Taylor Wilson
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
During my undergraduate program, I quickly realized the power of doing research. However, it was clear that historically, research with, and on, Indigenous communities was poorly done. I decided I wanted to pursue a graduate degree because I wanted to contribute research that was accountable to Indigenous knowledges and communities. I experienced and witnessed every day the consequences of poor research and graduate studies, which gives me the space to deepen my work on food systems, land, and health while developing Indigenous theoretical and methodological tools that support long-term community priorities.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
UBC offers a strong interdisciplinary environment and a diversity of Indigenous and allied scholars to work alongside whose work closely aligns with my interests in relational accountability, land-based research, and Indigenous food system resurgence.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
I was drawn in by the supportive community that was developed by Land and Food Systems Indigenous and allied faculty and students, particularly at xʷc̓ic̓əsəm and the Heart Medicine Collective, where food is not just an agricultural issue, but a cultural, ecological, political, and relational one. The interdisciplinary structure of the Integrated Studies PhD also allows for me to engage in Indigenous knowledges, food sovereignty, governance, and environmental scholarship together, bridging theory, policy, and community-based practice.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
The beautiful territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations in which UBC and Vancouver are situated on. These territories reinforce the importance of relationship with land and land-based learning in my work and daily life. The territory, and the Indigenous peoples of the lands and visiting these lands, have so much to offer in regards to learning, relationships, and community.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
I am enjoying meeting all the interesting people. Everyone I've met so far has been so kind and offered such wonderful insights into their own work and my own. There are so many perspectives and different ways of doing research that I didn't even think were possible. Looking forward, I am excited to explore more of how Indigenous knowledge systems and relational approaches to land can reshape research and food system scholarship.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
I think one of the biggest challenges will be navigating the institutional systems that often move at a different pace with different expectations and priorities than communities. Balancing academic expectations with accountability to Indigenous communities and relationships is an ongoing tension.
The program, my supervisor, and the Heart Medicine Collective continued to encourage interdisciplinary thinking, critical reflection, and community-engaged and -led research, all of which are helping me navigate tensions thoughtfully. I am also gaining opportunities to strengthen my scholarly and applied skills across research, teaching, and collaboration.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
I have prided myself on working with, for, and alongside Indigenous scholars, knowledge keepers, communities, and organizations across Canada, the US, and Australia. The opportunities I've had to work in community-based research, evaluation, and Indigenous food systems in academic, policy, and community contexts taught me how to navigate complexity, build relationships, and approach research in a way that has prepared me well for graduate studies. Additionally, my connection to my cultural identity has given me skills and knowledge that have provided me with a unique perspective and prepared me for the challenges of navigating academia as an Indigenous/Filipina person.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I enjoy running, cooking, reading, and gardening. While all roads lead back to my research, as it's so connected to who I am as a person, I try to enjoy fun activities outside of my field of study. I also love to try new things and spend time in spaces that reconnect me to land and my family, friends, and community.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Not to worry too much about measuring your success through productivity. Graduate school has so much more to offer - relationships, learning how you work, and developing sustainable, new, and exciting approaches to scholarship. Find mentors, peers, and community that support you as a person, not just a student or researcher. These relationships can sustain your wellbeing throughout grad school and be the pathways to great opportunities throughout and after grad school.
Learn more about Taylor's research
My research examines how Indigenous food sovereignty, land stewardship, and agricultural resurgence can support ecological, cultural and community well-being within Cree contexts, particularly in Fisher River Cree Nation (Treaty 5, Manitoba). Grounded in Indigenous methodologies and relational ethics, it combines oral history, community-led and arts-based methods, and land-based initiatives to document and revitalize Cree agricultural knowledges disrupted through colonial policies and processes. More broadly, my research focuses on relational accountability and land-based approaches to research and governance, with attention to how Indigenous knowledge systems can reshape food systems, policy, and community-engaged scholarship.