What does it take to be a man?

Jeff Green | Dec 15, 2011

This question has been asked throughout time in various contexts across cultures.

Now it is going to be asked of the local Algonquin Community.

Queen’s University Cultural Studies PhD student, Ian Fanning, has been engaged in questions of masculinity for the past few years of his academic career.

In May 2010, Ian graduated with his Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree from Queen's School of Religion and in August 2011 he completed his Master of Arts (MA) in Religion and Modernity degree at Queen's. Ian was accepted into the PhD Cultural Studies program at Queen's University and has engaged the first year of the program. His main academic interests are religions and masculinities, ritual and rites of passage theory, male initiation and indigenous masculinities.

“I first became interested in the study of masculinity while completing my MTS at Queen’s. I began looking at the lack of rituals for men in the Church. During my MA, I moved into the study of ritual theory and rites of initiation for men and how these rites are nearly extinct in our society today. But with most scholars complaining about the decline of male ritual, not many are willing to do much about it. So, I began looking at practical alternatives for men today, and eventually I was drawn to the study of Indigenous Masculinities,” he said.

In the second half of his MA, he enrolled in a course entitled “Carrying the Burden of Peace”: Exploring Indigenous Masculinities Through Story.” The course was offered by Dr. Sam McKegney, who is now the supervisor of Ian’s doctoral work. McKegney said, “Sam has conducted brilliant work on Indigenous Masculinities. I’m thrilled to be working with him. His most recent work on this topic is scheduled to be published in a journal at Oxford.” Under the guidance of Dr. McKegney, Ian has now embarked on a study of Algonquin masculinity in the Sharbot Lake area.

Ian learned of his Algonquin heritage a few years ago, but admits he is unversed in Algonquin ways.

“My Algonquin heritage comes from my grandmother England’s side of the family, but I am just beginning to learn Algonquin practices and expressions. This will no doubt be a lifelong commitment. I think the way that many indigenous men live can teach settler men important lessons about community, self-respect and care for Turtle Island. I am specifically interested in assessing the current state of male initiation rites among Algonquin men and the degree to which these rites have been affected by colonial interventions,” he said.

Ian has been helped in his research by Chief Doreen Davis, who has spoken with him and provided strong research leads and contacts. Ian is eager to talk to Algonquin individuals who wish to provide input into his research, and encourages them to contact him at Queen’s at 613-533-6690 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. “Indigenous men, particularly Algonquin men, have a sacred story to tell that has not been truly heard for some time. It is truly a privilege to be present as this valuable story is finally retold to people who are beginning to recognize and understand its value!”

Ian studies and works at Queen’s University. He resides in Verona where he and his wife are raising their three young children. He is the grandson of local Sharbot Lake residents, Robert and Doreen England.