It has been a long time coming, and I want to invite you to my field(LIFE) journal, a visual lab that shows the genuine visual representation of my life journey and experiences as an Indigenous visual anthropologist living abroad (currently in Qatar).
An introduction about me and what I do:
Firstly, I am a Canadian who identifies as Indigenous (Seabird Island First Nation) and British. I am married to an Egyptian/Canadian man and a mother to a toddler. I grew up on central Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. I spent a few years at Vancouver Island University (VIU) studying to become a teacher (among other dabbles into all subjects such as anthropology), then spent many years in Gothenburg, Sweden studying Swedish, Archaeology, and Geology. I realized that I wanted to become an anthropologist. It was difficult to transfer all the anthropology courses from VIU as many European universities split anthropology into different subjects instead of all four: linguistics, socio-cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, and archaeology. It seemed complicated, and I did not want to study only one of those subjects and have an overly specific degree. I already thought it might not be easy to find jobs after graduation and, at the time, thought being more specific would narrow my chances even further. I decided to finish my degree at VIU in Anthropology since half of it was already finished. I dropped finishing my archaeology degree at the University of Gothenburg and moved back to Vancouver Island.
I finished my degree quickly, within 1.5 years, including two summers of field classes. I became very interested in visual and museum anthropology. I worked at a museum in my hometown a few summers before, and loved it. I ended up applying for a job at the Nanaimo Museum and learned so much about what it is like to work in a small-medium-sized museum. I worked there for more than two years, and it was eye-opening to see how much work it takes for one museum professional to remain relevant within this field and how much hard work is needed to maintain your position.
I felt it would be the best time to start a Master’s degree in Anthropology because I was hoping to move abroad again to learn another language and experience another culture. I was also intrigued to know how other museums in the world operated. I applied to UVIC’s Anthropology program with a concentration in Visual Anthropology. Upon being offered a new permanent position at the Nanaimo Museum, I was also offered a spot at UVIC. I was thrilled!
It was 2019, and I was starting my MA. I am still finishing my MA, and hopefully, if everything goes according to plan, I will defend in April. Covid made things difficult for everyone, including me. However, I became a mom during this time, moved to Calgary for six months, and then moved again, and I have been living in Doha, Qatar, for nearly a year!
I encouraged my husband to find a job in Doha so I could one day work at their museums. I had been stalking all the amazing-looking museums on Instagram and wondered what it would be like to work in one of those museums. I am not at that part in my journey yet. For now, I am visiting all the museums and finishing my MA.
Here are the project overview and research questions that I am working on for my MA thesis project:
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The primary purposes of this research project are: (1) to create an auto-ethnographic multimedia storybook about my experiences with Seabird Island First Nations archival history, personal reflections, and memories to educate and engage with readers in raising social awareness and reconciliation; (2) to use drawing as a research method to establish a personal connection with archival history and community.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
This thesis project proposes to apply a combination of audio/visual, Indigenous storytelling, and arts-based research methods to analyze my personal experience, memories, and recollections as I connect with Seabird Island First Nation’s archival history. These research methods will result in creating multimedia graphic stories to educate and engage with readers about raising social awareness and reconciliation. To explore this argument, I identified two main research questions:
1. How can drawing graphic novel stories establish a deeper connection between the researcher/person and archival cultural heritage?
2. How can Indigenous multimedia graphic stories be a tool to educate and engage with the community in raising social awareness about reconciliation?
Due to this thesis work and prior interests, I have become interested in drawing as a research method and in field journals.
Upon moving to Doha, I discovered that it is a cultural and art center. I have been so engaged in art and culture in this city and have really enjoyed having so many options. I will share my experiences with you through this visual lab. I will occasionally post something in words, drawings, photos, audio, or even video. I am not an artist, and I am not making art. I hope you enjoy coming on this journey with me.
For real-time action, you can find me on Instagram @culture__talks
Culture Talks 