[2] Her scholarship focuses on American Indian history, including the legacy of American Indian boarding schools in the United States,[3] the role of Ojibwe women in preserving culture,[4] Indigenous education, social history,[5] and the historical legacy of the jingle dress.

Child has worked closely with several museums and heritage organizations, including the Minnesota Historical Society.

[11] Additionally, Child offered her expertise for the Heard Museum as a consultant during the creation of the exhibit, Remembering our Indian School Days.

She has also curated museum exhibits and contributed to public history efforts, including co-founding the Ojibwe People's Dictionary with John Nichols.

[16][17][18] Dr. Child is currently working on a new book entitled, The Marriage Blanket: Love, Violence and the Law in Indian Country.