The University of Regina has awarded the Honourable Dr. Lillian Eva Quan Dyck, OC an honorary Doctor of Science honoris causa (DSc) during Spring 2025 Convocation.
"Throughout my career, I have always endeavored to inspire future generations," said Dr. Dyck. "Education is important, but representation in post-secondary institutions is just as important. It is an honour to receive this degree from the University of Regina."
Dr. Dyck is a pioneering Canadian neuroscientist, professor, and former Senator whose life and career have been defined by her commitment to science, education, and advocacy for Indigenous and women's rights.
Born in North Battleford, Dr. Dyck is of Cree and Chinese heritage and is a member of the George Gordon First Nation. Dr. Dyck pursued higher education with determination, earning a BA in chemistry in1966, an honours degree in biochemistry in 1968, a master's in science in 1970, and a PhD in biological psychiatry in 1981. All her academic credentials were earned at the University of Saskatchewan. She also holds honorary doctorates from Cape Breton University and Trent University.
Dr. Dyck had a distinguished academic career at the University of Saskatchewan. She served as a professor in the Department of Psychiatry and associate dean of Graduate Studies. Her research focused on the role of neurotransmitters in mental health disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, depression, and schizophrenia. She was among the few women in science in Saskatchewan during the 1980s and was the first Indigenous woman in Canada to earn a PhD in the sciences.
Dr. Dyck became a leading feminist voice in the 1990s. She served on the President's Advisory Committee on the Status of Women and co-chaired the Women's Studies Research Unit. Through public speeches and mentorship, she encouraged women and Indigenous students to pursue science.
In recognition of her scientific contributions, Dr. Dyck has received numerous awards including National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Science and Technology in 1999, Saskatchewan Women of the Dawn Award in 2000, and YWCA Woman of Distinction Award in 2003. In 2012, she delivered a keynote address on the Medicine Wheel and science at the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Dr. Dyck's commitment to advocacy later extended to the political arena. She was appointed to the Senate of Canada in 2005, becoming the first female Indigenous Senator and the first Canadian-born Senator of Chinese descent. During her 15-year tenure, she served as chair of the Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples and was a vocal advocate for Indigenous issues, particularly on missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. She played a pivotal role in addressing sex-based discrimination in The Indian Act, contributing to legislative changes that advanced Indigenous women's rights.
Retiring from the Senate in 2020, Dr. Dyck remains an influential figure in science and advocacy. Her legacy is one of resilience, pioneering achievement, and unwavering dedication to equity and justice.
Dr. Dyck received an honorary Doctor of Science honoris causa (DSc) on June 12.
"Dr. Dyck has had a remarkable career, and her advocacy work has had a positive impact on the lives of many," said U of R President and Vice-Chancellor Jeff Keshen. "Throughout her lifetime, she has consistently broken barriers, advancing opportunities for women in science, making her a truly worthy recipient of this honorary Doctor of Science degree."
