Jilleun Tenning

Topic

What Indigenous Women and Gender-Diverse People Want: Respect, Fairness, and Social Justice

Social Dimensions of Health

Date & location

• Wednesday, June 24, 2026
• 11:00 A.M.
• Closed Defence

Examining Committee

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Mandeep Kaur Mucina, School of Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria (Supervisor)
• Dr. Devi Mucina, School of Indigenous Governance, UVic (Co-Supervisor)
• Dr. Billie Allan, School of Social Work, UVic (Member)

External Examiner

• Dr. Yahya El-Lahib, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Suzanne Snizek, School of Music, UVic

Abstract

In 2019, the Government of British Columbia enacted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), enshrining the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) into law as the province’s framework for reconciliation. UNDRIP aims to address both historical and ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous peoples, protect their diverse cultures, affirm their rights to land, territories, and resources, promote nondiscrimination, and foster cooperation. Although the UNDRIP aims to set minimum standards that foster social justice and combat discrimination, Indigenous-led research reveals that Indigenous women and gender-diverse people still face much higher levels of mental illness, disability, violence, poverty, and homelessness than non-Indigenous populations. These persistent issues highlight ongoing systemic discrimination, racism, colonialism, and related practices of dominance. As public awareness increases regarding the complex challenges faced by Indigenous women and gender-diverse people, along with a growing recognition of the responsibilities held by dominant cultures in creating these issues, this study embraced a strengths-based approach grounded in the insights and experiences of this marginalized group to respond to the following research question: Since British Columbia adopted UNDRIP into law and released the DRIPA action plan to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action, do Indigenous women and gender-diverse people feel there have been real changes in their daily lives that protect them from longstanding socioeconomic injustices affecting their health and well-being, rights, and self-determination?

Indigenous women and gender-diverse people who engaged in this study are acknowledged for their leadership roles in their families and communities, despite continuing to face challenges caused by colonization that are intended to hinder their empowerment. Their stories, knowledge, and experiences shared in response to the overarching research question were assessed to determine whether institutions are fulfilling their legal commitments to uphold their equal human rights. Indicators that human rights are being upheld include being able to achieve personal aspirations such friendships, inclusion, caring for themselves and their families, career growth, community participation, and wholistic well-being. Where content in their stories showed systemic or institutional intention to oppress, they were encouraged to recommend new ways forward to cultivate equitable, respectful, and balanced relationships, highlighting their power and capacity to advance their right to support themselves, their families, and their nations. Addressing oppression is an intentional strategy aimed at protecting marginalized populations and fostering systemic change; it aligns with the objectives of UNDRIP regarding justice, equality, reduction of hierarchical structures, and support for reconciliation initiatives.