Indigenous Motherhood in the Time of COVID-19: Weaving Together Graduate School Experiences

• In Event: Parenthood, Partnerships, and Promise in Indigenous Higher Education

Abstract

Indigenous peoples have collective memories of the historic and continuing legacy of colonialism that is rooted in and perpetuates the structural disempowerment of their health, social and economic inequality. The tenacity of these disparities positions Indigenous peoples at high risk of contracting the coronavirus (COVID-19). COVID-19 has impacted Indigenous communities in post-secondary education (PSE). There is a need to identify strengths-based learning and stories of resiliency. This panel focuses on four diverse narratives of Indigenous mothers, at different stages in their PSE, on how COVID-19 has impacted them at a personal, community, institutional, national, and international level across Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. Stories of resiliency show how to support Indigenous mothers and post-secondary students during the pandemic.

Authors

• Paulene Abeyta, To'hajiilee School Board of Education

• Shereena Baker, The University of New Mexico

• Natahnee Winder, Simon Fraser University

• Sandra Yellowhorse, University of Auckland