This article is part of a series celebrating students, staff, faculty or alumni who demonstrate a commitment to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) on campus or in ways that meaningfully connect back to the Brock community. To read other EDI Changemaker features or learn more about the series, visit The Brock News or the Office of Human Rights and Equity website.

While much of her work takes place behind the scenes, Evelyn Dilworth’s (BA ’24, BEd ’24) dedication to creating connections, supports and programming for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students is visible across campus and beyond.

Through her work on the development of Brock University’s Indigenous Plus program and programming for Indigenous People’s Awareness Week and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Dilworth has helped to uplift Indigenous voices and perspectives in institutional settings. Brock’s Office of Human Rights and Equity recently named her an EDI Changemaker for her many contributions to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) on campus.

The Brock graduate also recently began a new role as the Event Coordinator at the Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre. As the number of self-identified Indigenous students at Brock continues to grow, she looks forward to connecting students with the Centre’s programs and supports throughout the year.

“Everything we do at Hadiya’dagénhahs, we do together as a team,” says Dilworth. “I’m honored to be given the opportunity to help educate my peers and create a safe, cultural space for students to get to know each other and feel pride in their identity while attending such a large institution.”

Cindy Biancaniello, Director of the Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre, says Dilworth’s recognition as an EDI Changemaker “a powerful testament to her dedication and vision.”

“Her work in the development of the Indigenous Plus Program over the past 13 months has already made a meaningful impact, and we’re incredibly proud to now have her as part of the Hadiya’dagénhahs team,” Biancaniello says.

Dilworth, who is of Mohawk and Irish descent and connected to Tyendinaga and Six Nations, is passionate about connecting students with their cultural identities. She believes that culturally appropriate supports and spaces are essential for Indigenous student success.

“The pride that Indigenous people had in themselves, in their identity and in their culture was historically and systematically stripped away, so having opportunities at Brock to give some of that back to people is a really unique opportunity,” she says. “We also invite youth from community to come and learn more about Brock, showing them that they can have pride in their culture and identity, even in post-secondary institutions.”

Dilworth has also extended her work beyond the university. As an Education master’s student, and graduate of Brock’s Concurrent Teacher Education program, she draws on her passion for policy and curriculum development when working with students and educators to embed Indigenous knowledge into the classroom.

“The idea of holistic education — making sure students are fed and that their mental and physical health is supported so they can focus in class and succeed academically — and getting hands-on experiences are all Indigenous ways of knowing, doing and teaching,” Dilworth says. “Through the presentations that we give, we’re also able to educate teachers about trauma-informed teaching so they can confidently and accurately talk about different topics and make sure all students feel seen and respected in the classroom.”

She also stresses that classroom lessons should not just cover the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada, but also their enduring contributions and legacies.

“When people hear the word ‘Indigenous,’ they often only think of residential schools and the genocide — but they don’t always know that we’re still here,” she says. “There are so many unique and beautiful things about our culture as well as inspiring people who have done amazing things, so we also need to talk about the positives.”