Clams have more to do community care than you think.
Kinoogeix Mikki Mitchell is Tlingit from Deisheetaan Clan in the Raven House from southeast Alaska. She is studying for a master's in Indigenous governance and decided to try UVic's Sustainability Scholars program, an initiative that connects graduate students with community, government, Indigenous, industry and non-profit organizations for applied research across the region. She liked the idea of working with a partner on a real challenge facing the community.
Mikki was matched with a biology student to work on the Tsawout First Nation's clam population assessment, studying cultural, ceremonial and food harvests. Access to that traditional ecological knowledge of clam habitat opened Mikki to new world views, about governance that supports important issues like food sovereignty and how we need to give back to communities that sustain us.
Mikki says the natural environment of PKOLS has been a meaningful space for her while in Greater Victoria.
How does the South Island inspire you?
This region embraces international cultures very well while still being visually grounded in the sacredness of First Nations practices which is gorgeous and inspiring in itself, but especially when working in the arts and with First Nations.
Tell us about the Tsawout First Nation clam assessment work?
The Sustainability Scholars program was great in the way that they paired students with community placements that provided them with a great deal of exposure for new skills. I think that was great for my desire to learn more about harvesting rights and food rights for Indigenous communities. It was an excellent way to give back to the Indigenous Nations and Peoples on whose land I've been on for the last four years. It was a wonderful experience to help them with their food sovereignty.
What's it like studying Indigenous governance at UVic?
The focus of my studies is actually much different than the work I did with Tsawout Nation, which was great for adding an interdisciplinary approach to my education. The focus of my thesis is Northwest Coast Formline Art, and how it's used for governance in the potlatch system: the meeting space for mutual aid and a place we can provide care for one another in a holistic way.
How has your sense of community changed since coming to Victoria?
Community means a lot to me, and has changed a whole lot over the years. Traditionally it comes from my Indigenous roots, my matrilineal lineage of strong women in Alaska and serving that community. But since coming to UVic, I've learned it's also the connections that I make and foster with those I choose to be in relation with.
Mikki worked alongside a biology student on the Tsawout First Nation's clam population assessment.
How has your work made a difference to others?
Hosting community members in class as a teaching assistant and watching first-year students begin to really believe in the power of giving back to Indigenous communities for the betterment of us all. That made me feel so whole. I think part of my own reciprocity to the land is in carrying that knowledge forward and making a difference.
What did Greater Victoria teach you that you couldn't have learned elsewhere?
This place has taught me to trust my intuition. Before taking the leap and applying to graduate school in a different country, I had a lot of doubt in my strengths and beliefs. I've also learned that you can find community anywhere if you're willing to put in the work.
Who has had the biggest impact on your journey at UVic and why?
The most impactful person on my educational journey has been Dr. Tracy Underwood from the Indigenous Studies program. I work under her as a teaching assistant. She has an incredible wealth of knowledge, but moreso she has deep relations in the community and land. She uses reciprocity in her work and teachings to give back to the community; in exchange Knowledge Holders of this area give knowledge to the students. It's incredibly powerful.
What is your hope for the future of Greater Victoria?
My hope is for the South Island (and everywhere else) to realize the collective power of emerging leaders and to take our dreams and desires seriously. We've put in the work, and we are ready to step up.
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