Trent Graduate’s Time in Indigenous Studies Department Influences Recent Accolades
Dr. Chantal Fiola takes home two awards for new book
“I credit Trent University, and the Indigenous Studies department, for impacting my educational and spiritual journey. My experiences there peaked my interest in exploring the topic of Metis people who participate in traditional Indigenous spirituality; this became my dissertation topic upon which my book, Rekindling the Sacred Fire: Metis Ancestry and Anishinaabe Spirituality, is based,” said Trent University graduate Dr. Chantal Fiola ‘06.
Ms. Fiola was recently honoured at the Manitoba Book Awards for her first book, with the John Hirsch Award for Most Promising Manitoba Writer and the Beatrice Mosionier Aboriginal Writer of the Year Award. She admits that her experiences in Trent’s Indigenous Studies program impacted her decision to pursue her passion.
“As Red River Metis, it was important to me that I find a program committed to Indigenous issues. I certainly found that in the Indigenous Studies department at Trent University,” said Ms. Fiola who was enrolled in the Indigenous Studies Ph.D. program at Trent from September 2006 to December 2011.
“My experiences at Trent, and in the Indigenous Studies department specifically, deeply impacted me. It was at Trent where I first started taking Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe language) courses, and began connecting with one of the languages spoken by my ancestors. I did a fulfilling practicum at Niijkiwendidaa Anishnabekwewag Services Circle and learned the importance of service to the community and giving back. I had a wonderful opportunity to work with Anishinaabe Elder Shirley Williams for a year and learned from her as an Oshkabewis (helper). Together we prepared Anishinaabemowin language materials, travelled to language conferences, participated in women’s sharing circles and other ceremonies.”
She says she considers the education she received in the Indigenous Studies courses at Trent to be of the highest calibre.
“The professors are knowledgeable, welcoming, thorough, flexible, and encourage their students to succeed. I became a research assistant to Dr. Lynne Davis who ended up becoming my dissertation supervisor, and continues to offer support, encouragement and mentorship to this day.”
Ms. Fiola is currently an instructor in Native Studies & Distance and Online Education at the University of Manitoba.