Welcome
BU CARES Research Centre is a vibrant and innovative space dedicated to research with rural, northern, and Indigenous communities, school divisions, and related organizations.
Founded in 2008 as an institute of the Faculty of Education at Brandon University, we provide a supportive environment where students, faculty, and researchers can collaborate and develop their ideas. Our facilities include four individual offices, one shared working space, computing resources and research equipment, a library, and a comfortable meeting room. Our team is available to offer guidance and support, and our research initiatives cover a broad range of interests and methodologies, including arts-based research. We strive to be an open, welcoming space where the exchange of ideas and knowledge can thrive.
15 years
in operation
2.5M awarded for research projects
20+ partners & collaborators
50+ student jobs created
Get Involved
Subscribe to updates, donate, connect with current research, engage your staff, or submit a research question. LEARN MORE
Publications
Discover the impact of Brandon University’s academic research, creative activities and expertise. LEARN MORE
Podcast
Join Jackie Kirk and Michelle Lam as they interview guests whose research directly impacts classrooms in the real world. PODCASTS
The CARES Email Newsletter
Learn what’s new at CARES with bi-monthly research updates. Sign-up today and stay current.
Michelle Lam, PhD - Director
Director’s Message
Welcome to BU CARES!
Rural and Indigenous student success is at the heart of all that we do. We have researchers working on understanding more about what success means, how students can feel like they belong, what supports are necessary, how to combat racism, what we can learn from pandemic education, how to foster strong identities, and more.
The particular research interests of our various projects are all brought
together under the umbrella of deep caring and the desire to see rural and Indigenous students succeed. We bring together the interests of community groups and the interests of researchers to form a collaboration because we believe that we are stronger when we are working together.
You can think of BU CARES as a research hub, a conduit for community-university connections, a knowledge brokerage, or all three. We also provide training and support for student researchers and faculty members in their own research projects.
Please feel free to browse our website. All reports and publications from past research projects are free, and we have a weekly periodical, Research Connection, that features a 2-page summary of a recent research project from Brandon University. Be sure to also check out our podcast, Leaning In and Speaking Out.
“Working with CARES has been both educational and life-changing. I learned many life lessons from knowledgeable scholars, community members, Elders, and most importantly, Indigenous youth whom I was blessed to meet and work with over the years. I grew as a researcher, writer, and collaborator, and continue to use the skills I’ve gained in my day-to-day work.”
— Erin Paupanekis
Mission
We help identify and answer research questions generated collaboratively with community research partners, develop faculty and graduate student research capacity, facilitate connections between university researchers and community members, and promote research related to rural and Indigenous education.
Values
Connection
Creativity
Usefulness
Integrity
Rural and Indigenous students are at the heart of all we do.
Connecting university researchers with the community members who live it.
Knowledge can be found in many places. Join Jackie Kirk and Michelle Lam as they interview guests whose research and lived experience directly impact classrooms in the real world. Whether you are a teacher, administrator, researcher, or just want to hear more about issues facing kids these days, this is the podcast for you.
EPISODE #73
Our Partners
We are grateful for our previous and continuing partnerships which allow our work to continue. For more information about partnering with BU CARES, please contact us.
