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Graduate Studies

Q&A with Alexandra Nychuk, 2022-23 Longboat Scholar

Alexandra Nychuk of Manitoba Métis Federation-Bison Local, is in her second year of a PhD in health and society. She is studying under the guidance of her supervisor, Dr. Chelsea Gabel.

Alexandra joined McMaster from the University of Winnipeg, where she completed a Master’s in Development Practice – Indigenous Development.

About your academic journey

What inspired you to continue on your academic journey once you had completed your undergrad degree?

I really ended up here on accident. As a neurodivergent student, I have struggled with reading and writing but love the acquisition of new knowledge. My undergraduate degree in Athletic Training (Athletic Therapy in Canada) really ignited my interest in research. As a health care practitioner, I learned that the power of my patient’s “history”—or what I would now call storytelling—were far more impactful in their diagnosis than the special tests that I was being taught.

As I continue on my educational trajectory, I notice the importance of storytelling in my work and studies, and also in my life generally. For me it is not about telling my own story but rather listening and providing my Indigenous kin opportunities to tell their stories using ethical, and sometimes what broader society would deem as unconventional methods.

What is the focus of your research?

The process of colonization continues to affect First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in diverse ways depending on each group’s history, experiences, and policies. Currently there is a large gap in Métis-specific health research for two main reasons:

    1. the Métis are the only Indigenous group whose health is not a federal responsibility, therefore making tracking Métis medical information more difficult, and
    2. misidentification due to individuals with mixed ancestry self-identifying as Métis has created inaccurate statistics.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic and debilitating gastrointestinal condition, with two main types:

    • Crohn’s Disease
    • Ulcerative Colitis

Both conditions have detrimental effects on quality of life.

Globally, Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD. In other parts of the world, IBD has been linked to the process of westernization and modernization which are closely linked with the process of colonization. In addition, colonization has been recognized as a significant factor in causing disproportional rates of mental illness in Indigenous people. A recent study found that there is a correlation between childhood trauma and IBD. Despite this, there has been little investigation into the prevalence and/or effects of IBD on Indigenous populations in Canada.

This study uses a body mapping method to answer two questions:

    1. What are the consequences of IBD on mental health in Métis patients?
    2. What is the role of colonialism on Métis identity (intergenerational trauma, stress, and shame) in these consequences?

Once you complete your PhD, where do you see yourself?

This is a really great question. At this point I am not sure exactly, but I envision myself within the growing field of health. I will continue to challenge myself to understand and accept other ways of doing, knowing and being as valid.

About the Longboat Scholarship

You have received the Longboat Scholarship twice; what has this award meant to you?

I am very honoured to have received this generous award twice, as it has relieved a significant amount of my financial burden, allowing me not only to focus on my studies but devote more time to extracurricular initiatives, such as STEM Fellowship Indigenous Advisory council lead and McMaster Indigenous Graduate Students Chair. These opportunities allow me to participate in the creation of decolonial mentorship and education opportunities for my kin, in addition to engaging in research and strategic planning initiatives outside of academia for development of the Manitoba Métis Nation.

What advice do you have for other Indigenous students who would like to apply for the Longboat?

Apply even if you are not sure that you fit the criteria, as we are often our worst critics. Do not be afraid to ask trusted people to read over your application and give feedback as sometimes you miss things. Another set of eyes can really enhance your application. Also, seek out previous winner’s applications. I have learned a lot from looking at my mentor’s previous applications and always share my applications with others, in return.