Cheryl Bartlett

Dr. Cheryl Bartlett – Named to the Order of Canada

A pioneer of non-traditional post-secondary science education, Dr. Cheryl Bartlett has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada by Governor General David Johnson. Dr. Bartlett is a sought after expert in her field, holds a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Integrative Science and is the Director of the Institute for Integrative Science and Health at Cape Breton University.

Dr. Bartlett has been recognized for her contributions to developing a new approach to integrating Mi’kmaq learning traditions into post-secondary science education. The Order of Canada was established 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The centerpiece of Canada’s honours system, the Order of Canada recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.

Integrative Science brings together knowledges and ways of knowing from Indigenous and Western scientific world views for the purposes of science education, research, applications, and outreach to Aboriginal youth and community – Two-Eyed Seeing. Through collaborative work with Elders from First Nations communities in Cape Breton, specifically Albert and Murdena Marshall, as well as colleagues from CBU, Dr. Bartlett’s team was able to successfully build the program to what it is today. Established in the 1990s as a concept for innovative undergraduate academic programming in the post-secondary science education arena, at present the program also includes research, application and community outreach supported by the Institute for Integrative Science and Health.

This visionary and co-learning research program has received international acclaim and as a result of its success Two-Eyed Seeing has been adopted by communities across Canada. The program’s diverse researchers have presented their work globally and the success of the program is also evidenced by the many graduates who are currently working in and  contributing to their communities.

The Order of Canada is a testament to Dr. Bartlett’s Research Program and the strides it has made since its inception. More information on the research program can be found at www.integrativescience.ca