock鈥檚 research and advocacy has been recognized within Canada and on the world stage, being made an Officer in the Order of Canada in 2018 and receiving the . 听
Professor Blackstock鈥檚 work was central to the successful human rights challenge to Canada鈥檚 inequitable provision of services for First Nations children and families and its failure to implement Jordan鈥檚 Principle.听听
鈥淢ay this recognition serve to elevate Indigenous scholarship and enhance the value of those working with First Nations, M茅tis, and Inuit communities to address injustices and uplift their lives,鈥� says Blackstock.听听
By leveraging traditional academic avenues, producing films, authoring children鈥檚 books, and as the instructing client in the landmark Canadian Human Rights Tribunal case, Professor Blackstock has devoted her life to advancing equity for First Nations children.听
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