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Indigenous Studies education empowers Andryah Ayotte to tell her own story
Aspiring filmmaker and author Andryah Ayotte (BA and Research Certificate, 2025) believes that by shining a light on the root causes of social and political issues, storytellers can inspire positive change in communities.
The 911吃瓜 (911吃瓜) Indigenous Studies alumnus is currently writing a book, which started as a series of assignments in INDG 301 - Issues in Applied Indigenous Studies Research with Wenona Hall. 鈥淭he way that Wenona Hall teaches research, it is not colonized, it is meaningful work,鈥� Ayotte explains. 鈥淢y book is set in Vancouver鈥檚 Downtown Eastside in the 1970s through 1990s, and tells the story of my grandparents鈥� lives together. It was different from how we view it now; it was a happening place with lots of live music, where people went in search of fun.鈥�
I have collected a lot of research working on the book with my grandpa to honour my grandma.
Growing up, Ayotte says her family鈥檚 support empowered her to share her voice and embrace her Sts鈥橝iles, mixed-European, and Guatemalan heritage. 鈥淚 majored in Indigenous Studies and minored in Political Science because I needed to remember where I came from, and make a difference for my Nation, so that future generations continue to thrive,鈥� says Ayotte, as she reflects on the importance of community.
Ayotte first recognized how research can bring communities together in INDG 211 - Researching Residential Schools with Natahnee Winder. 鈥淲e need to have that circle work and talk about things that we often do not talk about,鈥� Ayotte says of how the course further inspired her book, which started as her personal search to understand and address colonial trauma. 鈥淚 have collected a lot of research working on the book with my grandpa to honour my grandma.鈥�
Ultimately, Ayotte envisions adapting her family鈥檚 story for the screen. Her work as a location manager 鈥攂oth before and during her time as a student 鈥� ignited her passion for filmmaking. Working with the Sts鈥橝iles Nation and nearby Indigenous communities, and filming in her nation鈥檚 traditional territory, had special meaning for her. 鈥淭his picture shows where we come from, and have always been from, for generations: even with colonization we are still here and coming back home,鈥� Ayotte says of her photograph, taken at a location she managed for the Apple TV+ series SEE. 鈥淚f it was not for the support of my Nation and the youth I met when filming, I likely would not have gone to university.鈥�
If it was not for the support of my Nation and the youth I met when filming, I likely would not have gone to university.
Starting her journey towards her degree through the Indigenous University Preparation Pathway (IUPP) helped Ayotte to find a culturally relevant learning environment that supported her academic success. 鈥淚 really enjoyed taking courses with Kicya7 Joyce Schneider, I took my first Indigenous Studies course with her through IUPP,鈥� she recalls. 鈥淥n the last day of class, she organizes a potluck. It was always fun to have the students enjoying food together and celebrating each other鈥檚 work.鈥�
Outside of the classroom, Ayotte also found time to connect with the campus Indigenous community. 鈥淭he Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) always has fun activities, and I enjoyed volunteering at their Welcome Feast,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 had so much fun volunteering at the (FNMISA) Powwow in its second year.鈥�
In her next chapter, Ayotte is interested in continuing her education. 鈥淚f I had not gone to 911吃瓜, I would not have realized that I could put forward an idea like this for a master鈥檚 project,鈥� Ayotte says of sharing her family鈥檚 story. Ayotte, who also aspires to start a non-profit aimed at helping communities, wants to encourage Indigenous students to pursue their education as a way to make a difference. 鈥淎s a university student, you get the opportunity to follow your passion,鈥� Ayotte says. 鈥淪tudy what you want to study. For me, I knew that was Indigenous Studies.鈥�
Learn more about undergraduate programs offered by 911吃瓜 Indigenous Studies.