Story produced by ASA Peer Advisor, Tiana Bone
Deirdre Morrison grew up on Haudenosaunee territory in Aurora, Ontario but is now living on Musqueam territory in Vancouver and Anishinaabe territory when in Owen Sound, Ontario. Deirdre is Métis with Cree and Anishinaabe roots from her paternal grandmother. She is also of Irish and Welsh heritage. She is entering the fourth year of her undergraduate studies at UBC, with a major in First Nations and Indigenous Studies (FNIS) and a minor in Political Science. Outside of school, Deirdre’s main interests are cooking, painting and dancing.
What would you say your biggest success has been at UBC so far?
I would have to say that my biggest success at UBC so far would be engaging with community in a new and meaningful way. Being involved with the Indigenous Leadership Collective has allowed me the opportunity to surround myself with strong and empowered Indigenous youth. Together, the Indigenous youth on campus foster an environment of respect, unity and motivation. As a result, I have built friendships along with a much greater sense of inner strength. I also love meeting the new members each year, and watching their confidences grow over time.
Did you always know you wanted to study First Nations and Indigenous studies?
I came to university under the impression that there would be no other area of study for me than Political Science. However after taking Dr. Daniel Justice’s FNIS 100 course, I knew that my time in Indigenous Studies should not end there. I needed to learn more about the land I study and live on, and about the knowledge that the Indigenous leaders and peers around me had to offer. I had only scratched the surface. FNIS has since allowed me to meet and learn from some great role models including Dr. Dory Nason and Dr. Sarah Hunt. As I enter my year of practicum (FNIS 400), I am grateful for the learning opportunities I’ve had. I know that my choice to study FNIS will encourage me to keep learning about Indigenous strength and resistance long after I graduate.
What are your plans after you complete your undergraduate studies?
My plans after graduation are to go to law school and become a lawyer with specializations in human/civil rights, and to potentially engage with Treaty law.
You are involved with the Indigenous Leadership Collective, what has been your experience so far? (Favourite memories, events, activities, etc)
My favourite moments with the group so far would be the introduction potluck we had while I was in second year, winning our race in “Day of the Longboat”, and marching in support of the Wet’suwet’en nation’s sovereignty this past year. These experiences really unified the group. Even if I miss one or two events, I know there will be another. All the people I have met in the group have taught me something different.
What advice would you give your younger self starting at UBC?
If I had the opportunity to give my younger self some advice before coming to UBC, I would tell her to not put so much pressure on herself academically. I would also advise prioritizing balance between her mental, emotional, physical and spiritual states of being. Lastly, I would tell her to be diligent with her readings, but I tell this to my current self as well. Altogether, my time at UBC has been very different from what I expected it to be. It has been far greater. There have been moments of doubt and despair, but I have surprised myself with my ability to surpass those moments. I could not have done it without an unwavering sense of support from my peers and from ASA.
ASA Tip: Interested in joining the Indigenous Leadership Collective? Join the Facebook group.
