Senator a voice for aboriginal people
Lillian Dyck is part Cree
Growing up in Saskatchewan, Lillian Dyck’s mother told her to forget her First Nations heritage; she feared that if people knew her daughter was part Cree, she would face too much discrimination.
Dyck took the advice to heart.
It wasn’t until she was 36 years old and boasted a PhD in biological psychiatry that she came to terms with being aboriginal.
“I thought, ‘OK, now I am Dr. Lillian Dyck.’ Now I can admit to anyone that I’m an Indian because I’ve proved myself,” she told the Star-Phoenix in 2013.
Dyck, who was born in North Battleford to a Chinese father and Cree mother, became a professor of neuropsychiatry at the University of Saskatchewan after receiving her PhD there in 1981.
In 2005, more than 20 years after embracing her aboriginal identity, Dyck became an advocate for First Nations people on the national stage when she became the first First Nations woman and first Canadianborn Chinese person to be appointed to the Senate.
The appointment came as a surprise to Dyck, who had not been politically involved before.
In her naivety, she declared her intention to represent the NDP because she identifies as a socialist, but was booted from the party because the NDP believes the Senate should be abolished. Dyck eventually joined the Liberal caucus.
In addition to speaking up for First Nations people, Dyck advocates for women, women in science and improving post-secondary education.
She has spoken frequently about the need for an inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women.
As we celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017, the Star-Phoenix and Leader-Post are telling the stories of 150 Saskatchewan people who helped shape the nation. Send your suggestions or feedback to sask150@postmedia.com.