Point of Beginning Mx. Science
This is one of three case studies conducted as part of my research that seeks to explore how ethical knowledge conciliation may come to matter within community-based polar bear research. This particular case study was informed by the other two: community-based co-creative filmmaking, and the organization of the final BearWatch (pre-)workshops. The following track cuts across a performance based exploration of how the technicalities of drag may unsettle certain taken for granted positions within the culture of western sciences when encountering another.
Nukatugaq - Mx. Science
Mx. Science, is a persona that I had developed as a responsive exploration towards understanding what it means to encounter another in a third space. By querying the boundaries and properties of the scientists as a phenomenon, I was seeking to gain a sensitized understanding of the possible ways of being a scientists outside of the systemic conventions of the western institute - in the third space.
However, I did not want to do so without the explicit sanction of the communities that I was working in.
I had first introduced Mx. Science to the school in Coral Harbour, by invitation of the grade four teacher and with permission from the school principle. Mx. Science, being a very colourful and playful character was received positively by the school, students and teachers. No formal data was collected, but I received informal feedback that my presence was very much enjoyed from multiple people in the school.
After this brief but positive experience, I introduced Mx. Science during the second day of the pre-workshop in Gjoa Haven, to discuss its potential and the desirability of introducing a playful element into an important gathering. Again, the persona was very positively received, and the decision was made with sanction from the Gjoa Haven HTA, the BearWatch PI's and the advisory committee of the pre-workshop to host the final gathering as Mx. Science.
"Mx. Science" invites especially non-indigenous researchers to rethink and reflect on their role and position in our scientific landscape. As a figure that potentially unsettles several norms within the Arctic sciences, Mx. Science holds potential to invoke conversations, and create a liminal space to build new relationships. As a situated performance it is both an exercise in new ways of engaging each other through genuine curiosity, as well as an effective tool to que(e)ry where and when differentiated bodies dis/connect in space.
Keep going, to keep following the cut of the Mx. Science.
Cut 3 "Wayfaring the BW Project"
Queer performance / gender
Annual Scientific Meeting Mx. Science
Landmark: "The Great white Beast"
The Liminal
Another point of beginning:ASM, Utrecht, RIFS
Detour:Cut 2 Aesthetic (in)action in BearWatch