Graduating student reflects on their Artsci journey

Last month, I had the pleasure of culminating my undergraduate journey by presenting and submitting my final thesis project to the Arts & Science community. I’ve spent the last eight months working closely with my supervisor, Dr. Bonnie Freeman, on my literature review thesis paper titled “The Rooted Scars that Ring the Unbearing Tree”.

My literature review thesis project explores the association between settler colonialism and sterilization policies and the hidden continuation of forced sterilization targeted toward Indigenous women in Canada. I examine how Indigenous bodily autonomy and reproductive rights are continually infringed upon through racialized and gendered violations. I analyze how this pressing issue prevents Indigenous motherhood, the natural spread of Indigenous knowledge, and instead propagates negative transgenerational trauma. The review also highlights the longstanding implications of sterilization resulting in a distrust of the healthcare system.

The painting displayed on the front page of my thesis paper is titled “The Unbearing Tree” (pictured right). It is an interactive piece I curated for ARTSSCI 4VC3: Visual Culture Inquiry, in collaboration with the Indigenous Studies Department which also supports my final thesis paper. The detachable leaves highlight the importance of Indigenous maternalism in Canada while underscoring the colonial practices that impacted such traditions. It is inspired by the work of Norval Morrisseau and Dr. Jennifer Leason. I am deeply grateful to the Indigenous Student Services team as they graciously allowed me to display my piece at McMaster University. Please feel free to interact with the piece, located in the Indigenous Student Services Office at L.R Wilson Hall, room 1811.

I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Bonnie Freeman, for her extensive guidance and unwavering support throughout this project. I would also like to thank the Arts & Science Program and Dr. Beth Marquis for allowing me to explore this topic further. I am beyond grateful for my friends and family as their endless support motivated me throughout this process. Lastly, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Indigenous women in Canada and those who have bravely shared their stories and experiences.

During my time in the Arts & Science program, I further developed my abilities inside and outside the classroom, mastering reading, rumination, and writing. This program fosters critical thinking by teaching students to analyze complex information from various angles, and it cultivates research skills, enabling them to gather evidence and draw conclusions applicable across diverse fields. Additionally, the Arts & Science program encourages interdisciplinary exploration, exposing students such as myself to a range of perspectives from humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, fostering versatile opportunity.

As I embark on the next chapter of my academic and professional journey, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunities, challenges, and growth that the Arts & Science program and this thesis project have brought into my life. I look forward to continuing my pursuit of knowledge and advocating for marginalized groups through the legal field.