CBU’s Marcia Ostashewski Recognized as National Award Finalist

Cape Breton University is pleased to congratulate Dr. Marcia Ostashewski, Associate Professor of Ethnomusicology, who was announced as a finalist for a national award sponsored by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Impact Awards will be presented across three categories, with Dr. Ostashewski nominated in the Connection category, highlighting her leadership around “Building Sound Communities in Unama’ki: Fostering EDIA, Reconciliation and Decolonization through Community-Engaged Research-Creation.”

This initiative has resulted in a number of musical and cultural contributions, including the launch of the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings Sound Communities Series in 2023, which featured a range of musical influences and cultures. Dr. Ostashewski has been collaborating with Smithsonian Folkways to re-release a 1995 album by the Sons of Membertou, a local Mi’kmaw drum group. Building on this collaboration, the Sons of Membertou were featured during the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC this summer. Their album re-release is expected early in 2025.

While Dr. Ostashewski is identified as the principal investigator in the award nomination, it also recognizes Laurianne Sylvester, Dean of Unama’ki College; CBU’s Dr. Shauna MacDonald; Dr. Afua Cooper, Dalhousie University; Graham Marshall, community-based researcher and musician in the Sons of Membertou; and Dr. Jody Stark, University of Manitoba. Dr. Ostashewski feels honoured to be recognized as a finalist for this prestigious award and highlights the partnerships she says are the heart of the work.

“We are very grateful for the recognition of the collaborative work being done here in Unama’ki with diverse artists and communities, including local First Nations” says Dr. Ostashewski. Since the Centre for Sound Communities opened its doors a decade ago, we’ve been busy collaborating with numerous stakeholders from government, educational institutions and industry.” She says these collaborations continue to inspire the Centre’s pursuits.

“Most recently, we’ve been working toward decolonizing the music industry through action-oriented approaches, and training a new generation of professionals from marginalized backgrounds who are shaping the future of the industry – changing how people hear and think about diversity,” says Dr. Ostashewski. “In Unama’ki, we know so well that music plays a vital role in our lives. Changes in this sector have ripple effects in other aspects of Canadian life – benefitting people, communities and organizations across Turtle Island and beyond. I’m so very proud to work with these extraordinary people – we talk the talk of de-colonial theory, and we walk the walk together!”

In her roles as researcher, educator and Director of the Centre for Sound Communities, an arts-led social innovation lab, Dr. Ostashewski blends arts and creative practice, research and community engagement. Through the course of her research, she has engaged thousands of individuals through in-person and virtual events, including local, national and international collaborations. This includes a recent trip to New Zealand, which provided seven CBU Indigenous Arts students with an opportunity to explore the Māori culture through knowledge holders and musical traditions.

Dr. Tanya Brann-Barrett, CBU’s Associate Vice-President, Academic and Research, is proud to see Dr. Ostashewski representing CBU as an award finalist. “It’s wonderful to celebrate Dr. Ostashewski’s significant impacts around reconciliation and community engaged research with a global reach,” says Dr. Brann-Barrett. “She’s established trusted relationships in diverse communities, with scholars across disciplines, students and industry partners and is a well-deserving finalist for this award.”

The Connection Award recognizes an outstanding SSHRC-funded initiative that facilitates the flow and exchange of research knowledge within and beyond the social sciences and humanities research community. It is given to an individual or team whose initiative has engaged the campus and wider community, and has generated intellectual, cultural, social and economic impacts. Dr. Ostashewski is among three nationwide finalists, with the winner to be announced during an official presentation on November 25 in Ottawa. Best of luck, Dr. Ostashewski!