Olivia Maracle
To be a Public Scholar is to continue on with a great community of BIG IDEA creatives who build their O*W*N box, filling it with a confetti of hues like activism, social justice and imagination — all tools with which to uplift and support my much loved community of relations.
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Research description
This projects follows the The Kanyen’kehá:ka Tribal Clan Framework, a tribal methodology I envisioned and subsequently designed through my Nations organizational Clan structure. Here, we walk together through a creative journey of ancestry, blood memory, instinct and our senses with an aim to learn more about identity and Indigenous nurses while we together tend to ourselves as a powerhouse community through belonging, a return home and the maintenance of Nation-to-Nation skén:nen by way of collaboration, Storyworks and safe knowledges documentation.
What does being a Public Scholar mean?
To be a Public Scholar is to continue on with a great community of BIG IDEA creatives who build their O*W*N box, filling it with a confetti of hues like activism, social justice and imagination — all tools with which to uplift and support my much loved community of relations. Here, we are stronger together in a kaleidoscope of colours, using our tools to hold systems accountable by challenging old, stagnant, colonial institutions. Here we reach for the BRIGHTER, further stars by expanding the idea of possibility to include other ways of knowing, creative ways of living and Indigenous ways of drawing WITH the Land in a positive, forward motion journey.
In what ways do you think the PhD experience can be re-imagined with this Initiative?
I believe in a PhD experience that is personal, unique and does not follow "a usual" or a well-trod pathway. It is of my opinion that we must use the journey as a tool to honour and support the communities we love. The PhD, in my opinion, is synonymous with ACTIVISM.
How do you envision connecting your PhD work with broader career possibilities?
Frankly, this experience is not about myself. Nor is it about my job or career possibilities. That is a VERY western vision of stake and claim, and not one I share. My work in this pathway is with and for community.
How does your research engage with the larger community and social partners?
My interests through this pathway are wholly connective. I am always searching for collaborative others who naturally support one another through their creative journeys — forever-seekers of new ways to listen and share! Particularly key to me are those who share a value system of FREEDOM and EMANCIPATION!
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
Honestly, it felt natural to move from my MSN program to a PhD in Nursing experience. What started as gentle turning waters — an exploration of Indigenous leadership — became a river moving swiftly forward! I want to know more about my own community of Indigenous nurses. What I was and was not offered to me in my academic journey, in terms of knowledges from home, was fuel further unravelling my curiosity. As I was the only Indigenous learner in my program, I felt an incredible sense of what I've called "a missing" during my academic nursing pathway. I was encouraged by relations and colleagues to stay on the good path and, as I am a creative, BIG IDEA person (!), staying to collaborate and offer opportunities to other Indigenous academics, seemed a fitting journey for me.
Why did you choose to come to British Columbia and study at UBC?
I have been at UBC for the majority of my post secondary career. I have also been employed with UBC throughout those years. In terms of reputation, opportunity, collaboration and gold-star encouraging colleagues, I have certainly found an academic home where I can thrive. Additionally, I live in North Vancouver so in terms of accessibility, UBC is my natural choice.
What is it specifically that your program offers that attracted you?
This PhD program feels an extension of what I was working on during my MSN program. Further, as my day job is that of an Rn, specializing in nursing makes sense to me. I also identify as a lesbian and as Indigenous (Mohawk). Both of these worlds, and those minority communities that intersect with and around them, interest me. I do not see enough of either of them or their connected groupings/communities in leadership positions within nursing. This is precisely where I wish to position myself within my PhD, and it is this program that will allow me the space to explore. Additionally, I can work while I continue my studies. In a place like Vancouver, this freedom is critical.
For you, what was the best surprise about graduate life, about UBC or life in Vancouver?
I have lived in Vancouver for most of my adult life, so I cannot say I am surprised by anything in particular! I will say there is a gap between what happens out in the nursing world, and what is happening in academics. This is not specific to UBC, but a generalization. I think we need to work on relevancy. I think we need to talk to people outside of academics, versus staying safe within our professional circles. I believe this would tailor our focus more accurately on current ideology and movements happening in marginalized communities in Vancouver, right now.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
I was an animal nurse (Animal Health Technician), for many years before I was a human nurse, so the concept of building and the creation or concept of leadership has been ever relevant to me. We grow over time, one piece on another, one breath after another. You will have many careers and many interests that will turn into something else, so the idea of preparation and the conception of who I am, and who you are, is forever evolving, forever dreaming and forever engaging.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Talk to people within and outside of your circles. Think about what is missing in your workplaces, your studies — the gaps. Connect with your muses. Don't be afraid to reach out, raise your hand or stand tall. Think about your advantages and your place. Give up your space, your benefits, your spotlight, and focus them on communities, worlds and people you care about. Think about the concepts of power and hope. Think about accessibility. Think about where you want to spend your lived days and hours. Your time is precious on this earth so make it relevant, make it matter. Be brave.
