Indigenous student, Taylor Caibaiosai, awarded Defining Your Success Award for Creative Excellence
On April 10, 2024, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, OVPECI, Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services and the Indigenous Education Council hosted the Indigenous Student Showcase. This event provided a platform for undergraduate and graduate Indigenous students at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) to articulate their achievements and share their successes with the wider community. Within the university, Indigenous students engage in diverse ranges of academic, research and creative endeavours, including student mentoring, leadership excellence, publication, research contributions and involvement in TMU services. Elder Joanne Dallaire presented the Defining Your Success Award for Creative Excellence. Among the recipients was Taylor Caibaiosai, a Literature of Modernity graduate student.
Taylor Biidaaban (Dawn Breaks) Caibaiosai is Loon Clan from Sagamok Anishinawbek First Nation in Northern Ontario
Caibaiosai is of mixed Ojibwe and French-Settler/Métis descent, and although her undergraduate experience was challenging, now, as a graduate student, she has research interests in Indigenous Feminist Theory, Queer Indigenous Theory and Indigenous Relationship Studies and hopes to pursue her PhD.
Caibaiosai notes that winning the Defining Your Success Award for Creative Excellence is “recognition [that means] I am headed on the right path and am doing the right things to ensure the people around me can access these educational resources.” Caibaiosai said, “By sharing my story, I hope to inspire other Indigenous students to attend post-secondary school, and though they may struggle, they must know that there is a positive on the other side. It can be hard, but a person needs to push through the difficult before things become easier.”
At the Indigenous Student Showcase, Caibaiosai presented two works aligned with her research interests in Indigenous Feminism: a research paper and plans for a new research project. Under supervisor and English Assistant Professor, Dr. Craig Jennex, Caibaiosai’s paper titled Indigenous Feminism: The Effect of Colonial Patriarchal Standards and How Indigenous Women Continue to Suffer explored the lasting effects of colonial patriarchy on Indigenous women across Turtle Island. This included topics such as domestic violence, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and the lack of resources for Indigenous women in these situations. This paper is the inspiration for Caibaiosai’s final research project, aimed at building a new course for Indigenous studies at TMU. The course will delve into Indigenous Feminist and Indigenous Queer Theory in Literature and Media, shedding light on how colonialism introduced and normalized these concepts in Indigenous communities where they were not previously needed.
“As an Indigenous student, this work is important as it means welcoming spaces for Indigenous students. This could further push the university towards a possible Indigenous Studies program.” Caibaiosai continued, “Being Indigenous in Urban Spaces often means being away from someone’s comfort zone, however, these classes can foster a new sense of community, as well as be a push for Indigenous students to attend these institutes.”
Caibaiosai’s current research is supported by Indigenous faculty and English Assistant Professor, Dr. Jennifer Meness. Dr. Meness (Waabishkaa Migizi, White Eagle) is Eagle Clan (Migizi Dodem) from the Algonquins of Pikwàkànàgan First Nation. Grounded in Anishinaabe World View, her research explores Manito (Spirit) relationships, embodiment and transformative experiences as shared through stories from powwow participants.
TMU is committed to expanding Indigenous voices, education and research. The Indigenous Student Showcase and Caibaiosai's efforts aim to enhance educational resources for Indigenous students and advocate for the expansion and exposure of Indigenous Studies programs at TMU.