In the depth of academia, where knowledge intertwines with passion and aspiration, four Indigenous faculty members vividly paint the narratives of resilience and community. Dr. Kimberly Huyser, Dr. Christopher Hammerly, Dr. Gabrielle Legault, and Dr. Pasang Yangjee Sherpa stand as pillars of both academic excellence and cultural dedication within UBC’s Faculty of Arts. Beyond their scholarly achievements, these scholars embody an extensive commitment to their Indigeneity and the pursuit of knowledge.
In this blog post, UBC IRSI embarks on an insightful conversation with these remarkable scholars, delving into their experiences, observations, and aspirations. Their candid responses resonate with authenticity, offering a glimpse into the nuanced world of Indigenous faculty members at UBC. Their responses also serve as testaments to the resilience ingrained within Indigenous communities and the transformative power of education. As they navigate the intersectionality of academia and cultural identity, these scholars exemplify the strength derived from honoring one's roots while pursuing for academic excellence.
The most (inspirational/motivational/beautiful) thing about Indigenous-led research is {....}
“The most beautiful thing about Indigenous-led research is the opportunity to elevate Indigenous voices to address health and well-being.”
-Dr. Kimberly Huyser
What advice would you give to other Indigenous individuals considering a career in academia or specifically in the Arts? How can they navigate the challenges they may face and find success in their chosen field?
“The most important advice I can give is to extend a spirit of generosity to yourself, and not be too hard on yourself when you don’t meet the perfect ideal. Indigenous scholars are generally pulled in many different directions, and need to work hard to find the balance between academic pursuits and community/family responsibility. The pressure can build. As long as you are working towards that balance, even if it isn’t always perfect, even if the steps are seemingly small, you’re on the right path. There is lots of space to do both academically impactful work that exercises your intellect, while also contributing to the survivance of your family, community, and self. The opposition between these two areas is not nearly as clear cut as it may seem!”
-Dr. Christopher Hammerly
The most (inspirational/motivational/beautiful) thing about Indigenous-led research is {....}
“I recently reflected on a gathering we organized that included many community members, such as Elders, knowledge keepers, and youth. We met to discuss our current work, plan for the future, and listen to the community's priorities. What struck me most was the respect shown to every voice in the circle, including the quietest youth who shared important perspectives. The gathering was infused with "heart-work," as everyone—researchers, students, staff, and community members—opened up to the discussions, which were sometimes emotional and difficult but embraced as part of our collective work. As an Indigenous scholar, being able to bring my whole self, including my emotional and spiritual sides, to my research has made the work deeply fulfilling. Seeing how invested everyone is in our research motivates me to continue collaborating with community partners to co-develop research that is meaningful and purposeful for everyone involved.”
-Dr. Gabrielle Legault
The most (inspirational/motivational/beautiful) thing about Indigenous-led research is {....}
“The beautiful thing about Indigenous-led research is all the futures we will create together!”
-Dr. Pasang Yangjee Sherpa