When Lyn Trudeau (BA ’08, MEd ’13, PhD ’24) organized a symposium to discuss the impact of criminalization on Indigenous communities, she knew it was important to create an inclusive space for all.

The March event’s success, paired with Trudeau’s ongoing contributions to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) on campus and in the community, saw her recently recognized as the EDI Changemaker of the Month by Brock’s Office of Human Rights and Equity.

In addition to her role as an Assistant Professor, who is cross appointed to Brock’s Departments of Women’s and Gender Studies and Sociology, Trudeau is Chair of the Decolonization Working Group of Brock’s President’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity and Decolonization (PACHRED). She worked alongside all members of the PACHRED working group to incorporate into the symposium the theme of creating space for gender expression, identity and representation within Indigenous communities and how this often leads to criminalization on various levels.

“One of the purposes of the ‘de/criminalization’ symposium was to hold space and share cultural teachings when appropriate,” she says. “How our community experiences criminalization is such an overarching topic, and we didn’t want to silence anyone.”

Singing, drumming and dancing were weaved throughout the day to explore and represent what decolonization looks like from a community perspective.

“Artistic expression was necessary to show the strength of spirit in our community,” she says. “There have been a lot of struggles, but there are many positives too.”

The symposium saw two-spirit people unpack misconceptions about their identity and explore their traditional and contemporary cultural roles. Indigenous water activists and land defenders also gave first-hand experiences alongside Indigenous academics and community members who advocate for Indigenous Peoples in various capacities.

“It was good to see many people at Brock advocate for and support our working group’s vision to help make this event possible,” she says.

Reflecting on the EDI initiatives she has been involved with throughout her academic and teaching journey, Trudeau says EDI is “embedded within Anishinaabe teachings and culture; it’s not something we need to separate to do this work.”

“I came into the academy with my teachings,” she says. “I feel we, as Indigenous Peoples, should not have to leave them at the door of higher education. I live them every day.”

In the classroom, Trudeau tries to convey knowledge and information in a way that is reciprocal with the intention of learning as much from her students as they do from her.

“Being selected as EDI Changemaker is a real honour,” she says. “It demonstrates Brock’s commitment to upholding Indigenous voices, and it helps us look at spaces where we need to be more inclusive.”

EDI Changemakers are students, staff or faculty at Brock who have made a significant contribution to EDI on campus. Changemakers can be nominated for:

• leading a social justice initiative
• introducing a new lens or outlook that supports EDI
• advocating for changes to processes or procedures
• engaging in EDI research that has or will make an impact in the school community or in the Niagara region
• strengthening allyship
• actively removing barriers or contributing to underserved communities

All EDI Changemaker contributions must fall in line with Brock’s Respectful Work and Learning Environment Policy.

Submissions for upcoming EDI Changemakers of the Month must include the nominee’s name and a brief description of their contribution to EDI in the Brock community. Submissions can be sent to humanrights@brocku.ca with the subject line: Changemaker of the Month nomination.