Fort St. James resident and College of New Caledonia (CNC) graduate Kiaya Morrisey has been honoured with the prestigious Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Inclusion, Democracy, and Reconciliation.
Morrisey, who hails from the Takla First Nation and is a member of the Bear (Likh ji bu) Clan, recently completed her degree in psychology at CNC and is set to further her academic pursuits at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) this fall, aiming for a master’s degree in psychology with a minor in First Nations health.
The Lieutenant Governor’s Medal recognizes students who excel academically while actively promoting democracy, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation within their campus and community.
Morrisey said she wants to integrate traditional Indigenous practices with modern psychological approaches. She envisions bridging this gap by incorporating cultural practices into the field of psychology.
“Anyone who has drummed, sung, or participated in any kind of ceremony knows how much better it makes them feel. We know there’s such a health benefit to cultural practices, but it’s not something scientifically studied,” she said.
Morrisey's contributions at CNC extended beyond academics. As Vice President of the CNC Pride Club, she championed the creation of a safe and inclusive environment for students to share experiences and advocate for positive changes within the school.
Reflecting on her upbringing in a small town, Morrisey talked about the importance of acceptance and understanding.
“If you grew up in a small town, which isn’t always easy, it’s nice to have a place where you can go and you know that you’ll be accepted; that there’s going to be people who truly get you.”
Her involvement extended to various groups on campus, including CNC’s Aboriginal Resource Centre and the Students’ Union, as well as community initiatives like the Women’s Memorial March and the Prince George Humane Society.
Reflecting on the significance of receiving the medal, Morrisey expressed gratitude for the recognition and the impact she was able to make during her time at CNC.
“I’m happy I made such a big difference for the different organizations and events I helped at and the people I met along the way,” she added.
Talking about inclusivity activities in Fort St. James, Morrisey said she finds inspiration in the abundance of resources available for Indigenous students in Fort St. James schools.
Morrisey strongly believes that inclusivity in small town communities like Fort St. James begins with education and visibility. She advocates for initiatives such as posters and pamphlets to inform residents about available resources for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Additionally, Morrisey suggests organizing small events like painting days or community lunches to foster connections between allies and younger members, creating a supportive environment.
"My best advice for every young person is to participate in events whenever they can since that shows their support and will encourage more events to follow."
