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When decided to return to school in 2016 to complete her undergraduate degree, her eyes were set on a future as a youth probation officer. But time would reveal a different path—a remarkable academic journey fueled by her curiosity, endless hunger for learning, and a deep commitment to her community.

Last October, McGuire graduated with a PhD in Criminology, earning multiple accolades along the way, including this year’s Dean of Graduate Studies Convocation Medal. The award recognizes exceptional academic record, outstanding research, and overall excellence.

McGuire is a member of the Gaag’yals KiiGawaay clan and a citizen of the Haida Nation. She also has Irish, British, and Anishinaabe ancestry. As the only Indigenous MA and PhD student in her cohort, she often felt she had to prove herself within academia.

“My journey through education has been one of combatting my own internalized racism and colonization so that I could speak back to hate,” says McGuire. “I am grateful for this award, but academic recognition is not why I do this work. I hope that the communities and organizations that I work with, including my own community, benefit from this knowledge.”

McGuire’s work explores decolonization, racism, genocide, state crime, resurgence, Indigenous and Nation-based justice, and governance. Her research on the formation of a self-determined Haida Nation-based Tll Yahda (making things right/justice) system is especially significant because of the challenge of reconciling two distinct approaches to knowledge: Western European and Nation-based knowledges.

“Her work reflects not only the strength of her analysis and how it is amplified by respect for both knowledge traditions,” says Ted Palys, her academic supervisor. “But also, the significant challenges she had to address in dealing with the requirements imposed on her by 911�Թ� as well as all the expectations that she faced in working with her People and their need to ensure that what came out of her work was more than simply academic exercise.”

McGuire’s framework for this project prioritized spending time on the lands and waters, engaging with culture and community, and centering Nation-based ways of thinking. Throughout the research process, she continuously worked to find ways to resist “cognitive imperialism” and to root herself, her thinking, and her life in Haida values and ways of being.

“This work is not separate to who I am as a Haida citizen, but by grounding my research in this way, I was able to navigate the emotional weight of this work, and the uncertainties and tensions of academic research,” says McGuire. “Without Haida Gwaii, culture, community, and Haida values, I would not have been able to complete this project.”

McGuire is revising her research into a book manuscript, with the aim that it will foster dialogue that begin a process of healing and inform policy and education about the impacts of state control.

During her studies, McGuire received multiple awards, including the prestigious Vanier-Banting Scholarship and a research fellowship with the Yellowhead Institute.

Looking back on a decade of personal and academic growth, McGuire emphasizes that her achievements are shared with the people who have supported, guided, and stood alongside her as a Haida citizen and scholar.

“There are many people whose belief in me often surpassed my own and I think it is important to acknowledge them,” says McGuire. “Drs. Ted Palys, Sheri Fabian, Kyle Willmott, and Danielle Murdoch; my family and friends; my incredible mentors in so many things Jisgang, Kii’iljuus, and Suudahl; my clan-ties for the laughter and kindness; my fellow Haida nerds Lucy Bell and Jaskwaan; and my biggest teachers—my nieces and nephews.”

McGuire believes that the future of Indigenous governance not only depends on resisting colonization, genocide, and racism perpetuated through multiple systems, laws and policies, but also on “what Indigenous governance scholars call everyday acts of resurgence”.

“When I see Indigenous youth engaging with and learning from their territories, or my nieces leading our dance group onto the floor, I have hope for Indigenous governance, and a renewed commitment to my own role,” says McGuire.

Looking ahead, McGuire is excited about her next chapter as an assistant professor in the School of Indigenous Governance at the University of Victoria, where she will begin this coming July. She is eager to continue working alongside the next generation of leaders and is optimistic about the role they will play in shaping the future.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from and with my future students, who are all actively involved in shaping the future of Indigenous governance.”