Indigenous Studies

As a single mom, providing her young daughter with a bright future motivated Sarah Rain to work towards her degree, while also navigating the challenges of work, life, and parenthood.

Recent graduate, Ashley Kyne, won the Lieutenant Governor General Medal of Inclusion, Democracy and Reconciliation for her advocacy and community service. She reflects on her experiences and learnings during her undergraduate degree, including her work in challenging colonial narratives on and beyond campus. 

Ashley Kyne wins the Inclusion, Democracy, and Reconciliation Medal for her selfless contributions to the SFU community and beyond.

Vanessa Gottfriedson’s journey toward earning her BA in Indigenous Studies started in 2005. During her nearly two decades as an SFU student, Vanessa’s life transformed in a myriad of ways. 

As the Communications Program Assistant at the Indigenous Student Centre at SFU it is my job to create content to share with students that not only promote our programs, but foster community. Read more to find out how it went!

Since the Truth and Reconciliation Committee convened in 2008, reconciliation has been an issue on many minds but what is reconciliation? Here, three community members explore some of the issues and realities behind reconciliation. 

Since the Truth and Reconciliation Committee convened in 2008, reconciliation has been an issue on many minds but what is reconciliation? Here, three community members explore some of the issues and realities behind reconciliation. 

Since the Truth and Reconciliation Committee convened in 2008, reconciliation has been an issue on many minds but what is reconciliation? Here, three community members explore some of the issues and realities behind reconciliation. 

The Q&A you never knew you needed… but you do. Answering commonly asked questions around the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.  Here is one perspective using Indigenous pedagogy. 

Since the Truth and Reconciliation Committee convened in 2008, reconciliation has been an issue on many minds but what is reconciliation? Here, three community members explore some of the issues and realities behind reconciliation. 

We deserve more and so do our Indigenous youth. The justification of our suffering needs to stop.

Theresa did her co-op as a residence worker.  She shares about her learning experiences and her future goals.

"In all of my years, I worked to be well known, respected and network with many people.  Those networks proved to be worth-while as I worked my way up the ladder.  It pays to make good connections that has strategically helped me out when I needed them." 

"My proudest moment was being the first of a class of 12 from NEC to graduate at SFU. There are so many obstacles one must crawl over to get a degree especially being an older student" Read Karen's story of overcoming obstacles and rising to success. 

Dr. Sarah Hunt As an ally to sex workers, Sarah seeks to strengthen relationships between Indigenous sex workers and other members of Indigenous communities in order to confront the stigma and criminalization which contributes to increased violence.

Hear some of the backgrounds and aspirations of the First Nations Student Association board members. A showcase of the diversity within the student led organization here at SFU.

Alissa Derrick is from the Wet’suwet’en Nation located in Moircetown, British Columbia. She is currently in her last year here at SFU, working towards a double minor in Criminology and First Nation Studies.

Even before the first month of my one year co-op contract with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) was over, I knew that my co-op experience was going to be different from what I had ever suspected I was getting myself into.