Algoma University Professor Edits Special Edition on Indigenous Fire Knowledge

Paulette Steeves, a professor at Algoma University, has been appointed as the Special Edition Editor for the upcoming December 2025 issue of the American Indian Culture and Research Journal (AICRJ). This edition, titled “Pyroepistomology: Reclaiming Knowledge, Histories, Lands, Relations,” aims to explore the significance of Indigenous fire knowledge and its implications for contemporary ecological understanding.

Steeves, who holds the position of Professor of Geography, Geology, and Land Stewardship, has contributed an introduction that delves into how Indigenous practices surrounding fire, land stewardship, and interwoven histories can redefine modern perspectives on science and culture. “Indigenous fire knowledge is not only about the past; it is a living system of relationships, responsibilities, and teachings that continue to guide how we care for land and one another,” she stated in a recent press release.

Highlighting Indigenous Knowledge Systems

This special edition emphasizes the importance of Indigenous epistemologies in addressing ongoing ecological challenges and nurturing respectful relationships with the environment. According to Steeves, the insights offered in this issue are crucial for understanding how Indigenous communities interact with their lands and histories.

Steeves is recognized as a leading scholar in Indigenous archaeology and decolonial research. Her work not only advances Indigenous-centered methodologies but also challenges prevailing colonial narratives within the fields of archaeology and anthropology. Her research initiatives include creating comprehensive databases of Pleistocene archaeology sites across the Americas, as well as reframing deep Indigenous histories through Indigenous knowledge systems.

Through this special edition, Steeves underscores the resilience of Indigenous knowledge and the necessity of reclaiming connections to land, history, and community. By centering these perspectives, the issue aims to foster deeper appreciation and understanding of Indigenous contributions to ecological stewardship.

The American Indian Culture and Research Journal is a well-respected, peer-reviewed publication known for its commitment to high-quality scholarship in American Indian and Indigenous studies. The December 2025 special edition will be accessible through UCLA’s open-access platform, allowing a wider audience to engage with its contents.

For those interested in learning more about Paulette Steeves and her work, additional information can be found on her website. Details about the Geography, Geology, and Land Stewardship program at Algoma University are also available for those looking to explore Indigenous perspectives in academia.