Laura Beaudry is an Indigenous transfer student from Langara, she is a third-year student pursuing an Anthropology major. Since arriving to campus, Laura has found many ways to get involved on campus and is currently the Indigenous Liaison for CiTR radio station. Read more to learn more about Laura and her goal to attend Law School!
You were previously a student at Langara, what made you decide to attend UBC?
UBC has always been in my sights because I want to attend J.D. Allard School of Law. It is in my city that I am not ready to leave yet, my father-in-law went there and it is highly recommended by lawyers that I have talked to. Last year, I applied for the Centennial Entrance Award and was fortunate enough to be a successful applicant, so that really sealed the deal that UBC was the place for me.
What are you studying at UBC and how did you decide on your major?
I am studying a major in Anthropology major and a minor in Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice. Before I made the choice to come back to school, I interviewed lawyers and they said it didn’t matter what I studied, because, “Nothing prepares you for law school”. A friend of mine, now in law school, thought that I would really enjoy Anthropology. I was already leaning towards the Social Sciences and when I really considered it, I knew that the study of past and present humans would be beneficial to my understanding of Canadian society. Now I have come to find that Anthropology works well alongside the law, especially in British Columbia because anthropologists work towards discovering and dating historical villages which can assist in land claims.
You’re the Indigenous Liaison for CiTR radio station, what do you do in your role?
As the Indigenous Liaison I am a part of the Student Executive team at CiTR. This means I am the connection between Unceded Airwaves and the Student Exec and the community and the Student Exec. The Indigenous Radio Collective, which is a group of students who run the Unceded Airwaves show, has certain goals they need to hit by the end of the school year, such as producing radio documentaries and contributing to Discorder magazine. I have been coming up with ideas for the show or radio docs and connecting the Indigenous Radio Collective coordinator, Autumn, with contacts or pointing her in the right direction. I also help CiTR and Discorder staff with questions they have about Indigenous-related content and give advice about certain content the station/magazine puts out.
What other ways are you involved on campus and do you have any tips for other students to find community and friendships on campus?
I try to attend every workshop held by the ASA so I can stay informed about my educational future. This is where I meet a lot of people which makes it easier to connect — so thanks, ASA! Volunteering with CiTR has also been great in helping me get to know the campus, find peers to lead me in the right direction and gives me another safe haven I can relax in on campus.
What are some of your hobbies or volunteer positions you do off-campus?
I volunteer with Corrections Services Canada at halfway houses where I provide peer support for Indigenous men coming out of prison. I work with the volunteer coordinators to create unique experiences for myself and them – In October we visited a corn maze which was really fun! It is important for them to interact with those who are not involved with the prison system to induce some sort of normalcy while they transition out of corrections and into independence. It is also a valuable experience for me as I listen to their stories and gain a better understanding of their perspectives.
I have so many other interests on my radar that I am dying to pursue and not enough time to complete them all! Can I just be in school forever?
Tell us what your plans are after you complete your undergraduate?
I am applying for law school next year, so more school! I think there is a real need for more Indigenous representation in the field of law. I am so hurt and dissatisfied with the way that Indigenous people have been treated by this colonial system and I want to take part in changing policies that protect Indigenous rights. It feels contradictory sometimes because I am essentially joining the very system that has oppressed us, but I see too many of our people being hurt by broken promises, racism, gender exclusion, and other forms of violence, so it’s not that I want to become a lawyer, I need to become a lawyer. The spirit of my ancestors, and all those who have been taken from us are the driving force that enables me to keep moving forward and aid in the fight for change and equality.
ASA Tip: Interested in listening or getting involved with the Aboriginal Collective and Unceded Airwaves at CiTR (UBC’s Campus radio station)? Then go check out their Website, Facebook and Twitter. Listen to the Indigneous Leadership Collective’s podcast on CiTR Here.
