Biomedical sciences student supports STEM opportunities in urban Indigenous communities
Meet Alacea Yerxa, the FOS recipient of the 2022-23 Wipro Awards for Indigenous students, who is actively working to increase representation and the quality of healthcare services for Indigenous people in urban communities. These awards were established to support Indigenous students in their studies at TMU while fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment on campus by Wipro, a leading global information technology, consulting, and business process services company.
Having moved from Couchiching First Nation in Northwestern Ontario to the heart of downtown Toronto to study biomedical sciences, Yerxa has immersed herself in the Indigenous community through initiatives within and outside of TMU. We connected with Yerxa to learn more about her involvement with the community and her efforts to inspire Indigenous youth to pursue careers in STEM.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself, your Indigenous background and how it has shaped your personal and academic journey.
Boozhoo nindawemaaganidog, Giizibaa Giizigoons nindigoo anishinaabemowin. Name nindoodem, Couchiching First Nation niin nindoonjibaa.
Boozhoo, my name is Alacea Yerxa and my spirit name is Giizibaa Giizigoons, which translates to the centre part of a whirlwind. I am Anishinaabe on both sides of my family, but also acknowledge my Italian ancestry on my maternal side. I am part of the sturgeon clan, originally from Couchiching First Nation, located on Treaty Three Territory in Northwestern Ontario. I am a traditional jingle dress and fancy shawl dancer, and my favourite time of year is spring and summer when I participate in Pow Wows and various cultural celebrations in my community and surrounding areas.
I grew up in my home community for the entirety of my life, having only moved away recently to attend university. I am in my third year of the biomedical sciences program at TMU and hope to pursue a Master’s degree after completing this program.
2. Can you share what the transition looked like for you when moving from Northern Ontario to an urban environment for school?
The transition from a small community in a rural area to the largest city in Canada was very challenging. There were both highs and lows in the moving process. However, the highs outweighed the lows, and I am happy about my decision. I will always have my family to thank, as they are my biggest supporters. My family helped me move and showed me outlets within the city if I ever needed to decompress, making the transition feel less daunting than I initially felt it would be. I am very grateful to have a family that continually pushes and supports me to pursue and achieve my dreams.
3. What Indigenous groups or initiatives are you involved in on and off campus?
Currently, I am working as the Indigenous Outreach Lead at the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Sciences at TMU, focusing on bringing STEM opportunities to the urban Indigenous community within the GTA. As an Indigenous undergraduate student in a STEM program, I feel that representation is crucial for success, and want to increase the representation of Indigenous people in STEM fields.
I also work as a research assistant at the Well Living House, a research institute for Indigenous children and families, focusing on health and well-being. In this position, I hope to continue to learn about the new ways I can improve the quality of life of my community members when accessing health care services. I hope to become further educated in Indigenous knowledge and public health policies to continue to improve healthcare services for Indigenous people.
In both of my positions, I research the barriers faced by Indigenous people. In determining where these barriers lie, we work to better support Indigenous people in hopes they will pursue careers in STEM. One barrier we as Indigenous people need to overcome is constantly being viewed as “less than”. Increasing Indigenous representation and building a sense of community can help overcome the negative barriers Indigenous people often face.
This past year, I have had the opportunity to go into Kapapamahchakwew (Wandering Spirits School), an Indigenous school located within the GTA. While working within the school, I facilitated STEM workshops in the classroom that incorporated land-based learning and Indigenous knowledge. I found the workshops to be most successful when they directly relate to the Indigenous community. These workshops gave students something to relate to and helped them visualize the impact, we as Indigenous people, can make on the world around us.
4. Are there any barriers you have faced as an Indigenous student? How did you overcome them?
Many of the barriers I face as an Indigenous woman continue to drive me along my journey. I am motivated to continue making a difference within my community, specifically through access to healthcare services.
One of the biggest barriers I have had to overcome as a student is most often being the only Indigenous person within a space. Throughout my first year at TMU, I struggled with finding a sense of belonging. I missed my family, my community, and most of all, I missed feeling a consistent cultural connection within myself and to the land and my people.
I went into my second year with the intent to build up my community away from home. I integrated myself into the wonderful, supportive Indigenous community at TMU. I attended Tea n Talk and other events TMU’s Indigenous Student Services would host. I continually look to integrate into the urban Indigenous community in Toronto by attending Pow Wows or registering for mentorship programs to help guide me along my academic journey. Comparing my first year to now, I have grown my community both academically and socially. I have established a supportive group of colleagues and friends that constantly drive me to accomplish great things.
5. Are there any role models or mentors who have influenced your career aspirations?
My mother has continually taught me to take initiative and make myself visible in all spaces. She has been my biggest role model and supporter in my academic journey by continually encouraging me to strive for the best.
6. How does it feel to be recognized with this award, and how do you think it will inspire other Indigenous students?
I feel very honoured to be recognized with an award for TMU Indigenous students. I hope my recognition will not only encourage TMU’s Indigenous community but also inspire Indigenous youth to pursue a career in Science.
“Continually strive for something great. Every time you get knocked down, use that barrier to motivate you along your journey. We are great people, who are doing so many great things. We are made to be seen and heard.”