“Take a deep breath. Listen. These are the stories that need to be heard.”
These were the first words I heard walking into FNST/WMST 306 this fall semester at UNBC, and they set the tone for what would become one of the most transformative experiences of my academic journey. The course, Indigenous Women: Perspectives, isn’t just a class—it’s a celebration, a revelation, and a powerful journey of self-discovery.
The magic of this course lies in its heartbeat—the Four R’s: Relationship, Responsibility, Respect, and Reciprocity. These Indigenous values aren’t just abstract ideas written on our syllabus; they come alive in every class discussion, every guest speaker’s story, and every shared moment of understanding. Through these teachings, I found myself reflecting deeply on my own identity, values, and place in the world.
These foundational principles took on even deeper meaning as we prepared for our final gallery projects. Each student was tasked with honoring an Indigenous woman who exemplified these values through her life’s work. For my project, I had the privilege of researching Dr. Lillian Eva Dyck—a trailblazing scientist, advocate, and leader whose resilience and determination broke through profound systemic barriers.
Born in 1945 in Saskatchewan, Dr. Dyck became one of the first First Nations women in Canada to earn a doctorate in sciences. Her journey, from facing educational discrimination to becoming a Full Professor in Neuropsychiatry and Associate Dean at the University of Saskatchewan, is nothing short of extraordinary.
But Dr. Dyck’s contributions extend far beyond academia. As Canada’s first female First Nations senator and first Canadian-born Chinese senator, she successfully championed Bill S-3, which restored Indian Status to over 80,000 Indigenous women. Her groundbreaking research in neuropsychiatric conditions, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia, has illuminated biochemistry’s role in Indigenous populations.
What resonated most deeply with me was Dr. Dyck’s powerful quote: “Now I have my PhD. I have earned the highest possible degree. Now I can admit that I’m an Indian and no one can look down on me.” Her story exemplifies resilience—transforming early adversity into a force for positive change while mentoring others and championing Indigenous women’s rights and education.
The gallery event itself was electric. The halls of UNBC transformed into a living museum of Indigenous excellence, featuring stories like Dr. Dyck’s alongside many other remarkable Indigenous women and Two-Spirit people who have shaped our world. Each poster represented a unique story of resistance, resilience, and triumph, weaving together a powerful narrative of Indigenous women’s strength.
Throughout the semester, we explored difficult topics like colonization, violence, and systemic inequities. Yet the course always framed these challenges through a lens of survival, strength, and the power of community. Guest speakers, films, readings, and discussions invited us to see the complexities of history and present-day realities while celebrating the achievements of Indigenous women.
Each class was a mirror—reflecting not just historical truths but also helping me understand my own journey, beliefs, and responsibilities. By the end of the semester, I realized I had gained more than knowledge; I had gained a deeper understanding of myself, my values, and my place in the world.
The stories we studied have become part of my own story, shaping how I see myself and my responsibility to contribute to positive change. When we lift up Indigenous women, we lift up all of humanity—a lesson that has forever changed how I see myself and my place in the world.
For anyone considering this course, prepare for both an academic journey and a deeply personal one. FNST/WMST 306 offers more than just knowledge—it provides a transformative space where learning about others becomes a pathway to understanding yourself. In a world that often feels divided, this course demonstrates the power of coming together to learn, share, and grow.
After all, when we honor the resilience and brilliance of Indigenous women, we honor the strength of humanity itself.
