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"We must cherish our inheritance. We must preserve our nationality for the youth of our future. The story should be written down to pass on."
Louis Riel (Racette & Ross, 2010)
My journey in occupational therapy began in 2009 when I walked into the first class of the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at the University of Alberta. Like many of my peers I was excited, nervous and filled with a passion for helping people, but I had only a vague idea of what occupational therapy would hold for me.
Before I share my story, it is important that I introduce myself and emphasize that this story is mine alone. I cannot and do not speak for the experiences of other Aboriginal occupational therapists. I can only share my story and hope that, through it, I can contribute a unique voice to the profession.
I am Métis through my mother and Finnish through my father. Like many Métis people, I grew up close to my large extended family and spent much of my childhood learning about our family values and history. I grew up aware of my Aboriginal heritage but was always cautious about sharing this part of me. As my family and I begin to shake off generations of colonialism that taught us to be ashamed of our Aboriginal status, I now feel empowered to share my story to help the Métis culture remain vibrant and alive (Iseke-Barnes, 2009).
Loneliness as a minority student
Before entering occupational therapy, I completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Native Studies and participated in an innovative Aboriginal youth leadership internship with the British Columbia Public Service. I had the privilege of being surrounded by Aboriginal friends, family and colleagues who unwaveringly encouraged me in my journey as an academic, a professional and a young Métis woman. As I entered into occupational therapy with the intention to use my new career to improve the health and well-being of Aboriginal people, I knew I had their full support.
During my first semester, in addition to the whirlwind of learning transfers, occupational therapy theory, anatomy and research methods, I soon found myself in a new position I had not yet experienced as a Métis woman: I...