Dr. Cristina Stanciu, a renowned scholar in the field of Indigenous and Multiethnic Literatures of the United States, has joined King’s University College as the Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Justice and Reconciliation. This prestigious appointment marks a significant step forward in the university’s commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding in the pursuit of justice and reconciliation.
In her role as the Fulbright Canada Research Chair, Dr. Stanciu will delve into the realms of justice and reconciliation, with a particular focus on the role of religion and religious institutions in truth and reconciliation processes within the contexts of colonialism and racism in the Americas or globally. Her research project, entitled Indigenous Education and the Literature of the Boarding Schools in the U.S. and Canada, will examine the intersection of education, literature, and the experiences of Indigenous communities in boarding schools.
With a background in Native American and Indigenous Studies, Multiethnic Literatures of the U.S., and critical theory, Dr. Stanciu brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. She has authored numerous books, articles, and chapters that explore the complex histories of Indigenous and immigrant literatures. Additionally, she serves on the editorial boards of several prestigious academic journals, further contributing to her respective fields of study.
Dr. Stanciu’s appointment as the Fulbright Canada Research Chair at King’s University College is not only a testament to her exceptional scholarship but also reflects the university’s dedication to truth-seeking and reconciliation. As an academic institution with a Catholic foundation, King’s recognizes the historical impact of Catholic educational institutions in perpetuating colonial racism and violence. By dedicating the Fulbright Canada Research Chair to the theme of Justice and Reconciliation, the university aims to foster dialogue, understanding, and healing.
The news of Dr. Stanciu’s appointment has been met with enthusiasm and support from the King’s University College community. Dr. Robert Ventresca, the Interim Vice-President Academic Dean, emphasizes the importance of truth and reconciliation as integral to the university’s mission. He believes that this pioneering appointment signifies the university’s genuine commitment to understanding and healing.
Jennifer Slay, the Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization (EDID) at King’s University College, expresses excitement about working with Dr. Stanciu in the upcoming academic year. She highlights the significance of preserving the true histories of Indigenous communities and the essential role that understanding and recognizing history play in preventing the repetition of past injustices.
As Dr. Stanciu embarks on her research and collaborations with the King’s University College community, there is great anticipation regarding the insights and perspectives she will bring to the field of justice and reconciliation. Her work promises to shed light on the experiences of Indigenous communities and contribute to the ongoing efforts towards understanding, healing, and creating a more just society.
King’s University College is a public Catholic university located in London, Ontario, Canada. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various disciplines and is affiliated with Western University. With its commitment to social justice, equality, and the holistic education of its students, King’s aims to make a meaningful impact on individuals and society as a whole.
For more information about King’s University College and Dr. Cristina Stanciu’s appointment as the Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Justice and Reconciliation, please contact Jane Antoniak, MCM, APR, Director of Communications & Media Relations, at [email protected] or visit the official website at www.kings.uwo.ca.
