Dr. Kayla Murphy holds a Master’s and Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, where her research examined how post-secondary institutions can more effectively advance reconciliation by embedding Indigenous epistemologies, strengthening cultural connections, and adopting a Two-Eyed Seeing approach to professional learning. Her work critically analyzes the impacts of colonized educational structures on Indigenous students’ sense of culture, identity, and belonging, and proposes organizational change strategies that foster inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments in which Indigenous voices are recognized and valued alongside Western perspectives. As an Eagle Feather Recipient, a distinction recognized in many Indigenous Nations as one of the highest honours for contributions to community and education, Dr. Murphy brings a longstanding commitment to ethical pedagogy, academic excellence, and relational accountability. At Yorkville University, Dr. Murphy advances equity-focused, decolonizing, and transformative pedagogies that engage students in understanding how culturally grounded approaches can improve educational experiences and outcomes for diverse communities.
Research Interests: Decolonizing Education, Indigenous Leadership, Indigenous Research Methods, Indigenous Epistemologies, Two-Eyed Seeing
