ß÷ßäÉçÇø

Sullivan Baker and Cynthia Dunnigan at Baker’s Native Studies graduation ceremony in 2022.

The scent of bannock and tea, the cadence of Cree and laughter, the formation of life-long bonds and deep learning in a place that feels like home. This all helped shape the foundation of Cynthia Dunnigan's life’s work and a legacy that lives on in the next generation, her daughter Sullivan Baker.

“Native Studies is not just a degree, it’s not just knowledge–it’s a whole experience,” says Cynthia Dunnigan, assistant deputy minister of Indigenous Partnerships and Strategic Services, a division of the Government of ß÷ßäÉçÇø’s Ministry of Children and Family Services. Dunnigan graduated with a degree in Native Studies in 1994.

Education

After completing a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies and English from Concordia University in Edmonton, Dunnigan sought language courses for her Master of Arts. Being a member of the Métis Nation of ß÷ßäÉçÇø, she was drawn to the ß÷ßäÉçÇø’s Native Studies program, which allowed her to study Cree, and through the U of A more broadly, Ancient Greek.

Dunnigan's kokum's (grandmother's) first language was Cree, so she had someone to practice with while studying.  “'Cree is a language that you really have to experience more than read about," Dunnigan says."I started bringing her to class with me, where she would speak Cree and mix in with the students. I took her to the tea and bannock [events] too and she loved coming.”

Dunnigan fondly remembers the collegiality and welcoming nature of the Faculty of Native Studies. “All the professors knew you, and you knew all the professors. You could drop into that house and have coffee. It was a real family atmosphere.” Friendships were formed in her Cree class that have lasted to this day. “You have to practice with each other, so there’s no way to successfully learn Cree without bonding,” explains Dunnigan. 

That environment fostered deep learning, exemplified by her work with sociology professor Judith Golec. “I was taking Native Studies 390, a research methodologies course, and our major project was to develop a research proposal. I did mine on doing life histories — oral histories of Métis women.” 

That proposal led to “” for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in 1994, and her master's thesis, “.”

Career journey

Dunnigan worked as a research assistant for Native Studies instructor and first full-time Faculty director, Richard Price, in the summer of 1995. Together, they wrote , a book about alternative dispute resolution processes.

After earning her MA in cultural anthropology in 1997, Dunnigan launched her own research company and worked as a sessional instructor in Native Studies. In 1999, she gave birth to her second daughter, Sulliver Baker, during Reading Week. Dunnigan returned to teaching right after the break, with her newborn in tow. 

In 2001, Dunnigan was hired by the Government of ß÷ßäÉçÇø as a research manager in the area of Indigenous land claims. “In Native Studies, we study land claims; it's a very big deal, so I was thrilled to get a job in a field that was directly related to my degree.”

She worked in cross-ministry and intergovernmental relations for several years, managing staff and building networks with other Indigenous departments across the country. She held executive director positions with both First Nation Relations and Métis Relations.

In May 2021, Dunnigan attained her current position of assistant deputy minister of Indigenous Partnerships and Strategic Services. A significant part of her division’s work involves building and maintaining strong relationships with Indigenous communities, leaders and organizations.

“It’s safe to say that a lot of what I gathered in my Native Studies degree was very, very relevant to my career. I learned a lot of research skills and how to be a social scientist; I use those skills all the time, even in this role.”

While Dunnigan doesn’t get to do as much direct research work these days, she is responsible for a division that does. “It’s been super helpful to be a practitioner of the social sciences because it helps me know how to oversee it.”

The next generation

Remember that newborn daughter Dunnigan brought to class in 1999? Fast forward 23 years, and Sullivan Baker continues her mother’s tradition, graduating with a BA in Native Studies from the U of A in 2022. 

“I have always been impressed by the stories she told about her time in university and her early career," Baker says. "Growing up with such a strong female role model who shared her interests with me led me right onto the path I took.” 

Like her mother, Baker is a proud member of the Métis Nation of ß÷ßäÉçÇø, where she is a registered harvester and participated in the MNA Youth Book Club and Youth Art Show. 

In the Native Studies program, Baker also studied Cree, in a class that met three times a week across both fall and winter semesters. “I made my first friend at the U of A in that class,” she recalls. “It was so focused on speaking the language to each other.”  

Baker loved the small classes and relationships she developed with her professors. “By the time I finished my degree, I had taken at least six of Matt Wildcat’s classes in Native Studies and Political Science. It was wonderful to work with so many fellow Indigenous academics, whether they were students, professors or professionals in the faculty.”

Baker began her career journey in Indigenous Services Canada through the Federal Student Work Experience Program, which she participated in until graduation, when she was offered a position as a junior program officer. Committed to networking, Baker joined committees and Young Professionals meetings. “Eventually, I found a mentor in the workplace who wanted to foster my growth, and now I'm two years into my role as a senior program officer.”

Recalling a class on Indigenous data sovereignty and self-governance, Baker says. “Everything makes sense; my understanding is tenfold when relating my studies to my work. I can approach my work with not only my personal education and experience as an Indigenous person working with Indigenous people, but I can also use my academic knowledge to ensure I am respecting my people and all Indigenous Peoples.”

Looking ahead

For Dunnigan, graduates of Native Studies are well prepared to create awareness of Indigenous histories. “Graduates are like ambassadors. They go out into the world, and no matter where they go, into whatever workplace, they’re bringing some pretty intensive knowledge with them.”

Dunnigan thinks a Native Studies degree is a particularly versatile one. “The number and breadth of different things that you can learn in Native Studies prepares you for many things. You could become a social worker or a government worker. You could work in oil and gas or consultation and engagement.”

Throughout her career, Dunnigan has often seen graduates of the program working in a variety of government positions. “Native Studies allows you to build a great network. I come across people in various government circles who are graduates of Native Studies.”

To future students, she offers a powerful invitation. “This is not going to be your typical giant class where nobody will know you. Expect to be known. Expect to be heard.”