David McAtackney is the Research Engagement Strategist at the RSHDC. He is a Masters of Library and Information Studies graduate from UBC’s iSchool, which he completed with a First Nations Curriculum Concentration. His experience working in the fields of social science and health spans throughout many Indigenous communities and organizations, including the First Nations and Indigenous Studies department at UBC, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Musqueam First Nation, Cowichan Tribes and the Gitxsan First Nation. David’s interest in the RSHDC’s work began when he took a tour of the Centre while still a Research Analyst with the First Nations Health Authority.
Through his role, David aims to contribute to the healing journey for Survivors and communities affected by residential schools by providing research support. One of his main efforts is to create and maintain a safe space at the Centre, and to ensure that it is culturally safe and trauma-informed. David believes that to have such a space, it is crucial to engage in community-led and oriented knowledge exchange with the people who the space is intended for. This outlook reaches into David’s philosophy as someone who practices “cultural humility.”
“It is important for me to always keep in mind that the direction and impetus for what we do should always be coming from Survivors and Indigenous communities, and the benefits from that work should also flow back in that direction as well.”
Going forward, David is excited for the future of the Centre and potential projects. Though already pleased with the current scope of the work and the range of perspectives, David is looking forward to contributing to the growth of resources available at the RSHDC. With an interest in related areas like day schools and “Indian” hospitals, David hopes that as the Centre’s materials grow, an expansion of understanding and dialogue will also occur.
