Dr. de Stecher's research focus is Indigenous art histories, using decolonizing approaches and methodologies to re-vision Indigenous visual arts and material culture. Her research engages with narratives of contact and cultural continuity. Her areas of expertise include historical and contemporary Indigenous visual arts with a focus on eastern Woodlands and Inuit art, material culture research, museum and curatorial studies. Dr. de Stecher's recent study of Indigenous histories of diplomacy takes a fresh look at 18C intercultural engagement and trade silver, a project to decolonize colonial archives and center Indigenous voice. In museum studies, Dr. de Stecher's new project looks at recent exhibitions (2017 and 2018) in Canada. Their curatorial approaches demonstrate a marked shift in exhibition practice, with a strong Indigenous presence. Dr.de Stecher's study considers the impact of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report's Calls to Action on curatorial practice.
keywords
Indigenous art histories, material culture, critical museology and museum studies, materiality, decolonizing and settler colonialism theories and methodologies, women's histories, Canadian art history, gender studies, Indigenous diplomatic histories
